California-Specific Rules for Passenger Carriers and Endorsement Requirements
Endorsements and licensing
A California Class B or Class A license with a passenger (P) endorsement is required to drive a bus designed to carry more than 10 passengers including the driver, and a school bus (S) endorsement is required for school buses. You must hold a commercial learner's permit before testing, meet medical certification requirements, and keep your medical examiner's certificate current. California also requires drivers to self-certify their driving type and provide a current medical certificate.
California operating rules
California enforces its own intrastate hours-of-service limits, seat belt and child restraint rules for passengers, and specific equipment requirements. Buses must stop at railroad crossings as described in the crossing rules, and carriers must comply with CHP motor carrier safety inspections. Passenger carriers must maintain required insurance and operating authority, and drivers must carry the license with the proper endorsements. Cell phone use is restricted: no handheld use, and texting is prohibited for all drivers.
Traps
Questions test endorsement letters (P for passengers, S for school bus, N for tank, H for hazmat) and the more-than-10-passenger threshold. Another trap is assuming a Class C license suffices for a large bus, or that a P endorsement alone permits school bus operation. Watch for questions about whether a medical certificate must be carried and kept current.
Rule of thumb
Match the vehicle to the class and endorsement, and keep medical certification and records current at all times.