KS CDL School Bus
Kansas CDL School Bus (S) Endorsement
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The Kansas CDL School Bus (S) endorsement is the authorization a commercial driver needs to operate a school bus, or a bus contracted by a school district to transport school children, in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles states that a Kansas law was passed creating the "S" endorsement to comply with federal law, so drivers who previously carried only the "P" (passenger) endorsement must now add the "S" to keep running school routes. The endorsement is therefore aimed at two groups: current passenger-endorsement holders who drive for a district or contractor, and new CDL applicants who intend to work in school transportation. Testing has two parts. Assuming you already hold the "P" endorsement, Kansas requires an "S" endorsement knowledge test plus a road test in a school bus representative of the type of bus you will be driving. Applicants who do not yet hold the "P" endorsement must also pass the "P" endorsement knowledge test. Drivers of city buses or other buses not affiliated with a school do not need the "S" endorsement. Prepare using the Kansas Commercial Driver's License Handbook and its school bus and passenger sections, then practice pre-trip inspection, loading and unloading, railroad-crossing and student-management procedures before your scheduled skills appointment. Kansas advises calling a CDL testing facility in advance, because skills test availability varies by location and business conditions.
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About KS CDL School Bus preparation
Do I need the "S" endorsement if I only hold the "P" endorsement and drive a school bus?
Yes. Kansas created the "S" endorsement by statute to comply with federal law, so a passenger endorsement alone is not enough for school bus work. You must add the "S" endorsement to continue driving school buses or buses contracted by a school district to transport school children.
What tests must I pass to add the "S" endorsement?
If you already hold the "P" endorsement, Kansas requires an "S" endorsement knowledge test and a road test in a school bus representative of the type of school bus you will be driving. If you do not hold the "P" endorsement, you must also pass the "P" endorsement knowledge test.
I drive city buses or charter buses, not school buses. Do I need the "S" endorsement?
No. Per the Kansas Department of Revenue, you only need the "S" endorsement to operate school buses, or buses contracted by a school district to transport school children. City buses and transport buses not affiliated with a school fall outside that requirement, though a passenger endorsement may still apply to them.
How long does the skills test take, and do I need an appointment?
Kansas states a CMV skills test can take from one hour to one and one half hours depending on conditions. Scheduling is necessary so that a CDL examiner is available. Testing schedules vary with business conditions, so Kansas advises calling a CDL testing facility in advance to confirm availability.
How should I sequence my studying for the "S" endorsement?
Start with the Kansas Commercial Driver's License Handbook, covering the passenger and school bus material. If you do not yet hold the "P" endorsement, prepare for and pass that knowledge test first, then the "S" knowledge test. Only after passing the knowledge exams should you schedule the road test in a representative school bus.
What does the road test in a school bus actually evaluate?
Kansas requires the road test to be taken in a school bus representative of the type of school bus you will be driving, so the vehicle you bring matters. Expect the examiner to assess vehicle inspection, control of the bus, and the school-bus-specific operating procedures covered in the Kansas CDL Handbook.
Where can I find official Kansas CDL forms and medical certification information?
The Kansas Division of Vehicles CDL page links to the Commercial Driver's License Handbook, CDL frequently asked questions, medical certification requirements for CDL holders, CDL skills testing offices, and the medical certification form. You can also contact Vehicles by telephone at 785-296-3671, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Is there anything changing about medical examiner's certificates that could affect my CDL?
Yes. Effective 6/2/2025, Kansas will no longer be able to manually enter your medical examiner's certificate; the information must come electronically from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Make sure your examiner submits electronically so your certification is not delayed.