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Tennessee School Bus Test

Know how to handle narrow mountain roads near the Smokies? This practice test covers it.

86
Questions
80%
To Pass
25
Minutes

86 questions · 25 min time limit · 80% to pass

Opens in a practice window — choose your mode inside.

JM

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026

All questions sourced from the official Tennessee CDL handbook and FMCSA regulations.

About the Tennessee School Bus Test

Tennessee school bus drivers face unique challenges. You'll navigate winding roads through the Cumberland Plateau. You'll deal with fog in the Smoky Mountains and sudden ice on I-40 near Cookeville. That's why our test focuses on real Tennessee conditions.

You'll need to know how to handle railroad crossings near rural grain elevators. You'll practice loading students on busy US-78 near Memphis. Our questions come straight from the Tennessee CDL manual.

Weather changes fast here. One minute it's sunny, the next you're in a thunderstorm near the Tennessee River. This test preps you for that. We cover mountain driving, flood-prone roads, and winter conditions in East Tennessee.

Don't waste time on generic questions. Every item here matters for your Tennessee school bus route. Pass on your first try.

Topics Covered

✓Student loading and unloading – critical on busy state highways like TN-100
✓Railroad crossing procedures – many rural Tennessee crossings lack gates
✓Mountain driving techniques – steep grades on I-40 through the Smokies
✓Emergency evacuation – tight spaces on narrow two-lane roads
✓Vehicle inspection – Tennessee winters demand working defrosters and brakes
✓Weather hazards – fog in the mountains and flash floods in West Tennessee

Study Tips

Study the Tennessee CDL manual's School Bus section first. Focus on the pre-trip inspection checklist – you'll need to recite it from memory at the DMV. Practice in the real vehicle if you can.

Take this practice test at least three times. Each attempt shuffles the questions. Review every wrong answer. Don't just memorize – understand why the correct choice works.

For the skills test, remember Tennessee's specific stopping rules. You must stop 10 feet before the nearest rail at a crossing. Also note: Tennessee law requires you to activate your amber warning lights 100 feet before any student stop on a highway.

Tennessee Specific Information

Tennessee offers CDL testing at all Driver Services Centers with commercial testing. You'll find them in Nashville (440 Harding Place), Memphis (3200 Lake Road), Knoxville (1660 University Ave), and Chattanooga (1200 Riverfront Parkway). Appointments are required – walk-ins won't work.

To schedule, call 866-849-7453 or use the online portal. Bring your CLP, proof of residency, and $20 testing fee (cash or check). You'll need to pass a vision screening first.

For the school bus endorsement, you must also pass a background check and obtain a physical exam card. The test takes about 45 minutes. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate Tennessee CDL test for school buses?
Yes. You must pass the S endorsement knowledge test. It's 20 questions. You'll take it after you get your CLP.
What's the passing score for the Tennessee School Bus test?
You need 80% – that's 16 out of 20 questions correct. The test is timed but you'll get 25 minutes.
Can I take the school bus test online in Tennessee?
No. You must take it in person at a Driver Services Center. But you can practice here first for free.
How long is my Tennessee school bus endorsement valid?
Same as your CDL – 8 years. You'll need to renew it with a new knowledge test unless you pass a skills test.
Are there special rules for loading students on Tennessee highways?
Yes. On roads with speed limits over 35 mph, you must use your eight-light system. Activate amber lights 100 feet before a stop.
JM

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026 · FMCSA-compliant content