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About the Idaho School Bus Test

Idaho’s school bus routes aren’t like most states. You’ll drive through narrow mountain passes, cross busy interstates like I-84, and navigate rural gravel roads where kids wait at the end of long driveways. Add snow and ice from October through April, and you’ve got a serious challenge. That’s why our practice test focuses on real Idaho conditions – not just generic questions.

We built this test for the Idaho driver who hauls children from places like Boise’s suburbs to the remote school districts in the panhandle. You need to know how to load and unload safely when the bus is parked on a two-lane road without shoulders. You also need to understand Idaho’s specific laws about stop-arm cameras and passing stopped school buses.

The test covers 20 multiple-choice questions matching Idaho’s CDL School Bus endorsement exam. You need 80% to pass. We designed each question to reflect the exact phrasing and topics you’ll see at the Idaho DMV. By practicing here, you’ll save time and avoid surprises on test day.

What This Test Covers

  • Loading and unloading procedures – critical for Idaho’s many bus stops on high-speed rural roads.
  • Railroad crossing safety – you’ll cross dozens of active tracks in the Magic Valley area.
  • Emergency exits and evacuation drills – required annually by Idaho law for all school bus drivers.
  • Pre-trip inspection for school buses – Idaho DMV examiners check every item on the official checklist.
  • Student behavior management – Idaho schools expect drivers to handle discipline without endangering anyone.
  • Idaho-specific signage and stop-arm laws – fines double if you pass a stopped bus in a school zone.

Study Tips

Read the latest Idaho CDL manual from the Idaho Transportation Department. Focus on the School Bus endorsement section – that’s where they hide the state-specific rules. Practice the pre-trip inspection out loud. Most Idaho DMV testers want you to talk through your inspection as you go.

Schedule your test at least two weeks in advance. Idaho’s driver license offices in larger cities like Boise and Idaho Falls book up fast. Avoid January – that’s when heavy snow often delays testing. Bring your medical certificate and proof of residency. Double-check you have a valid Idaho driver’s license already.

Idaho DMV Information

You take the School Bus endorsement test at any Idaho Driver License office that offers CDL testing. Popular locations include Boise (10799 N. Airport Rd), Idaho Falls (1540 E. Lincoln Rd), and Coeur d’Alene (3330 N. Ramsey Rd). Walk-ins aren’t guaranteed – you should schedule a CDL skills test appointment online or by phone. The written knowledge test doesn’t need an appointment at most offices, but call ahead to confirm.

The fee for the School Bus endorsement is $28.00 (as of 2025). You’ll also pay the standard CDL written test fee of $10.00 per test attempt. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at some locations, but you’ll pay again. Bring your learner’s permit, medical examiner’s certificate, and proof of Idaho residency. Don’t forget your glasses if you wear them for driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You need a commercial driver’s license with a School Bus (S) endorsement and a Passenger (P) endorsement. Idaho won’t issue the S endorsement without the P first.

No. Idaho requires you to take the written test in person at a driver license office. But you can practice for free here on our site.

You must be at least 21 years old to drive a school bus across state lines. For intrastate only, Idaho allows 18-year-olds with a valid CDL.

The official test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer 16 correctly (80%) to pass.

Yes. You need a DOT medical card and an additional school bus physical form signed by a doctor. Idaho law says you can’t have a condition that risks student safety – like seizure disorders or uncontrolled diabetes.

Test Details

  • State: Idaho
  • Test: School Bus Test
  • Questions: 86
  • Passing Score: 80%
  • Time Limit: 25 minutes
  • Cost: Free

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Quick Topics

  • Loading & unloading safety
  • Railroad crossing rules
  • Idaho stop-arm laws