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Commercial Driver License School Bus Endorsement Program
3c's Train and Test
ETPL
The School Bus (S) Endorsement Training Program provides the knowledge and skills required for commercial drivers to safely operate school buses and transport students in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) This program combines classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training to meet all Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for the School Bus (S) endorsement. Training emphasizes student safety, vehicle inspections, loading and unloading procedures, emergency response, and safe operation of school buses in city, rural, and school-zone environments. Students learn proper use of mirrors, stop-arm procedures, railroad crossing protocols, and student management techniques. The course focuses on building safety awareness, professional conduct, and regulatory compliance essential to transporting children safely and responsibly. Upon successful completion, students will be qualified to obtain the School Bus (S) Endorsement on their Washington State CDL, allowing them to pursue employment as certified school bus drivers in both public and private transportation settings.
Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL-B) with School Bus Endorsement
Education Prerequisites
None
Prerequisite courses and other requirements
To be eligible for enrollment in the School Bus Endorsement training program, students must meet the following prerequisites:
Possess a valid Washington State Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements
Have a current, valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Medical Card)
Obtain and provide a current Driver’s Abstract (3-year minimum)
Pass a Washington State and FBI background check, as required for individuals transporting school children (per RCW 28A.400.303)
Pass a Washington State DOL School Bus Physical Performance Test (PPT) prior to employment (not required for enrollment but required for hire)
Have no disqualifying offenses per FMCSA guidelines or school bus transport regulations
English language proficiency sufficient to understand road signs, communicate with students, dispatch, and law enforcement
Completion of ELDT theory training for Class B or A license, if not previously completed (or be enrolled concurrently in such a program)
Note: Some employers may have additional requirements such as CPR certification, first aid, or additional drug screening prior to hire.
Is this program approved to train veterans?
No
Program languages
English
Certification/license obtained as part of training program
N/A
Certification/license test preparation provided
This program includes comprehensive test preparation for both the written knowledge test and the skills test required by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to obtain the School Bus (S) Endorsement.
Students will receive:
In-Classroom Instruction Covering all required federal and state curriculum elements related to school bus operation, including:
Loading/unloading procedures
Student management
Emergency procedures
Railroad crossing laws
Use of mirrors and stopping distances
Pre-trip and post-trip inspections specific to school buses
Range Training Hands-on practice of vehicle inspections, basic control skills, and safety checks in a school bus that represents the class of vehicle to be driven.
Public Road Driving Instruction On-road driving practice focusing on:
Safe driving habits in a school zone
Use of flashing lights and stop arm
Defensive driving techniques
Turning, lane control, and city/rural driving
Test Simulation & Coaching Students will be coached and evaluated using a mock skills test to prepare for the actual DOL exam.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be fully prepared to take and pass the DOL’s School Bus Endorsement Knowledge and Skills Exams.
Employment performance results
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Top industries for graduates
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Careers for graduates
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Statewide earnings and employment trends for related jobs
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Gender
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Race
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Age
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
Prior education
Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.
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