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New Hampshire School Bus Test

You'll need to know how to handle that tight turn on Route 101 with a full busload of kids.

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 New Hampshire CDL handbook and FMCSA regulations.

About the New Hampshire School Bus Test

New Hampshire's school bus routes twist through winding back roads and steep hills. You'll drive in snow, ice, and fog from the Seacoast to the North Country. Our practice test focuses on the real challenges you'll face: keeping students safe on narrow roads and at rural bus stops.

NH has over 170 school districts, many with long routes through small towns. You need to master loading and unloading procedures at stops that might be on busy state highways. The state's harsh winters mean you must know how to handle skids, check tire chains, and keep the heater working.

This test pulls questions straight from the NH CDL handbook. We cover pre-trip inspections, emergency exits, and student management. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the answer is right.

Pass the official NH DMV school bus test on your first try. Practice now to build confidence for your exam.

Topics Covered

✓Loading and unloading procedures – critical for NH's many rural stops on highways and narrow shoulders.
✓Emergency exits and evacuations – needed when winter storms strand buses or accidents happen on icy roads.
✓Pre-trip inspection – cold New Hampshire winters mean checking antifreeze, batteries, and heaters every morning.
✓Student management – dealing with kids on long routes across NH's spread-out towns and villages.
✓Railroad crossings – many rural crossings in NH require you to stop and listen near unguarded tracks.
✓Defensive driving – NH's winding roads, blind corners, and deer crossings demand constant alertness.

Study Tips

You can't pass the NH school bus test without studying the official New Hampshire Commercial Driver License Manual. Focus on Chapter 10 (School Buses) and Chapter 11 (Pre-Trip). Many questions test your knowledge of the exact stopping distances and mirror adjustments.

Take our practice test multiple times. NH DMV tests are closed-book and you need 80% (16 out of 20 right). Use the explanations to fix your weak spots. Also, New Hampshire law bans cell phone use while driving a school bus – that's a common test question.

Before your DMV exam, check the appointment rules (see below). Arrive early, bring your medical certificate, and don't forget your commercial learner's permit.

New Hampshire Specific Information

You can take the school bus knowledge test at any NH DMV office that offers CDL services. Major locations include Concord (at 23 Hazen Drive), Manchester (33 S. Commercial St.), and Portsmouth (381 Ocean Blvd.). You don't need an appointment for the knowledge test – just walk in during business hours.

The skills test (road test) for the school bus endorsement does require an appointment. Call your local DMV office or schedule online through the NH DMV portal. The fee for the school bus endorsement is $50, and you'll need to bring a valid medical card, your CDL, and the vehicle for the test.

After you pass the skills test, the S endorsement is added to your license. Remember that NH requires school bus drivers to submit to random drug and alcohol testing – this is handled by your employer, not the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate endorsement to drive a school bus in New Hampshire?
Yes, you need the S endorsement. You'll pass a 20-question knowledge test plus a skills test in a school bus.
How many questions is the NH school bus test, and what's the passing score?
It's 20 questions. You need at least 16 correct (80%) to pass.
Can I take the school bus test online from home?
No. All CDL knowledge tests are given in person at a New Hampshire DMV office. Walk-ins are welcome for the written test.
What documents must I bring for the school bus endorsement test?
Your current CDL (or CLP), a valid medical examiner's certificate (DOT card), and a completed CDL application form.
Is there a waiting period before I can take the school bus skills test in NH?
Yes, you must hold a New Hampshire commercial learner's permit for at least 14 days before attempting the skills test.
JM

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

Last verified: August 2026 · FMCSA-compliant content