Indiana CDL School Bus Practice Test (IN) 2026

4.9 out of 5 (61 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
As a Hoosier, you know that driving a school bus is more than just a job; it's a commitment to the safety and education of our young ones. Our first Indiana school bus endorsement practice test provides an in-depth mix of questions essential for earning your commercial driver's license with a school bus endorsement. This Indiana CDL school bus practice test covers all critical areas including safety procedures, pre-trip inspections, basic control skills, and on-road driving techniques, ensuring you are well-prepared. Each Indiana BMV practice test comprises 20 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you'll need to answer at least 16 correctly, giving you the confidence to tackle the actual permit test. These questions delve into the specifics of school bus operations, such as the high visibility design and National School Bus Glossy Yellow paint, which are key safety features making school buses easily recognizable on the road. Our practice permit test is entirely free, standing out among many expensive alternatives while offering equivalent, if not superior, study opportunities. There's no time limit, so you can take as much time as necessary to thoroughly understand each question. This approach allows you to learn at your own pace in a stress-free environment, unlike the real permit test where there's pressure to pass. Understanding that preparation is key to success, our Indiana permit practice test aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed. By focusing on a comprehensive range of topics, this school bus endorsement test ensures that you are not only ready to pass the test but also to safely operate a school bus on Indiana roads. So, take advantage of this free resource, study hard, and get ready to make a difference in the lives of Indiana's schoolchildren.
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Sample Indiana School Bus Test Questions

Question 1

A school-bus post-trip inspection reveals a problem or unusual situation. When should it be reported?

  1. A Immediately to the supervisor or school authorities
  2. B At the end of the next workday
  3. C Whenever the driver has spare time
  4. D At the next scheduled maintenance visit

Correct answer: A – Immediately to the supervisor or school authorities

During the post-trip inspection, the driver checks for sleeping students, items left aboard, open doors or windows, mechanical problems, and damage. Any problem or special situation found must be reported immediately to the supervisor or school authorities. Prompt reporting allows the responsible personnel to address the condition before the bus returns to service.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 10.2.6, “Post-trip Inspection”

Question 2

As you approach a route stop, when should the bus’s alternating amber warning lights be activated?

  1. A About 100 feet or 3–5 seconds before the stop
  2. B Only after the bus has completely stopped
  3. C When the first student begins walking toward the bus
  4. D At least 200 feet or about 5–10 seconds before the stop, consistent with applicable law

Correct answer: D – At least 200 feet or about 5–10 seconds before the stop, consistent with applicable law

The Indiana CDL manual directs drivers to activate the alternating amber warning lights at least 200 feet, or approximately 5–10 seconds, before the school bus stop, consistent with applicable law. The driver should approach slowly while checking mirrors, pedestrians, traffic, and other objects. Red lights and the stop arm are activated as the bus completes the stop.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 10.2.1, “Approaching the Stop”

Question 3

On an undivided two-way road, only traffic traveling behind a stopped school bus must stop when its stop arm is extended.

  1. A TRUE
  2. B FALSE

Correct answer: B – FALSE

On an undivided two-way roadway in Indiana, drivers meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus from either direction must stop before reaching it when the stop arm is extended. Opposing traffic is excepted only when the bus is across a qualifying intervening space, physical barrier, or traffic-impeding divider. Even then, approaching drivers must proceed cautiously.

Source: Ind. Code § 9-21-12-1(a) – Arm Signal Device Extended; Duty; Penalty; License Suspension; Presumption, Ind. Code § 9-21-12-3 – Divided Highways; Vehicles Approaching School Bus; Duty to Use Caution

Question 4

A motorist stopped for a school bus must remain stopped until the bus’s stop arm is no longer extended.

  1. A TRUE
  2. B FALSE

Correct answer: A – TRUE

A driver who meets or overtakes a stopped school bus must stop before reaching it when the arm signal device is extended. The driver may not proceed while that device remains extended. This requirement continues even if the driver believes all students have already cleared the roadway.

Source: Ind. Code § 9-21-12-1(a) – Arm Signal Device Extended; Duty; Penalty; License Suspension; Presumption

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the overhead inside rearview mirror on a school bus?

  1. A Checking the driver’s appearance
  2. B Watching traffic directly behind the bus
  3. C Replacing the required post-trip inspection
  4. D Monitoring students and other passenger activity

Correct answer: D – Monitoring students and other passenger activity

The overhead inside rearview mirror is used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus. It should be adjusted so the driver can see all students, including those seated immediately behind the driver. Because its view behind the bus is limited, exterior side mirrors must be used to monitor approaching traffic.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 10.1.6, “Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror”

Question 6

At each student stop, after shifting into Park—or Neutral if there is no Park position—what must the driver do?

  1. A Turn off the engine immediately
  2. B Release the parking brake
  3. C Remove all pressure from the brakes
  4. D Set the parking brake

Correct answer: D – Set the parking brake

At each stop, the transmission should be placed in Park or, if Park is unavailable, Neutral. The driver must then set the parking brake. After securing the bus, the driver activates the red lights and stop arm and verifies that traffic has stopped before fully opening the door and signaling students to approach.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 10.2.1, “Approaching the Stop”

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