CDL Passenger Endorsement Practice Test 2026: What to Expect

By Rish P · September 25, 2026 · Updated November 3, 2026

The CDL passenger (P) endorsement test covers the safe operation of buses and passenger vehicles, and it is usually about 20 questions with an 80% passing score. Unlike tanker or doubles/triples, the passenger endorsement is part of the ELDT rule, so you must complete theory and behind-the-wheel training and pass a skills test in addition to this knowledge test (49 CFR 383.93). You can complete the theory portion online with our FMCSA-registered Passenger (P) endorsement ELDT theory course.

What the test covers

The passenger test focuses on the responsibility of carrying people: safe loading and unloading, managing passenger behavior and standees, emergency exits and evacuation procedures, braking and following distance with a heavier loaded vehicle, and the specific hazards of large buses such as clearance and mirror use.

The ELDT requirement

Because passenger is an ELDT-covered endorsement, passing the knowledge test alone is not enough. You must complete ELDT theory (which can be done online) and behind-the-wheel training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and pass a skills test in a passenger vehicle.

Sample questions

Before driving a bus, you must check that:
- a) The radio works
- b) Emergency exits, signaling devices, and required equipment are present and working
- c) The paint is clean
- d) The horn is loud
Riders should be cautioned against standing:
- a) Anywhere on the bus
- b) Forward of the standee line
- c) Near the windows
- d) At the back
In an emergency evacuation, the driver's priority is:
- a) Saving the vehicle
- b) Getting passengers to safety and away from traffic
- c) Calling ahead
- d) Collecting fares
Passenger vehicles should follow at a distance that:
- a) Is the same as a car
- b) Accounts for the heavier, longer vehicle and longer stopping distance
- c) Is as close as possible
- d) Does not matter

Answers: 1) b. 2) b, forward of the standee line. 3) b. 4) b.

How to pass

Study the passenger transport section of your CDL manual and complete your ELDT training, then drill practice tests until you are consistently above 80%. Remember you also need the behind-the-wheel training and a skills test, so plan for the in-person portion.

The bottom line

The passenger test is about 20 questions at 80% to pass, but it sits inside the full ELDT requirement of theory, behind-the-wheel, and a skills test. Complete theory online, do your behind-the-wheel in person, and you are on your way to passenger-transport work.

Sources

Checked November 2, 2026.

eCFR: 49 CFR 383.135, Passing knowledge and skills tests: Applicants must answer at least 80 percent of questions correctly to pass each CDL knowledge test.
eCFR: 49 CFR 380.609, General entry-level driver training requirements: The passenger endorsement is covered by the ELDT rule, requiring theory and behind-the-wheel training.
eCFR: 49 CFR 383.93, Endorsements: The passenger endorsement requires a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle.
FMCSA: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Passenger is an ELDT-covered endorsement, so knowledge test alone is not enough.
FMCSA Training Provider Registry: ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training must come from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the CDL passenger endorsement test?

Most states use about 20 multiple-choice questions on the passenger endorsement test, but the exact number varies by state. The federal passing score is 80 percent, so you need to answer at least four out of every five questions correctly. Check your state CDL manual or licensing agency for its exact question count.

What score do I need to pass the CDL passenger endorsement test?

You need at least 80 percent correct to pass the passenger endorsement knowledge test, which is the federal minimum passing score for each knowledge test. On a 20-question test, that means missing no more than four questions. Your state may use a different number of questions, so confirm the count before test day.

Do I need ELDT training to get a passenger endorsement?

Yes, you must complete ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and also pass a skills test. Passing the knowledge test alone is not enough. The theory portion can be completed online, but the behind-the-wheel portion is done in person.

Is there a skills test for the passenger endorsement?

Yes, the passenger endorsement requires a skills test in a passenger vehicle in addition to the knowledge test. It is part of the full ELDT path of theory, behind-the-wheel training, and a skills test. Plan for the in-person portion, because practice tests and online theory do not replace it.

What topics are on the CDL passenger endorsement test?

The passenger test covers safe loading and unloading, managing passengers and standees, emergency exits and evacuation, and braking and following distance with a heavier loaded vehicle. It also covers hazards of large buses such as clearance and mirror use. Study the passenger transport section of your state CDL manual.

Ready to knock out your ELDT theory?

Online theory listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for $18.99, reported the same day.

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