How to Obtain a Mini Bus License
In order to operate a mini bus, you must get one of several types of Commercial Driver's Licenses. The type of Commercial Driver's License that you get will depend on what kind of driving you want to do with your mini bus and whether or not you want to be able to transport passengers (Reference 1). Once you have determined the type of license you want to pursue, you must fill out an application and take all relevant tests for the license at your local division of motor vehicles.
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Things You'll Need
- Commercial Driver's License application
- Skills and Knowledge test
- Driving test
- Eye exam
- Drug test
- Checking account or credit card
Instructions
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1
Decide what class of Commercial Driver's License you would like to pursue. If you do not want to use your mini bus to drive passengers, then you need to pursue a Class A or B license, depending on the weight and towing needs of your bus. If you want to transport more than 16 passengers, you need to pursue a Class C license.
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2
Determine what types of endorsements you would like to pursue, in addition to the general license class. If you want to transport passengers, you will need to get a "P" endorsement. If you want to use your mini bus as a school bus, you will need to get a "S" endorsement on the license.
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3
Go to your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can find the location for the nearest DMV by looking in a local phone book under "Division of Motor Vehicles" or by searching for locations by state using the Internet. For example, if you live in Ohio, search for Ohio Division of Motor Vehicles on the Internet.
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Fill out an application for the Commercial Driver's License at your local Division of Motor Vehicles.
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Take the Knowledge and Skills test associated with the class of license and endorsements you wish to obtain. If you pass the Knowledge and Skills test, you will be able to take the driving test. You can receive a free test preparation booklet at the Division of Motor Vehicles and you can even take practice exams online in order to better prepare for the Knowledge and Skills test (Reference 2).
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Take the driving test, which will test your driving skills and knowledge of the state road regulations, vehicle regulations and use of an air brake.
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Successfully pass an eye exam and drug screening.
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Pay the application fee, which will vary depending on the state in which you apply. If you have passed all tests, the state will issue you a Commercial Driver's License and you will be permitted to legally operate a mini bus.
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References
- Photo Credit Bus Stop image by Jacob Randell from Fotolia.com
