CDL-10 Form – Aspiring school bus drivers in New York need the CDL School Bus endorsement (S) in addition to the Passenger (P) endorsement. The official resource is Section 10 of the New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual (CDL-10) — a dedicated 14-page guide covering everything required for safe operation of buses transporting 15 or more passengers.
This CDL-10 Section 10 PDF is the exact document used for the New York DMV school bus endorsement knowledge test. It remains the current version as of March 2026 (published November 2025).
Download the official CDL-10 Section 10 School Bus PDF here:
https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/cdl10sec10.pdf
Why Section 10 Matters for New York School Bus Drivers?
School bus drivers in New York must comply with Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. The CDL-10 manual explicitly states that drivers need:
- A full Commercial Driver License (CDL) with both P and S endorsements.
- A medical examination every two years (signed by an MD, DO, NP, PA, or APN with physician oversight).
- Passage of a knowledge test based on this exact section (plus a possible skills test).
The manual emphasizes that it does not cover every local district rule — drivers must also learn their specific school district procedures.
Key Topics Covered in CDL-10 Section 10: School Bus
1. Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
Children are most vulnerable in the danger zones — areas extending 15 feet in front of the bumper, 15 feet on each side, and 15 feet behind the rear bumper. The left side is always dangerous due to passing traffic.
The manual details proper adjustment of four mirror types:
- Flat side mirrors (see 200 feet behind and along the sides)
- Convex mirrors (wide-angle view of sides and traffic lanes)
- Cross-view mirrors (front danger zone and service door area)
- Inside rearview mirror (passenger compartment)
Correct mirror setup is mandatory under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. Drivers must check mirrors before every trip.
2. Loading and Unloading Procedures (The Most Dangerous Phase)
More students die during loading/unloading than any other time. The manual provides step-by-step protocols:
Approaching a stop:
- Activate alternating flashing amber lamps 300 feet before the stop.
- Stop with front bumper at least 10 feet from students.
- Set parking brake and put transmission in Park/Neutral.
- Activate red lights and stop arm only when safe.
Loading:
- Students board single-file using the handrail.
- Count students and know their names when possible.
- Fill seats from the middle outward.
- Never move until all are seated (and belted in NYC).
Unloading:
- Students must walk at least 15 feet away from the bus.
- Drivers must walk through the entire bus after unloading at school to check for sleeping or hidden children.
- For roadway crossings: Students stop 10 feet in front of the bus, make eye contact with the driver, and cross only on the driver’s signal.
Special dangers:
- Never let students retrieve dropped items near the bus.
- Watch for handrail hang-ups.
3. Emergency Exit and Evacuation
Drivers must plan routes in advance and conduct annual drills. Evacuate immediately if:
- The bus is on fire or threatened by fire
- A bomb is reported
- The bus is stalled on railroad tracks
- Position creates imminent danger
- Hazardous spill or collision risk
Secure the bus, notify dispatch (except in bomb situations), lead students at least 100 feet away (upwind, away from tracks), and account for every child.
4. Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
School buses must stop at every railroad crossing — active or passive.
Stop 15–50 feet from the nearest rail. Open the door and window, turn off radios, and look/listen for trains. Never shift gears while crossing. If stalled on tracks, evacuate at a 45-degree angle toward the approaching train.
The manual explains passive (crossbucks only) vs. active (lights/gates) crossings and warns against driving around lowered gates.
5. Antilock Braking Systems (ABS)
All modern school buses have ABS. The CDL-10 manual explains:
- Yellow ABS malfunction lamp (bulb check on startup)
- Brake normally — do not pump the brakes
- ABS prevents wheel lockup and maintains steering control on slippery roads
- If the lamp stays on while driving, service the system soon (regular brakes still work)
ABS does not shorten stopping distance or replace safe driving habits.
6. Special Safety Considerations
- High winds: Slow down or pull over — buses act like sails.
- Backing: Strongly discouraged and prohibited with students outside the bus. Use a lookout if unavoidable.
- Tail swing: Up to 3 feet — check mirrors during turns.
- Strobe lights: Use only in low-visibility conditions per local rules.
How to Prepare for the New York School Bus Endorsement Test?
Study this exact CDL-10 Section 10 PDF. The manual ends with 10 “Test Your Knowledge” questions that mirror the real DMV test, covering:
- Danger zone distance
- Mirror adjustment
- When to activate amber lights
- Post-unloading bus walk-through
- Railroad stopping distance
- ABS braking technique
Combine this section with the full New York CDL Manual (CDL-10) for the complete knowledge test.
Official Download & Additional Resources
Direct PDF link (current November 2025 edition):
https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/cdl10sec10.pdf
Full New York CDL Manual and all sections: Visit the official NY DMV Commercial Drivers page.
Final Tips for Success
Safety is the top priority in school bus operation. The CDL-10 Section 10 manual exists to protect children — the most precious cargo. Study it thoroughly, practice mirror adjustments and loading procedures, and always follow your local district’s policies in addition to state rules.
Need the Spanish, Chinese, or Russian version? The NY DMV provides translated PDFs on the same page.
Ready to get your School Bus (S) endorsement? Download the official CDL-10 Section 10 PDF today and start preparing for your New York CDL test. Safe driving starts with knowledge — and this is the exact manual the DMV uses.