STX

School Bus Endorsement in Texas

Get your CDL S endorsement in Texas. Learn the requirements, find testing locations, and discoverS-endorsed trucking jobs in TX.

Pay Boost

+$2,000 - $6,000/year

Demand Level

High (chronic shortage nationwide)

TX CDL-A Avg

$62,400

S Endorsement in Texas

The School Bus endorsement is required to operate a school bus. It covers all the Passenger endorsement knowledge areas plus school-bus-specific procedures including student management, loading zone safety, railroad crossing protocols, and emergency evacuation with children. Many states have additional requirements beyond the federal CDL endorsement, including state-level certifications and extended background checks. In Texas, the S endorsement is particularly valuable due to the state's strong presence in Oil & gas (Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Gulf Coast) and Cross-border trade (Mexico, multiple ports of entry) industries. Combined with TX's average CDL-A salary of $62,400, the +$2,000 - $6,000/year boost makes this one of the best endorsement investments you can make.

How to Get the S Endorsement in TX

1
Valid CDL (Class A, B, or C depending on bus size)
2
Pass the School Bus written knowledge test (20 questions, 80% to pass)
3
Pass the School Bus skills test in a school bus
4
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered provider if first-time applicant
5
Extended background check (many states require FBI fingerprint check and child abuse registry clearance)

S-Endorsed Jobs in Texas

1
Public school district bus driver
2
Private school bus driver
3
Head Start/daycare transportation
4
Activity/field trip bus driver
5
Special needs school bus driver
6
Charter school transportation

Texas Salary Data

CategoryAverage
CDL-A Base$62,400
With S Endorsement (est.)$70,400 - $77,400
Cost of Living Index92

Industries Driving Demand in Texas

1
Oil & gas (Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Gulf Coast)
2
Cross-border trade (Mexico, multiple ports of entry)
3
Agriculture (cattle, cotton, grain)
4
Petrochemical refining (Houston Ship Channel)
5
Technology & e-commerce (Austin, Dallas)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a S endorsement in Texas?

To obtain the School Bus (S) endorsement in Texas, you need: Valid CDL (Class A, B, or C depending on bus size); Pass the School Bus written knowledge test (20 questions, 80% to pass); Pass the School Bus skills test in a school bus. Visit your local TX DMV or authorized testing center to take the written exam.

How much more do S-endorsed drivers earn in Texas?

Drivers with the S endorsement in Texas earn +$2,000 - $6,000/year more annually than standard CDL holders. The base CDL-A average in TX is $62,400. The high (chronic shortage nationwide) demand in Texas helps keep wages competitive.

What S endorsement jobs are available in Texas?

Texas offers S-endorsed positions in Public school district bus driver, Private school bus driver, Head Start/daycare transportation. The state's industries including Oil & gas (Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Gulf Coast) and Cross-border trade (Mexico, multiple ports of entry) create specialized demand for drivers with this endorsement.