This endorsement qualifies you to operate transit buses, charter coaches and airport ground transport vehicles — added to your existing Class A or Class B CDL with a written exam and skills test.
Smart CDL Academy offers training for the passenger vehicle endorsement in the DFW Metroplex. Unlike HazMat, there's no TSA background check — a written knowledge exam administered by Texas DPS and a CDL skills test in a passenger-type vehicle, available at our Irving facility for eligible applicants through our TPST #0221 authorization.
The P endorsement is a credential added to your existing commercial driver's license — either Class A or Class B — that authorizes you to operate vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This covers buses, motor coaches, charter vehicles, and shuttle vehicles used in public transit, private charter, and ground transportation services.
Both Class A and Class B CDL holders are eligible to pursue this credential. Unlike HazMat, the process does not involve a security threat assessment.
This endorsement also serves as the required prerequisite for the School Bus (S) endorsement — drivers pursuing school bus work must hold P first.
The process involves two core steps — a written knowledge exam and a CDL skills test in a passenger-type vehicle.
Texas DPS administers the written test covering passenger safety procedures, emergency exit operation, loading and unloading protocols, assisting passengers with disabilities, prohibited driver conduct with passengers aboard, and federal regulations for passenger-carrying vehicles.
The written knowledge exam is administered by Texas DPS. No pre-application or background check is required before taking the written exam.
This endorsement requires a CDL skills test in a passenger-type vehicle — distinguishing it from Tanker or Doubles/Triples endorsements, which require only written exams. The three-part test includes:
Smart CDL Academy (TPST #0221) administers the skills test on campus under its Texas DPS Third-Party Skills Testing approval (TPST #0221), subject to applicable requirements and scheduling.
Upon passing both the written exam and the skills test, "P" is added to your CDL. Timing depends on Texas DPS processing; unlike HazMat, no TSA security threat assessment is involved.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit — DART — operates bus routes throughout Dallas County and into surrounding cities including Irving, Plano, and Garland. Pay, benefits and schedules for bus operators vary by employer, role, location, experience and market conditions.
The area also supports an active charter and motor coach industry — including sports team transportation, corporate shuttle services and convention event transportation, which use drivers holding passenger vehicle qualifications. Charter pay structures differ from fixed-route service and vary by employer, role, location, experience and market conditions.
DFW International Airport and Love Field are served by shuttle and ground transport operators.
Trinity Metro operates regional transit routes in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
Hiring needs at North Texas transit agencies vary by employer, role, location and market conditions.
When comparing providers for the passenger vehicle endorsement, these three advantages stand out.
This endorsement requires a CDL skills test. Smart CDL Academy is approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Third-Party Skills Testing provider (TPST #0221). Eligible applicants may complete CDL skills testing at our Irving facility, subject to applicable requirements and scheduling. Learn more about on-site CDL skills testing →
Smart CDL Academy is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for applicable Entry-Level Driver Training requirements.
If your next step is the School Bus (S) endorsement, you can pursue both P and S at our Irving campus — one provider, one location, no separate school.
The School Bus (S) endorsement requires P as a prerequisite. Many drivers pursue both together at Smart CDL Academy — earning the passenger vehicle credential first, then adding S to qualify for school district positions with Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, and other districts across Tarrant County and Dallas County. Explore the School Bus (S) Endorsement →
It authorizes you to operate vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver — buses, motor coaches, shuttle vehicles, and charter vehicles. Both Class A and Class B CDL holders are eligible to add this credential.
No — unlike HazMat, there is no security threat assessment required. The process involves a written knowledge exam and a CDL skills test in a passenger-type vehicle only.
Three parts — a pre-trip inspection covering emergency exits, seating, and mirrors; basic vehicle control on the driving range; and an on-road driving test in traffic conditions. Smart CDL Academy conducts this test at its Irving facility (TPST #0221).
A valid P endorsement qualifies Class A and Class B CDL holders to operate vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including transit buses, charter coaches and shuttle vehicles. Hiring requirements vary by employer — verify directly with each employer for current details.
Yes. The School Bus (S) endorsement requires P as a prerequisite. If school bus driving is your goal, you can pursue both at our Irving campus. Learn about the School Bus endorsement →
This endorsement does not require a background-check process. Once you pass the written exam and schedule the skills test, timing depends on eligibility, required testing, training, and scheduling. Contact our admissions team for current requirements and scheduling.
Yes. The P endorsement is available to both Class A and Class B CDL holders. Class A holders may pursue transit, charter, or bus work as a supplementary career path.
Financing options may be available — contact our admissions team at 972-989-6450 for details.
Job availability with transit agencies and charter operators varies by employer, role, location, experience and market conditions. Smart CDL Academy provides training and on-site skills testing, all at our Irving campus.
Planning to drive school buses? Earn your P credential first, then add the School Bus (S) endorsement — both available right here on campus.
Smart CDL Academy's Irving, TX campus serves CDL holders from across the Metroplex — accessible from Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and surrounding areas via I-635, SH-114, and I-35E.
Smart CDL Academy · 7700 Esters Blvd, Irving, TX 75063 · 972-989-6450
Don't have your CDL yet? Start with our Class A CDL program or Class B CDL program first — then add endorsements when you're ready. View all CDL training programs or browse CDL endorsement programs.
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator