Question 1: May a State develop a knowledge test exclusively for motorcoach operators which excludes cargo handling and hazardous materials?

Guidance: Yes. A State could develop a basic knowledge test for bus drivers only, by deleting the cargo handling and HM questions from its normal basic knowledge test. In that case, the driver applicant would still need to pass the specialized knowledge and skills tests for the passenger endorsement, and the State would need to restrict the CDL to passenger operations only.

Question 2: What skills test is required for a CDL holder seeking to add a passenger endorsement?

Guidance: If a person already holds a CDL without a passenger endorsement, and subsequently applies for such endorsement, three situations may arise:

a. The passenger test vehicle is in the same vehicle group as that shown on the CDL. This situation poses no problem since there is no discrepancy.

b. The passenger test vehicle is in a greater vehicle group than that shown on the preexisting CDL. This is an upgrade situation. The driver and the State must meet the requirements of 383.71(d) and 383.73(d) , and the upgraded CDL must show the vehicle group of the passenger test vehicle.

c. The passenger test vehicle is in a lesser vehicle group than that shown on the preexisting CDL. In this situation, the CDL retains the vehicle group of the preexisting CDL, but also restricts the driver, when engaged in CMV passenger operations, to vehicles in the group in which the passenger skills test was taken, or to a lesser group.

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