Alberta School Bus Practice Test 2026

This practice test gives you a realistic preview of what to expect when you sit down at an Alberta registry agent office. Questions are based on the current Alberta School Bus Driver’s Handbook and relevant sections of the Commercial Driver’s Guide for Class 2 – Bus, as revised for 2024.

The format mirrors the official exam, so you can study with materials that accurately reflect the real test experience.

• Each practice test set typically includes 25–30 multiple-choice questions

• Questions match the format and difficulty level of the official registry exam

• Content covers school bus–specific rules, commercial driving knowledge, and safety protocols

• This resource is designed for drivers pursuing their Class 2 (Bus) licence plus S (School Bus) endorsement in Alberta

• Practice as many times as needed until you consistently score above the passing mark

Who Needs the Alberta School Bus Practice Test?

Whether you are starting fresh or upgrading your licence, the Alberta school bus practice test is your go-to study resource. The S (School Bus) endorsement is required for anyone who wants to drive a yellow school bus that regularly transports students to and from school in Canada.

Many Class 2 school buses are equipped with air brakes, so drivers often need to complete the air brake (Q) endorsement knowledge test. This practice test covers both areas to ensure you are ready for every section of your exam day.

• New applicants: Drivers who have never held a commercial licence and are entering the school bus industry for the first time

• Upgrading drivers: Those moving from a Class 4 licence (small buses under 25 passengers) to Class 2 for full-size buses

• Renewing drivers: School bus operators who need to refresh their knowledge before renewal

• Career changers: Individuals transitioning from other commercial roles, like truck, taxi, ambulance, or Uber driving

• Typical employers: Public school boards, private schools, charter operators running daily routes, field trips, and extracurricular service

How the Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test Works

Understanding how the official written test operates will help you prepare effectively. Here is what you need to know about the process at Alberta registry agent offices.

• The test is computer-based, multiple-choice, and available in English

• A passing score of 80% or higher is typically required—verify current standards with Alberta Transportation before your test day

• The S endorsement section focuses on school bus–specific rules: loading zones, flashing red and amber lights, stop arm procedures, and student safety protocols

• The Class 2 general knowledge test covers broader commercial topics: traffic laws, commercial vehicle operation, speed management, space management, and emergency procedures

• Practice test questions simulate real scenarios: questions about specific distances in metres, minimum following distances, and requirements for daily inspections

This website provides questions that mirror the exact styles you will encounter, so there are no surprises when you begin the official exam.

Core Topics Covered on the Alberta School Bus Practice Test

Every question on this practice test is tied directly to the Alberta School Bus Driver’s Handbook and Commercial Driver’s Guide—not generic material from other provinces or states. Here are the major topic areas you need to study and understand:

• Safe loading and unloading: Procedures for rural and urban stops, ensuring students are clear of the danger zone before driving

• Flashing lights and stop arm: When to use flashing amber lights versus red lights alternately, and how the stop arm signals vehicles to complete a stop

• Student crossing procedures: Rules for students crossing in front of the bus, use of the crossing arm, and checking mirrors before moving

• School and playground zone speed limits: Alberta-specific rules, such as 30 km/h during posted time, are displayed on signs

• Railway crossings: Mandatory stop requirements, opening doors/windows to listen, and safe procedures before you drive across

• Pre-trip inspection and post-trip checks: Daily inspection items, defect reporting, and child check procedures

• Emergency equipment: Requirements for fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning devices, and other safety items

• Mirror use and blind spots: Proper use of interior and exterior mirrors, checking all zones around the bus

• Adverse conditions: Handling snow, ice, low visibility, and high winds are common in Alberta

Class 2 (Bus) Licence and S (School Bus) Endorsement in Alberta

The Class 2 (Bus) Commercial Licence and S (School Bus) endorsement work together to qualify you as a professional school bus operator. Understanding the relationships among these categories is essential before you begin the licensing process.

A Class 2 licence in Alberta authorizes you to operate:

• Any bus with a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers, including school buses and motorcoaches

• All vehicles permitted under Class 3, 4, and 5, except motorcycles

The S (School Bus) endorsement is a separate qualification on top of your Class 2 licence. It is required to operate a school bus that regularly transports students. You cannot legally drive a school bus route without this endorsement, even if you hold a valid Class 2 licence.

Typical licensing steps include:

Pre-Trip Inspection and Air Brake Knowledge for School Buses

Pre-trip inspection and air brake knowledge make up a large portion of both the practice test and the official exams for Class 2 and S endorsements. These are not just test topics—they are daily responsibilities for every school bus operator.

The practice test includes questions that simulate real inspection tasks you will be performing during the Class 2 road test and your daily work routines. Examiners expect you to demonstrate a methodical, complete approach.

School bus pre-trip inspection items:

Exterior walk-around:

• Lights, reflectors, stop arm, and crossing arm functionality

• Mirrors are properly adjusted and undamaged

• Tires, rims, and wheel condition

• Body damage, fluid leaks under the engine, and secure compartments

Interior inspection:

• Seats and aisle condition, no obstructions

• Emergency exits are operational and clearly marked

• Safety equipment present: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning devices

• Heater, defroster, horn, and windshield wipers are all functional

• Mirrors adjusted for maximum visibility

Under-hood checks:

• Fluid levels (oil, coolant, power steering)

• Belts and hoses condition

• Visible leaks as permitted by Alberta rules and employer policy

Air brake knowledge areas:

• Minimum and maximum air pressure specifications for service and parking brakes

• Governor cut-in and cut-out pressures as described in the Alberta air brake manual

• Daily air brake checks: air loss rates, low-air warning device operation, spring brake activation point

• Understanding that the Q endorsement is required—not optional—for any bus equipped with air brakes

Using Our Alberta School Bus Practice Test Effectively

How you study matters as much as what you study. Follow this recommended sequence to ensure you are ready when you book your official test at the registry agent.

Start by reading the Alberta School Bus Driver’s Handbook cover to cover. Then review the Commercial Driver’s Guide (Class 2 – Bus) sections. Only after you have completed this foundation reading should you begin practice tests.

• Simulate test conditions: Complete practice tests under timed conditions similar to the registry office experience to build familiarity

• Review every answer: Read explanations for incorrect answers and return to the exact handbook section (loading procedures, railway crossings, etc.) for deeper study

• Track your progress: Keep a written record of which topics you miss repeatedly so you can focus your review

• Set a benchmark: Repeat the practice test until you consistently score 90% or higher before attempting the real exam

• Use multiple test sets: Each set draws from different questions, giving you broader coverage of the material

• Study in sections: Focus on one topic area per day to avoid information overload

Common Mistakes on the Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test

Even well-prepared drivers make predictable errors on the knowledge test. Understanding these common problem areas will help you avoid them.

• Amber versus red flashing lights: Misunderstanding when to activate each light and when the stop arm deploys

• Stopping distances: Forgetting exact distances at railway crossings and the required number of metres around a stopped school bus

• School zone and playground zone confusion: Mixing up speed limits and time periods for each zone as displayed on Alberta signs

• Daily inspection gaps: Overlooking emergency exits, passenger loading door checks, and child check procedures required at route finish

• Air brake specifications: Not knowing precise cut-in/cut-out pressures or maximum allowable air loss rates

Strategies to avoid these errors:

• Create flashcards for specific distances, speeds, and air pressure numbers

• Re-read the penalty sections in the handbook to understand why rules exist

• Take the practice test repeatedly—it is designed to expose and correct weaknesses before your official exam

Next Steps After Passing the Practice Tests

Once you consistently pass the practice tests with high scores, you are ready to move forward. Here is your action plan for the next step in the licensing process.

• Book your official tests: Schedule the Class 2 and S endorsement knowledge tests at an authorized Alberta registry agent—check the page on Alberta Transportation’s website for locations

• Confirm requirements: Bring required identification, fees, and documents on test day; call ahead if you have questions

• Plan for the road test: After passing the written test, book your Class 2 road test with a licensed examiner

• Complete air brake endorsement: If your school bus is equipped with air brakes, schedule the Q endorsement knowledge test and practical assessment

• Continue learning: Written knowledge is only one part of becoming a safe professional school bus driver—ongoing practice and handbook review will serve you throughout your career

Your preparation does not finish when you pass the learner knowledge test. Great drivers continue to learn, adapt to new regulations, and share best practices with colleagues.

Start the Alberta school bus practice test today and take the first step toward your commercial driving career. With consistent study and repeated practice, you will be ready to pass with confidence and begin a rewarding role transporting students safely across Alberta.