
Getting Your Bus License
GETTING YOUR BUS LICENSE
1. Complete the employment application as requested by the Company
2. A criminal background check will be done. If you are a resident of Minnesota, there will be a form for you to fill out. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will send you a response. We will need to see that when you get it.
3. You must pass a medical examination and hold a valid Federal Medical Card to drive in intrastate or interstate commerce in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 49 CFR 391, Subpart E. You must show your Federal Medical Card to the DMV at the time of licensing to avoid restrictions on your license.
4. You will need to pass three written tests (Air Brakes test is optional). Study the appropriate sections in the CDL Manuals before taking your tests. All applicants for a CDL must pass the General Knowledge Test. Safeway required tests are highlighted in blue. The company will provide you with a study guide or you can go to www.dot.wisconsin.gov and look up Commercial Drivers Manual Volumes 1 and 2 to print or read.
Topic / Test subject
Questions
CDL manual
Classes
B/C - General Knowledge
50
Volume 1, Section 1-2
A - Combination Vehicles
20
Volume 1, Section 6
Restrictions
Air Brakes
25
Volume 1, Section 5
Endorsements
P - Transporting Passengers
20
Volume 1, Section 4
S - School Bus
25
Volume 2, Section 10
Other
Pre-Trip
Volume 2, Section 11
5. Take and pass the appropriate knowledge tests.
You must present a valid Class D license at the time of testing.
All knowledge tests are free. No appointment is necessary. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your test prior to when the DMV service center is scheduled to close. CDL knowledge tests take at least 1 to 1½ hours.
Passing grade is 80% or more correct answers.
6. Obtain your Commercial Driver License Instructional permit (CDLI)
Complete an MV3001 Application form.
Present your valid Federal Medical Card.
If you are not a U.S. citizen you will need to provide Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status in the U.S. at time of application.
Pay the required fee(s).
Your CDLI will be valid for 6 months. You may renew it.
Use your CDLI to practice driving with a qualified instructor or CDL driver holding a valid license at or above the level of your permit. All training (classroom & behind the wheel) will be done at Safe-Way Bus terminal.
7. Schedule and pass the pre-trip and skills tests. Safe-Way will schedule a skills test for you with an approved third party tester.
8. Add the CDL classes and endorsements to your Class D license.
Complete an MV3001 Application form.
Present your current valid driver license.
Present your valid Federal Medical Card.
If you are not a U.S. citizen you will need to provide Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status in the U.S. at time of application.
Present the skills test results.
Pay the required fee(s).
Area Test Centers
800-924-3570
Hudson Service Center Hours
Business Park, Suite 100 Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
2100 O’Neil Rod Wednesday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Hudson WI 54016 Thursday: 10:00am-5:30pm
Ellsworth Service Center Hours
Courthouse Annex 3rd Tuesday in January, February, March, May
414 W Main Street July, September, November: 9:30am-4:00pm
Check Out These Links for Extra Help!
Questions for Inexperienced Drivers
Questions for Experienced Drivers