According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to operate any vehicle that accommodates at least 16 passengers, including the driver. Drivers who plan to drive a school bus will need to pass a school bus test and obtain a school bus endorsement on their license, even if the bus carries fewer than 16 total people. Bus drivers are obligated to follow all rules of the road, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules that apply only to buses and trucks.