Cargo that blocks emergency exits

DE · P Endorsement

Delaware Passenger CDL Practice Test

Below are 25 exam-style questions for the Delaware Passenger CDL knowledge test, modeled on the FMCSA-aligned content used by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. Try to answer each question on your own before reading the answer key directly under it. The questions and answer choices are shuffled deterministically per state and endorsement, so the order will stay the same on repeat visits — that lets you genuinely measure your improvement.

Heads up: this is a study tool, not a graded exam. Cover the answer with your hand or a sheet of paper for an honest practice run, then re-read the explanations for any questions you missed. Aim for 22 out of 25 or better, three times in a row, before scheduling the real exam.

Question 1 of 25

When you can't see clearly out the rear window:

A Tape over the mirrors
B Drive only forward
C Use the side mirrors and add extra caution before backing or moving
D Don't worry about it

Correct answer: C

Bus mirror systems are designed for limited rear vision; use them carefully.

Question 2 of 25

When carrying schoolchildren on a charter, the driver should:

A Allow students to stand
B Skip post-trip inspection
C Use the same caution as a school-bus driver, even without an S endorsement, especially around loading and unloading
D Drive faster to be on time

Correct answer: C

Children's safety considerations apply across all passenger operations.

Question 3 of 25

A passenger who interferes with the driver should be:

A Ignored
B Pushed off the bus immediately
C Warned, and if interference continues, the driver may put them off in a safe location
D Given a discount

Correct answer: C

Driver authority includes putting off passengers who threaten safety, in a safe location.

Question 4 of 25

A bus may NOT carry:

A Wheelchair passengers
B Cargo that blocks emergency exits
C Bicycles in approved racks
D Luggage in the overhead racks

Correct answer: B

Cargo blocking emergency exits is prohibited; passenger safety in evacuation is paramount.

Question 5 of 25

A bus driver who must handle a noisy or threatening situation should:

A Pull over to a safe place and address it
B Ignore it
C Try to drive faster to end the trip
D Turn up the music to drown it out

Correct answer: A

Pulling over allows the driver to manage the situation safely.

Question 6 of 25

A bus may not be operated with:

A Cracked windshield within the wiper area
B Brakes that do not pass the brake test
C Missing safety equipment
D All of the above

Correct answer: D

All three create out-of-service conditions and bus cannot legally operate.

Question 7 of 25

When taking on passengers at a stop, the driver should:

A Close the door immediately
B Press the accelerator slightly
C Wait for all passengers to be safely aboard before beginning to move
D Start moving as the last passenger boards

Correct answer: C

Wait until everyone is on, paid (if needed), and seated or behind the standee line.

Question 8 of 25

In a long downhill, a bus driver should:

A Increase speed
B Use a low gear and steady moderate brake application to control speed
C Apply brakes heavily
D Coast in neutral

Correct answer: B

Same long-downgrade rule as other heavy vehicles, with extra concern for passenger comfort and safety.

Question 9 of 25

Pre-trip inspection of a bus includes checking:

A Tires and wheels
B Brakes, steering, exhaust, signaling devices
C All of the above
D Emergency exits

Correct answer: C

Pre-trip is comprehensive: safety systems, emergency equipment, and structural items.

Question 10 of 25

A bus passing through a tunnel marked "No hazardous materials":

A Can carry placarded hazmat anyway
B Must not carry placarded hazmat
C Can carry only Class 9 hazmat
D Can carry hazmat at off-peak times

Correct answer: B

Tunnel restrictions apply; rerouting is required.

Question 11 of 25

A bus driver should always:

A Have working emergency exit signs
B Carry an updated list of passengers, when required by carrier or law
C Verify all emergency equipment functions before each trip
D All of the above

Correct answer: D

All three are part of pre-trip and ongoing duties.

Question 12 of 25

When you stop at a railroad crossing in a bus, you should:

A Honk and proceed
B Pump the horn
C Open the door, listen, and look both directions
D Cross immediately

Correct answer: C

Open the door, turn off radio and noisy fans, and look and listen before proceeding.

Question 13 of 25

On a transit bus, standees must be:

A Not allowed
B Only in the aisle near the door
C Anywhere on the bus
D Behind the standee line

Correct answer: D

Standees stand behind the standee line on the floor, typically about 2 feet behind the driver.

Question 14 of 25

An "intercity bus" usually:

A Allows standees
B Has no driver
C Has a baggage section open to passengers
D Does not allow standees and is configured for longer trips

Correct answer: D

Intercity (over-the-road) buses are seated only and configured for long trips.

Question 15 of 25

A "transit bus" is generally:

A Designed for short trips with frequent stops, allowing standees on certain routes
B A bus with no doors
C Used only for cross-country travel
D A bus over 80 feet long

Correct answer: A

Transit buses serve urban routes with frequent stops and may allow standees behind the standee line.

Question 16 of 25

A bus driver who suspects a passenger is on the verge of a medical emergency should:

A Pull over safely, assess the situation, and call for help if needed
B Continue to the next scheduled stop
C Wait until the end of the trip
D Speed to the destination

Correct answer: A

Driver judgement is required; safety of the passenger comes before schedule.

Question 17 of 25

During an emergency stop on the highway, a bus driver should:

A Pull off as far as possible, set brakes, place triangles, evacuate if needed
B Drive on the shoulder slowly
C Stop in the lane and wait
D Open all doors at speed

Correct answer: A

Pull off, secure the bus, deploy warning triangles, and protect the passengers.

Question 18 of 25

A bus driver must inspect the emergency exits:

A Once a week
B Daily as part of the pre-trip inspection
C Only if a passenger asks
D Once a year

Correct answer: B

Pre-trip checks include verifying that emergency exits open from inside and outside as designed.

Question 19 of 25

A bus that catches fire should be:

A Driven to a fire station
B Refueled to overcome the fire
C Closed up to contain the fire
D Parked in the open and away from buildings, with passengers evacuated to a safe distance upwind

Correct answer: D

Open-air parking and upwind evacuation are the standard procedure.

Question 20 of 25

In an emergency, the driver should:

A Honk continuously
B Open all doors and windows
C Remain calm, give clear instructions, and supervise the evacuation
D Run from the bus first

Correct answer: C

The driver leads the response and ensures every passenger evacuates safely.

Question 21 of 25

A bus driver may NOT carry on the bus:

A Class 6 (poison) liquids in passenger areas
B Walking aids for passengers
C Carry-on luggage in approved overhead racks
D Service animals

Correct answer: A

Poison and other prohibited materials cannot ride in the passenger area.

Question 22 of 25

A bus driver involved in a crash must:

A Notify the carrier and applicable authorities, render aid, and follow company emergency procedures
B Continue the trip
C Tell only the dispatcher
D Wait for passengers to call

Correct answer: A

Standard emergency procedures and reporting apply.

Question 23 of 25

A bus with disabled passengers should:

A Refuse to carry them
B Charge extra fees
C Have working lifts/ramps and securements
D Use only the rear door

Correct answer: C

Federal accessibility rules require working lifts and securement for wheelchair users.

Question 24 of 25

When approaching a curve in a loaded bus:

A Increase speed
B Slow down before entering the curve
C Brake within the curve
D Maintain speed

Correct answer: B

Reduce speed before the curve; loaded buses have a high center of gravity.

Question 25 of 25

A bus carrying passengers must stop at railroad crossings:

A Within 5 feet of the rail
B Never; just slow down
C Only when a train is visible
D Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail

Correct answer: D

Federal rule requires buses to stop in the 15-50-foot zone, open the door, and listen.

Study tips for the Delaware Passenger exam

The Passenger portion of the Delaware CDL exam is graded out of the bank of questions the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles draws from each year. While the exact bank is not published, every question is sourced from the Passenger chapter of the Delaware CDL handbook, which itself is derived from the FMCSA Model Commercial Driver's License Manual. That means studying our practice tests, reading the corresponding handbook chapter, and re-reading the parts you got wrong is genuinely the most efficient route to a first-time pass.

Most successful applicants follow a simple cycle: take the practice test cold, write down every question you missed, open the matching chapter of the official Delaware handbook, re-read the section that contains the right answer, then re-take the practice test 24 to 48 hours later. The 24-hour delay matters — sleep is when your brain commits new information to long-term memory, and CDL knowledge questions reward that kind of consolidated learning rather than cramming.

Pay particular attention to questions that include qualifier words like always, never, only, primary, or most. CDL test writers love to flip the right answer with a single qualifier. When two answer choices look almost identical, pay attention to the verb (is it must, should, or may?) and to any numbers (14 days, 100 air miles, 8 hours, 70/8 split). On endorsement tests in particular, watch for trick framing where a true statement about a different endorsement is offered as the "correct" answer to a question that is actually about Passenger.

Test-day logistics matter too. Bring photo ID, your Social Security card or birth certificate, your medical examiner's certificate (DOT card), and proof of state residency if you haven't already submitted those documents. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles will not let you sit for the knowledge exam without your documentation, and most offices charge an additional fee for re-attempts. Arrive early — the wait at most CDL testing offices runs 30 to 60 minutes — and silence your phone before the exam begins.

Finally, keep your General Knowledge fundamentals sharp even when you're focused on the Passenger exam. Many states administer multiple knowledge tests in a single sitting, and questions on weight definitions (GVWR, GCWR, GAWR), stopping distance, and the pre-trip inspection routine show up across endorsements. If you're unsure on the basics, sit a fresh Delaware General Knowledge practice test before scheduling the real exam.

Next steps

Missed more than four questions? Re-read the Passenger study guide and the matching chapter in the official Delaware CDL handbook. Then come back and re-take the test. Once you can score 22 of 25 or higher on three runs in a row, you're in good shape to schedule the real exam at your local Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Already comfortable with this endorsement? Drill another: DE General Knowledge · DE Air Brakes · DE Combination Vehicles · DE Hazardous Materials · DE School Bus · DE Tank Vehicle · DE Doubles / Triples

New to the CDL process in Delaware? Read How to apply for a CDL in Delaware for the document checklist and step-by-step timeline.