Depends on the GVW of the vehicle. If it's under 26,000 lbs. GVW, it requires a Class C CDL with passenger endorsement. If it's over 26,000 lbs. GVW, it requires a Class B with passenger endorsement.
Yes. You only need a passenger endorsement if you are transporting 15 or more people.
You need the passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
All you have to do to get the endorsement is pass the written test and road test in a passenger vehicle. However, if you have a Class A CDL and road test in a vehicle requiring only a Class C CDL, you'll be restricted to operating passenger vehicles in that class and lower.
If it's being operated for-hire, you need a CDL with a passenger endorsement in any state. In any other instance, you need to get a letter of determination from the NCDOT. Any vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) requires a CDL with a passenger endorsement.
S (school bus) endorsement. You'll have to get the "P" (passenger) endorsement first, then undergo a background check.
Only if it's either designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver), or else carrying a quantity of hazardous materials which requires the display of placards under the FMCSR. In both instances, you would need at least a Class C CDL without an air brake restriction (there is no actual air brake endorsement), as well as a passenger endorsement (for a passenger bus) or hazardous materials endorsement.
Yes - both a written and road test are necessary for the P (passenger) endorsement, regardless of what class of licence you currently possess.
Only if you have the appropriate passenger endorsement.
At a minimum, a Class C Commercial Drivers Licence with Passenger endorsement and no air brake restriction (if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes). If the vehicle has a GVWR of over 26,000 lbs (which is a bit unlikely with an 18 passenger vehicle), then a Class B CDL would be required, again with the Passenger endorsement and without a restriction on air brakes, if the vehicle were so equipped.
As for endorsements exclusive to a CDL, you can get hazmat, passenger, and tanker endorsements. You can also get a motorcycle endorsement, which can be placed on any class of licence. The only endorsement you wouldn't be able to get is the endorsement for double and triple trailers.
pre trip test