DOT Hazmat Employee Training Practice Test 2026: Practice test 3

1. Question 1 of 25

   How tall must identification number markings usually be on a non-bulk package?

   • AAt least 100 mm (3.9 inches)
   • BAny size
   • CAt least 12 mm (0.47 inches)
   • DAt least 1 mm
   Show answer

   Answer: C. At least 12 mm (0.47 inches)

   Section 172.301 requires ID number characters at least 12 mm high, with smaller sizes allowed on small packages.

2. Question 2 of 25

   Besides the shipping name and ID number, what else is usually marked on a non-bulk package?

   • AThe gross weight of the package and the date it was packed
   • BThe carrier's DOT number
   • CThe driver's license number
   • DThe name and address of the consignor or consignee
   Show answer

   Answer: D. The name and address of the consignor or consignee

   Section 172.301 generally requires the name and address of the consignor or consignee, with some exceptions for highway-only or full-load shipments.

3. Question 3 of 25

   For some materials, what extra name must appear in parentheses next to the proper shipping name?

   • AThe technical name
   • BThe store name
   • CThe manufacturer's trade name
   • DThe shipper's name
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The technical name

   Certain non-bulk packages must also show the technical name in parentheses with the proper shipping name, but Division 6.2 materials are an exception.

4. Question 4 of 25

   Where should a hazard label be placed on a package, when the size allows?

   • AOn the same surface as, and near, the proper shipping name marking
   • BOn a separate tag tied to the package
   • CInside the outer box
   • DOn the bottom, where it is protected
   Show answer

   Answer: A. On the same surface as, and near, the proper shipping name marking

   Section 172.406 says labels go on a surface other than the bottom, on the same surface as the proper shipping name marking if the package size allows.

5. Question 5 of 25

   A package needs a primary and a subsidiary hazard label. Where do they go?

   • AOne inside, one outside
   • BNext to each other, within 150 mm (6 inches)
   • COnly the primary label is used
   • DOn opposite sides of the package, at least 150 mm apart
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Next to each other, within 150 mm (6 inches)

   Section 172.406 requires primary and subsidiary labels to be displayed next to each other, which is met within 150 mm (6 inches).

6. Question 6 of 25

   What must a hazard label have so it stands out?

   • AA glossy plastic cover
   • BA black box drawn around the whole package
   • CA barcode printed next to the symbol
   • DA contrasting background, or a dotted or solid outer border
   Show answer

   Answer: D. A contrasting background, or a dotted or solid outer border

   Section 172.406 says each label must be printed on or placed against a contrasting background, or have a dotted or solid outer border.

7. Question 7 of 25

   May tape or other markings cover part of a hazard label?

   • ANo, labels must be clearly visible and not obscured
   • BYes, if the tape is clear and the hazard symbol can still be seen
   • CYes, if the label is large
   • DYes, on short trips
   Show answer

   Answer: A. No, labels must be clearly visible and not obscured

   Section 172.406 requires labels to be clearly visible and not obscured by markings or attachments.

8. Question 8 of 25

   Which large package needs duplicate labels on at least two sides or ends?

   • AA package of 1.8 cubic meters (64 cubic feet) or more
   • BAny box over 30 kg (66 pounds)
   • CAny package with a subsidiary hazard
   • DA 1-liter bottle in a carton
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A package of 1.8 cubic meters (64 cubic feet) or more

   Section 172.406 requires duplicate labels on at least two sides or ends, other than the bottom, for packages of 64 cubic feet or more.

9. Question 9 of 25

   Where must placards be displayed on a transport vehicle?

   • AOn each side and each end
   • BOnly on the front and rear, not the sides
   • COnly on the roof
   • DOnly on the driver side
   Show answer

   Answer: A. On each side and each end

   Section 172.504 requires placards on each side and each end of a bulk packaging, freight container, transport vehicle or rail car.

10. Question 10 of 25

    Which material needs a placard in any amount because it is in Table 1?

    • AClass 8 corrosive
    • BClass 3 flammable liquid, PG I
    • CDivision 2.3 poisonous gas
    • DClass 9 miscellaneous
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Division 2.3 poisonous gas

    Table 1 materials, including Division 2.3 poisonous gas and Division 4.3 dangerous when wet, must be placarded in any quantity.

11. Question 11 of 25

    A truck carries only non-bulk Table 2 materials with an aggregate gross weight under 1,001 pounds. Are placards required on the highway?

    • AYes, but only at night
    • BOnly a DANGEROUS placard is needed for that load
    • CYes, always
    • DNo, placards are not required for that load
    Show answer

    Answer: D. No, placards are not required for that load

    Section 172.504(c) exempts highway and rail vehicles with less than 1,001 pounds aggregate gross weight of Table 2 materials, but not bulk packagings.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Does the 1,001-pound placarding exception apply to bulk packagings?

    • AYes, if the bulk packaging holds under 1,001 pounds
    • BOnly for Class 9
    • CYes, always
    • DNo, it does not apply to bulk packagings
    Show answer

    Answer: D. No, it does not apply to bulk packagings

    The 1,001-pound exception in section 172.504(c) does not apply to bulk packagings or to materials covered by section 172.505.

13. Question 13 of 25

    When may a single DANGEROUS placard be used?

    • AFor non-bulk loads of two or more Table 2 categories that would need different placards
    • BFor a single bulk tank of gasoline
    • CFor any load under 1,001 pounds
    • DFor any Table 1 material in any amount
    Show answer

    Answer: A. For non-bulk loads of two or more Table 2 categories that would need different placards

    Section 172.504(b) allows a DANGEROUS placard for non-bulk packages of two or more Table 2 categories needing different placards.

14. Question 14 of 25

    When must you show a category's own placard instead of DANGEROUS?

    • AWhen the trip is over 100 miles
    • BWhen any amount of a Table 1 material is on board
    • CWhen 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds) or more of that category is loaded at one facility
    • DWhen 454 kg (1,001 pounds) or more of all Table 2 categories together is on board
    Show answer

    Answer: C. When 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds) or more of that category is loaded at one facility

    If 2,205 pounds or more of one Table 2 category is loaded at one facility, that category's own placard must be displayed.

15. Question 15 of 25

    Which placard is used for Table 1 Division 4.3 materials?

    • ACORROSIVE
    • BSPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE
    • CFLAMMABLE SOLID
    • DDANGEROUS WHEN WET
    Show answer

    Answer: D. DANGEROUS WHEN WET

    Table 1 in section 172.504 lists the DANGEROUS WHEN WET placard for Division 4.3 materials in any quantity.

16. Question 16 of 25

    How far must a placard be from advertising or other markings?

    • AAt least 3 inches (76 mm)
    • BAt least 1 inch (25 mm)
    • CAt least 12 inches (305 mm)
    • DIt may touch them
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 3 inches (76 mm)

    Section 172.516 requires placards to be at least 3 inches away from advertising or other markings that could reduce their effectiveness.

17. Question 17 of 25

    How must the words or ID numbers on a placard read?

    • AVertically, from top to bottom
    • BIn any direction, as long as readable
    • CHorizontally, from left to right
    • DDiagonally, along the edges
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Horizontally, from left to right

    Section 172.516 says words or identification numbers on placards must be displayed horizontally, reading from left to right.

18. Question 18 of 25

    From which direction must a placard on a vehicle be clearly visible?

    • AOnly from the driver's seat
    • BOnly from inside the trailer
    • COnly from above
    • DFrom the direction it faces
    Show answer

    Answer: D. From the direction it faces

    Section 172.516 requires each placard on a motor vehicle or rail car to be clearly visible from the direction it faces.

19. Question 19 of 25

    What is the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) mainly for?

    • AWriting the shipping paper description
    • BChoosing the right packaging
    • CPlanning safe shipping routes
    • DUse during the initial phase of a hazmat transportation incident
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Use during the initial phase of a hazmat transportation incident

    PHMSA says the ERG is intended for use during the initial phase of a transportation incident involving hazardous materials.

20. Question 20 of 25

    Which edition of the ERG is current?

    • AThe 1990 ERG
    • BThe 2024 ERG
    • CThe 2012 ERG
    • DThe 2004 ERG
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The 2024 ERG

    PHMSA's ERG page presents the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook as the current edition, with a mobile app version.

21. Question 21 of 25

    In the ERG, which pages list materials by UN identification number?

    • AThe orange pages
    • BThe yellow pages
    • CThe blue pages
    • DThe green pages
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The yellow pages

    PHMSA's ERG training explains that the yellow pages list materials in order of their four-digit UN number.

22. Question 22 of 25

    In the ERG, which pages list materials by name?

    • AThe orange pages
    • BThe blue pages
    • CThe yellow pages
    • DThe white pages
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The blue pages

    The blue pages of the ERG list materials alphabetically by name and point you to a guide number.

23. Question 23 of 25

    In the ERG, what are the orange pages?

    • AThe glossary of terms
    • BA list of carriers and their phone numbers
    • CThe list of materials by UN number
    • DThe guide pages with safety and response information
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The guide pages with safety and response information

    After finding the material in the yellow or blue pages, responders turn to the matching orange guide page for response information.

24. Question 24 of 25

    Which ERG pages give initial isolation and protective action distances?

    • AThe blue pages
    • BThe orange pages
    • CThe yellow pages
    • DThe green pages
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The green pages

    PHMSA's ERG material says to use the green pages to find initial isolation distances and protective action distances.

25. Question 25 of 25

    What is the first step in using the ERG at an incident?

    • AIdentify the material from placards, labels or shipping papers
    • BOpen the green pages and read the protective action distance first
    • CCall the carrier for instructions
    • DMove the vehicle
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Identify the material from placards, labels or shipping papers

    PHMSA's steps start with identifying the material from hazard communication such as placards, labels or shipping papers, then finding its number or name.

Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.

The real test: No federal exam. Your hazmat employer must test you by appropriate means and certify your training; any pass mark is set by the employer.