CDL Hazmat Endorsement Practice Test 2026
The hazardous materials (H) endorsement is needed to drive any vehicle that must display placards. These questions cover the hazard classes, shipping papers, placarding, loading, driving and parking rules, and what to do in an emergency.
Quick answer
The CDL hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test has 30 questions. Pass mark: Varies by state; usually 30 questions, with 24 correct needed (80%). It is run by Your state driver licensing agency, under federal rules set by FMCSA (49 CFR Part 383). Practise here for free with 90 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: C. To drive a vehicle that needs placards
A hazmat endorsement is required to drive a vehicle that needs placards.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. A TSA security threat assessment
Original and renewal hazmat endorsements require a TSA security threat assessment, which includes fingerprints.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: C. Retake the hazmat test and pass a new TSA check
Drivers retake the hazmat knowledge test when they renew the endorsement, and the TSA check is also required at renewal.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: D. Before you take the hazmat knowledge test
For a first H endorsement, ELDT must be completed before the hazmat knowledge test.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: D. No
A CLP holder may not drive a CMV transporting hazardous materials.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: A. At least 3 years
Major offenses committed while transporting hazardous materials bring a 3-year disqualification for a first conviction.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: B. At least once every three years
Hazmat training must be repeated at least once every three years.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: A. The shipper
The shipper identifies the material and decides the shipping name, hazard class, ID number, packing group, labels and placards.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: A. The shipper
The shipper packages, marks and labels the materials, prepares the shipping papers and supplies placards.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: C. Refusing bad shipments and reporting incidents
The carrier checks the shipper's work, refuses improper shipments and reports accidents and incidents.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: C. Refusing leaking packages and placarding the vehicle
The driver checks labels and markings, refuses leaking or bad shipments, places placards, and keeps the shipping papers in order.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: B. Explosives
Class 1 is explosives, divided into 1.1 through 1.6.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: D. Explosives with a mass explosion hazard
Division 1.1 explosives can explode all at once (mass explosion). Division 1.4 has only a minor explosion hazard.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: B. Gases
Class 2 is gases: 2.1 flammable, 2.2 nonflammable, and 2.3 poison gas.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: A. Poison gas
Division 2.3 is poison gas, one of the most dangerous materials.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: B. Flammable liquids
Class 3 is flammable liquids, such as gasoline and many paints.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: C. Dangerous when wet
Division 4.3 materials are dangerous when wet. 4.1 is flammable solid and 4.2 is spontaneously combustible.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: C. Oxidizers and organic peroxides
Class 5 is oxidizers (5.1) and organic peroxides (5.2).
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: D. Poisons and infectious substances
Class 6 includes 6.1 poisonous materials and 6.2 infectious substances.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: B. Radioactive materials
Class 7 is radioactive materials.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: B. Corrosive materials
Class 8 is corrosives, which can destroy skin or eat through metal.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: B. Miscellaneous hazardous materials
Class 9 covers hazards not covered by the other classes.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: C. Listed first, highlighted, or marked with an X in the HM column
Hazmat entries must stand out: list them first, highlight them, or put an X in the HM column.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: B. Reportable quantity
RQ means reportable quantity. A spill of that amount or more must be reported.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: B. One answered 24 hours a day
Shipping papers must give a 24-hour emergency response phone number.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: Varies by state; usually 30 questions, with 24 correct needed (80%)
What to know before the test
- Federal rules set the passing score for every CDL knowledge test: you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.
- The hazmat test has 30 questions in states such as Washington and Illinois, so you need 24 correct answers.
- You need a TSA security threat assessment, with fingerprints, for the original hazmat endorsement and at each renewal.
- For a first hazmat endorsement, you must finish entry-level driver training before you take the hazmat knowledge test.
- You must pass the hazmat knowledge test again when you renew the endorsement.
- A CLP holder may not drive a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, and a first DUI while hauling placarded hazmat brings a 3-year disqualification.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CDL hazmat test?
Each state sets the number, but Washington and Illinois both use 30 questions. You need 80%, or 24 correct.
What else do I need besides the test?
You need a TSA security threat assessment (a background check with fingerprints) and, for a first endorsement, entry-level driver training before the knowledge test.
When are placards required?
Table 1 materials, such as Division 1.1 explosives and poison gas, need placards in any amount. Table 2 materials in non-bulk packages need placards at 1,001 pounds or more in total.
Where do I keep hazmat shipping papers?
While driving, keep them within reach with your seat belt on or in the pouch on the driver's door. When you leave the cab, put them on the driver's seat or in the door pouch.
Do I have to retake the hazmat test to renew?
Yes. Drivers take the hazmat knowledge test again at renewal, and the TSA background check is repeated.
Sources
- California DMV Commercial Driver Handbook, Section 9: Hazardous Materials
- 49 CFR 172.504: General placarding requirements and placard tables (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 397: Transportation of hazardous materials; driving and parking rules (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 392: Driving of commercial motor vehicles (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 383: Commercial driver's license standards (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 380 Subpart F: Entry-level driver training (eCFR)
- Washington State Department of Licensing: CDL knowledge test
- Illinois Administrative Code, Title 92, Section 1030.81: CDL endorsement tests