CDL Endorsements
Expand what you can haul with these additional certifications
CDL endorsements are additional certifications added to your CDL that allow you to operate specialized vehicles or carry specific types of cargo. Each endorsement requires passing a separate written test at the DMV.
All CDL Endorsements
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
Required to transport hazardous materials. Requires a TSA background check and fingerprinting in addition to the written test.
Practice Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) questions (30questions) →Passenger
Required to drive vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including buses.
Practice Passenger questions (20questions) →School Bus
Required to drive a school bus. Requires the Passenger (P) endorsement first. Background check required.
Practice School Bus questions (20questions) →Tanker
Required for driving tank vehicles that transport liquids or gases in bulk (over 119 gallons).
Practice Tanker questions (20questions) →Doubles/Triples
Required to pull double or triple trailers. Only available with a Class A CDL.
Practice Doubles/Triples questions (20questions) →HAZMAT + Tanker Combined
Combination of H and T endorsements. Required for hauling tanker loads of hazardous materials.
Which Endorsements Should You Get?
It depends on the jobs you want. Here are the most valuable endorsements by career path:
- OTR trucking: HAZMAT (H) and Tanker (T) — or the combo (X) — open the most freight opportunities
- Local delivery: Usually no endorsements needed beyond your base CDL
- Bus driver: Passenger (P), plus School Bus (S) if driving school routes
- Fuel/chemical hauling: HAZMAT + Tanker (X endorsement) is required
HAZMAT Background Check
The HAZMAT endorsement requires a TSA security threat assessment. You'll need to:
- Apply online through the TSA website
- Get fingerprinted at an approved location
- Pay the background check fee (~$86)
- Wait 4-6 weeks for approval
Start studying for the HAZMAT test while waiting for your background check to save time.
Practice endorsement tests for free
CDL Answers covers all endorsement tests with real exam questions and detailed explanations.
Free Practice Tests