For a CDL driver who wants to transport hazardous materials as 383.5 defines them (quoted below), the federal requirements for the hazardous materials endorsement, shown on the license as "H for hazardous materials" under 383.153(a)(9), are in 49 CFR Part 383. This explainer reads sections 383.5, 383.71, 383.93, 383.121, 383.141 and 383.153 as they stand in the eCFR. It does not describe a rule change. CDLs are issued by States: 383.5 defines a CDL as "a license issued to an individual by a State or other jurisdiction of domicile," so this explainer is written for drivers getting a CDL in their home State. Your State may have its own requirements, so check them too.
What is an endorsement, and when is the hazmat one needed?
Section 383.5 defines an endorsement as "an authorization to an individual's CLP or CDL required to permit the individual to operate certain types of commercial motor vehicles." Under 383.93(b), a driver "must obtain State-issued endorsements to his/her CDL" to operate commercial motor vehicles that are "Used to transport hazardous materials as defined in § 383.5".
Section 383.5 says hazardous materials means "any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR part 172 or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73."
Which tests does the hazmat endorsement need?
A knowledge test. Section 383.93(c) lists the tests for each endorsement, and for hazmat it reads: "Hazardous Materials—a knowledge test". No skills test is listed for the H endorsement, unlike the passenger and school bus endorsements, which each require "a knowledge and a skills test".
The endorsement test comes on top of the regular CDL tests. Under 383.93(a)(1), drivers must pass specialized tests "In addition to passing the knowledge and skills tests described in subpart G of this part," and "The State shall issue CDL endorsements only to drivers who successfully complete the tests."
The hazmat endorsement cannot go on a learner's permit. Section 383.93(a)(2) states that "The only endorsements allowed on a CLP" are passenger (P), school bus (S) and tank vehicle (N).
Is training required before the knowledge test?
Yes, the first time. Section 383.71(a)(10) states: "Beginning on February 7, 2022, a person must complete the training prescribed in subpart F of part 380 of this chapter before taking the skills test for a Class A or B CDL for the first time, or a skills test for a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time, or the knowledge test for a hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time." It adds: "The training must be administered by a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry." Section 383.71(b)(11) repeats the requirement for initial CDL applicants. See also how entry-level driver training is reported before the test.
What knowledge does Part 383 require for the endorsement?
Section 383.121 says each applicant "must have such knowledge as is required of a driver of a hazardous materials laden vehicle," drawn from 49 CFR parts 171, 172, 173, 177, 178 and 397. It groups the topics under five headings:
- hazardous materials regulations, such as the hazardous materials table, shipping papers, marking, labeling and placarding;
- hazardous materials handling, such as loading and unloading, cargo segregation, parking, routes and cargo tanks;
- operation of emergency equipment;
- emergency response procedures; and
- "Operating practices and procedures not otherwise specified."
What is the TSA security threat assessment requirement?
Section 383.141 applies to "State agencies responsible for issuing hazardous materials endorsements for a CDL, and applicants for such endorsements." Under 383.141(b), a State may not issue, renew, upgrade or transfer a hazmat endorsement "authorizing that individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle transporting a hazardous material in commerce" unless one of two things is true:
- "The Transportation Security Administration has determined that the individual does not pose a security risk warranting denial of the endorsement; or"
- "The individual holds a valid TWIC."
Under 383.5, a TWIC is "the transportation security card issued by TSA". Section 383.141(c) adds: "An individual who does not successfully complete the Transportation Security Administration security threat assessment process referenced in paragraph (b) of this section may not be issued a hazardous materials endorsement." Part 383 does not describe how TSA carries out the assessment.
How often must the endorsement be renewed?
Under 383.141(d), "Each State must require that hazardous materials endorsements be renewed every 5 years or less".
Will the State send a reminder?
Yes. Under 383.141(c), "At least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the CDL or hazardous materials endorsement," a State must notify the endorsement holder "that the individual must pass a Transportation Security Administration security threat assessment process as part of any application for renewal of the hazardous materials endorsement." The notice must advise the driver to "file a renewal application as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days before the date of expiration of the endorsement."
Where to study this
See our CDL hub, the CDL standards study guide and, for the hazmat rules themselves, the study guides on hazard classes and definitions, shipping papers and placarding. These guides do not cover the TSA assessment, and goraedu's practice questions are our own: they are not the hazmat knowledge test your State requires.