Hazardous Materials Practice Test
Required to haul any load that must display hazmat placards. The knowledge test is only part of it — a TSA security threat assessment gates the endorsement.
This is the H endorsement knowledge test. Passing it adds H to your commercial licence.
Do you need this test?
Optional — you only need it if you will actually be driving this way. Every CDL applicant takes the general knowledge test first.
Entry-Level Driver Training is required first. Federal rules make ELDT theory training mandatory before you may take this knowledge test for the first time. It has to come from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Practising here does not satisfy that requirement — it prepares you for the test itself.
A TSA security threat assessment is also required. Fingerprints and a federal background check, currently $85.25 — reduced to $41.00 if you already hold a valid TWIC. A TWIC does not grant the assessment and the assessment does not grant a TWIC; they are separate credentials that happen to share a discount.
This endorsement expires. It is renewed every 5 years, and most states make you take the written knowledge test again at every renewal along with a fresh background check. If you are renewing rather than applying for the first time, the practice on this page is exactly what you need — see the HazMat renewal guide.
Practice now
Study the material, not just the questions
Learn what changes when the cargo itself is the hazard.
Open the Hazardous Materials moduleThe other tests you'll need
- General Knowledge — 50 questions · 80% to pass
- Air Brakes — 25 questions · 80% to pass
- Combination Vehicles — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- Tank Vehicles — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- Doubles and Triples — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- Passenger Transport — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- School Bus — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- LCV Doubles — 30 questions · 80% to pass
- LCV Triples — 30 questions · 80% to pass
See every CDL knowledge test →
More CDL guides
See every CDL knowledge test and guide →
Sample Hazardous Materials questions
What is the first thing to do if you have a hazardous materials incident?
- A. Call your dispatcher
- B. Try to fix the problem
- C. Keep people away and warn others
- D. Drive to the nearest station
Show answer
C. Keep people away and warn others — Safety first: keep people away from the scene and warn others of the danger.
Universal rule · checked against FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 9: Hazardous Materials - Emergencies · verified 2026-05-17
You need a hazardous materials endorsement to haul:
- A. Empty containers that once held hazmat
- B. Refrigerated goods
- C. Any liquid cargo
- D. Quantities of hazmat that require placarding
Show answer
D. Quantities of hazmat that require placarding — A hazmat endorsement is required when transporting hazardous materials in quantities that require placards.
Universal rule · checked against 49 CFR § 383.93 — Hazardous materials endorsement requirement · verified 2026-05-17
Shipping papers for hazardous materials must include:
- A. Weather conditions
- B. Driver's social security number
- C. Proper shipping name, hazard class, and ID number
- D. Price of goods
Show answer
C. Proper shipping name, hazard class, and ID number — Hazmat shipping papers must include proper shipping name, hazard class, UN/NA identification number, and packing group when required.
Universal rule · checked against 49 CFR Part 172 — Hazardous materials shipping papers and communication · verified 2026-05-17
The hazmat entry point for emergency response information is:
- A. The vehicle registration
- B. The driver's training manual
- C. The Emergency Response Guidebook
- D. The GPS navigation system
Show answer
C. The Emergency Response Guidebook — The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is used by first responders to identify hazards and determine initial actions.
Universal rule · checked against 49 CFR Part 172 — Emergency response information · verified 2026-05-17
When transporting hazmat, placards must be placed:
- A. Only on the front of the vehicle
- B. Only on the rear of the vehicle
- C. Only on the driver's door
- D. On all four sides of the vehicle
Show answer
D. On all four sides of the vehicle — Placards must be displayed on all four sides of the vehicle (front, rear, and both sides) so they're visible from any direction.
Universal rule · checked against 49 CFR Part 172 — Placarding requirements · verified 2026-05-17
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Hazardous Materials test?
30 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% correct — so you can miss 6. The federal standard is consistent across nearly every state.
Do I need ELDT training for the Hazardous Materials endorsement?
Yes, if this is your first time getting it. Federal rules require entry-level driver training theory from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before you can take the knowledge test. Practising here prepares you for the test; it does not replace that training.
Is this Hazardous Materials practice test free?
Yes. Every practice test here and everything in the DMV Prep app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.
Where do these questions come from?
The FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual and 49 CFR. Every question carries its citation, which you can open from the answer explanation.
