Question 1

Which endorsement must a CDL driver have to transport hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards?

Accepted Answer

The 'H' endorsement is required for driving vehicles transporting hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding. 'N' is for tankers, 'T' is for doubles/triples, and 'P' is for passengers.

Question 2

What does the 'X' endorsement on a CDL represent?

Accepted Answer

The 'X' endorsement is a combination code that indicates the driver holds both the Hazardous Materials (H) and Tanker (N) endorsements.

Question 3

Who is responsible for determining if a material is hazardous and assigning the proper shipping name and class?

Accepted Answer

The shipper is responsible for classifying, identifying, packaging, marking, and labeling hazardous materials before they are offered for transport.

Question 4

How often must a driver with a Hazmat endorsement undergo a TSA security threat assessment?

Accepted Answer

Drivers must pass a TSA background check and renew their Hazmat endorsement every 5 years (or sooner if the state requires license renewal sooner).

Question 5

Where must the shipping papers be kept when the driver is at the controls and wearing a seatbelt?

Accepted Answer

Shipping papers must be clearly visible and within immediate reach of the driver while restrained by the seatbelt, or placed on the driver's door pouch or the passenger seat.

Question 6

If a driver leaves the vehicle, where must the shipping papers be placed?

Accepted Answer

When not at the controls, the driver must leave the shipping papers on the driver's seat or in the pouch on the driver's door so emergency responders can find them easily.

Question 7

You are transporting hazardous materials. How often must you check your tires?

Accepted Answer

For placarded vehicles, tire checks are required at the beginning of the trip, each time the vehicle is parked, and at least every 2 hours or 100 miles, whichever comes first.

Question 8

What is the minimum rating required for a fire extinguisher on a power unit used to transport hazardous materials?

Accepted Answer

The power unit of a vehicle transporting hazardous materials must be equipped with a fire extinguisher having a UL rating of 10 B:C or more.

Question 9

You may not smoke within how many feet of a placarded cargo tank used for Class 3 (flammable liquids) or Division 2.1 (flammable gases)?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of a motor vehicle containing Class 3, Class 4, Class 5, or Division 2.1 materials.

Question 10

Who is responsible for checking that the shipper has correctly named, labeled, and marked the hazardous materials shipment?

Accepted Answer

While the carrier accepts the shipment, the driver must verify that the shipping papers, labels, and markings are correct before accepting the load for transport.

Question 11

A vehicle transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives may NOT be parked within how many feet of the traveled portion of a highway?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives must not be parked within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a public highway or street.

Question 12

Unless involved in loading or unloading, a vehicle carrying Division 1.1 explosives may not be parked within how many feet of a bridge, tunnel, or building?

Accepted Answer

A vehicle carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives must not be parked within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place where people work or congregate.

Question 13

What does it mean when a driver is 'in attendance' of a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A vehicle is considered attended when the person in charge is within 100 feet of the vehicle and has an unobstructed view of the hazardous materials.

Question 14

When fueling a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, the driver must:

Accepted Answer

The engine must be turned off while fueling, and the person controlling the fueling process must be in attendance at the nozzle.

Question 15

You discover a hazardous materials shipment is leaking. You should:

Accepted Answer

Drivers must refuse to transport any package that is leaking or damaged. If a leak develops during transit, stop as soon as safely possible and secure the area.

Question 16

A 'Safe Haven' is defined as:

Accepted Answer

A Safe Haven is a location designated by local, state, or federal authorities where vehicles loaded with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives may be parked unattended.

Question 17

Which of the following must be reported immediately to the National Response Center (NRC)?

Accepted Answer

Incidents involving the release of a Reportable Quantity (RQ) of a hazardous substance, death, serious injury, or major property damage must be reported immediately to the NRC.

Question 18

Within how many days must a written report (DOT Form F 5800.1) be submitted following a reportable hazmat incident?

Accepted Answer

A detailed written report must be submitted to the DOT within 30 days of the discovery of a reportable hazmat incident.

Question 19

Who provides the placards for a hazardous materials shipment?

Accepted Answer

The shipper is required to furnish the proper placards to the carrier, although the carrier (and driver) must ensure they are affixed to the vehicle before moving.

Question 20

Can you transport passengers in a placarded vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Drivers transporting hazardous materials may only transport passengers who are authorized employees of the carrier or government officials performing their duties.

Question 21

When are you allowed to move a vehicle containing hazardous materials that is leaking?

Accepted Answer

You should not move a leaking vehicle more than the minimum distance necessary to reach a safe place where the leak can be addressed.

Question 22

What does 'RQ' stand for on shipping papers?

Accepted Answer

RQ stands for Reportable Quantity. If a spill meets or exceeds this amount, it must be reported to the National Response Center.

Question 23

A driver with a CDL who is convicted of using a vehicle to commit a felony involving the manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance will:

Accepted Answer

Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances results in a lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL.

Question 24

How frequently must hazmat employees receive recurrent training?

Accepted Answer

Hazmat employees must receive initial training within 90 days of employment and recurrent training at least once every 3 years.

Question 25

Which agency is responsible for issuing the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)?

Accepted Answer

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) within the DOT is responsible for issuing the HMR (49 CFR Parts 171-180).

Question 26

You are carrying 500 lbs of Class 8 Corrosives and 500 lbs of Class 3 Flammable Liquids. Do you need placards?

Accepted Answer

The '1,001 lbs rule' applies to the aggregate gross weight of Table 2 materials. Since the total is 1,000 lbs (500+500), you are technically just under the 1,001 lb threshold requiring placarding. (Note: Many carriers placard anyway for safety, but legally it triggers at 1,001). Wait, strict reading: '1,001 lbs or more'. 1000 lbs does not require. 1001 does.

Question 27

When are you allowed to use the 'DANGEROUS' placard?

Accepted Answer

The Dangerous placard may be used for mixed loads of Table 2 materials if the aggregate weight is 1,001 lbs or more, but no single class exceeds 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) loaded at one facility.

Question 28

If a tire on a placarded vehicle is found to be overheating, you must:

Accepted Answer

An overheated tire on a placarded vehicle is a fire risk. You must stop, remove the tire, and place it a safe distance away. You cannot drive the vehicle until the cause is corrected.

Question 29

What defines 'Bulk Packaging' for liquids?

Accepted Answer

For liquids, bulk packaging has a maximum capacity greater than 119 gallons. (For solids >882 lbs; Gases >1000 lbs water capacity).

Question 30

A driver must ensure that the shipment is:

Accepted Answer

The driver is responsible for ensuring cargo is properly secured and loaded so that it does not shift, fall, or damage the packaging during transit.

Question 31

If you are carrying Division 1.2 or 1.3 explosives, you must have:

Accepted Answer

Carriers of Division 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 explosives must provide drivers with a written route plan, and drivers must follow it.

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a disqualifying offense for a Hazmat endorsement (HME)?

Accepted Answer

Speeding is a traffic violation, not a security threat. TSA background checks look for criminal convictions like treason, espionage, murder, and terrorism.

Question 33

A 'Forbidden' hazardous material:

Accepted Answer

Materials designated as 'Forbidden' in the Hazardous Materials Table must not be transported or offered for transportation.

Question 34

When can you remove placards from a tank vehicle that has been emptied?

Accepted Answer

Placards must remain on the vehicle until the tank is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazard.

Question 35

For Hazmat loads, the parking brake must be set:

Accepted Answer

Drivers must set the parking brake securely whenever the vehicle is parked, regardless of the incline or duration.

Question 36

Who must register with the US DOT as a hazmat transporter?

Accepted Answer

Carriers and shippers dealing with specific quantities (e.g., bulk, radioactive, >55 lbs explosives) must register annually and pay a fee.

Question 37

The Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) is found in:

Accepted Answer

The HMT is the backbone of hazmat regulations, located in 49 CFR § 172.101. It lists proper shipping names, classes, and UN numbers.

Question 38

If a vehicle carrying hazardous materials is involved in an accident, the driver should:

Accepted Answer

The priority is safety. The driver must keep bystanders away, warn others, and contact emergency services. Opening the trailer or cleaning up is dangerous.

Question 39

You are driving a placarded vehicle. Can you drive through a tunnel?

Accepted Answer

Most tunnels restrict or prohibit vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Drivers must check route restrictions beforehand.

Question 40

What is the primary purpose of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)?

Accepted Answer

The goal of the HMR is to protect the public and environment by ensuring safe containment, communicating hazards (placards/labels), and ensuring safe handling.

Hazmat General Practice Questions

More CDL Hazmat Endorsement Exam Topics