Adding a hazmat endorsement to an existing CDL

Jill Schultz, Sr. Editor - Transportation Safety 

December 13, 2022

In the past, for many commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, obtaining an initial hazardous materials endorsement was as simple as obtaining and reviewing study materials from the state driver licensing agency, completing a background check, and then taking the hazmat endorsement knowledge test at the state driver licensing agency office.

A new wrinkle was added to this process on February 7, 2022, when the new entry-level driver training (ELDT) rules went into effect.

As of that date, an individual must also complete a specific course of theory instruction presented and administered by a school or entity that meets all ELDT requirements and is listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR) prior to taking the hazmat endorsement knowledge test.

Instructional Requirements

Could someone employed by our city government provide this instruction?

♦ Basic Introductory Hazardous Materials Requirements,

♦ Operational Hazardous Materials Requirements,

♦ Reporting Hazardous Materials Crashes and Releases,

♦ Tunnels and Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Requirements,

♦ Loading and Unloading Hazardous Materials,

♦ Hazardous Materials on Passenger Vehicles,

♦ Bulk Packages,

♦ Operating Emergency Equipment,

♦ Emergency Response Procedures,

♦ Engine (Fueling),

♦ Tire Check,

♦ Routes and Route Planning, and

♦ Hazardous Materials Safety Permits.

There is no required minimum number of instruction hours for theory training, but the driver-trainee must complete a written theory assessment and receive an overall score of at least 80 percent.

When a driver-trainee successfully completes this course of instruction, the training provider forwards this information to FMCSA via the TPR.

Talk with a Compliance Specialist today at 833-982-1236

Keep Reading:

Entry-Level Driver Training: The Basics

Compliance Date is Here: Top 3 Questions

What Does It Take to Become An Entry-Level Driver Training Instructor?