CDL hazmat practice test for the H endorsement knowledge test
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This CDL hazmat practice test prepares you for the hazardous materials (H) endorsement knowledge test with 146 original questions, each with a short explanation, on every part of the hazardous materials chapter of the CDL manual: the intent of the rules and hazard classes, who is responsible for what, shipping papers, labels, markings and placards, loading and unloading, bulk tanks, driving and parking rules, and emergencies. Practice is free and needs no sign-up. When you are ready, take timed mock exams of 30 questions with a pass mark of 24 (80%).
- 146 explained questions
- Mock exam: 30 questions
- Pass at 24 (80%)
- Placard Tables 1 and 2 drilled
- Free, no sign-up
How the CDL hazmat test works
To haul hazardous materials that need placards, you need the hazardous materials (H) endorsement on your CDL (49 CFR 383.93). You earn it with a written knowledge test at your state licensing agency and a TSA security threat assessment. There is no road test for the H endorsement.
| Point | H endorsement |
|---|---|
| Questions | 30 multiple choice in Washington (DOL); the number can differ by state |
| Pass mark | 24 correct; federal rules require at least 80% on every CDL knowledge test |
| Time limit | None in the federal rules |
| Training first | First-time H applicants must finish hazmat entry-level driver training (ELDT) from a registered provider before the knowledge test (since 7 February 2022) |
| TSA threat assessment | Fingerprints and background check, $86.50 for new applicants and renewals ($41 with a valid TWIC in states that accept it) |
| Valid | The TSA fee covers 5 years; some states renew more often |
Sources: Washington State Department of Licensing (CDL knowledge tests), 49 CFR 383.93, 383.121 and 383.135, TSA (HAZMAT Endorsement) and FMCSA (Training Provider Registry, ELDT applicability), checked on 1 November 2026. Your state DMV also charges its own test and license fees, which differ per state.
What the hazmat test covers
The test follows the hazardous materials section (section 9) of your state's CDL manual, which most states base on the same national model manual. Our 146 questions are grouped in its 7 parts:
| Part | Typical questions |
|---|---|
| Intent of the rules and hazard classes | Classes 1 to 9 and their divisions |
| Responsibilities | What the shipper, the carrier and the driver must do |
| Communication | Shipping papers, the Hazardous Materials Table, labels, markings, placards |
| Loading and unloading | Explosives, cylinders, poisons, radioactive and corrosive loads |
| Bulk tanks | ID numbers, attendance within 25 feet, closing valves |
| Driving and parking | 5 feet and 300 feet rules, attending within 100 feet, railroad crossings |
| Emergencies | Leaks, fires, the ERG and reporting |
The part most drivers lose points on is placarding: Table 1 materials (such as explosives 1.1 to 1.3, poison gas 2.3 and dangerous when wet 4.3) need placards in any amount, while Table 2 materials need them only from 1,001 pounds in total. Our explanations work these out.
How practice works on MyLevel
Practise by part or mixed, for free: after every answer you see whether you were right and a short explanation. All questions are original MyLevel questions on the topics of the manual; they are not questions from any DMV test. Read your own state's CDL manual alongside: it is free on your DMV's website.
When you are ready, take a mock exam: 30 random questions from all 7 parts, pass at 24. There is no federal time limit; our mock gives you 40 minutes so you keep a steady pace. The mock exams cost $6.99, one-time, no subscription. They are unlimited, with your score per part, a review of every mistake and a MyLevel practice certificate when you pass. Not useful? Full refund within 14 days. Still need the general knowledge test? See our CDL practice test.
A 1-week study plan for the hazmat endorsement
- Day 1: hazard classes 1 to 9 and their divisions; who does what (shipper, carrier, driver).
- Days 2-3: communication rules: where the shipping papers go (within reach with your seat belt on, door pouch, driver's seat), the Hazardous Materials Table, labels, markings and placards. Learn Placard Table 1 by heart and practise the 1,001 lb and 2,205 lb rules.
- Day 4: loading and unloading by class, and bulk tanks: 119 gallons, ID numbers, attendance within 25 feet.
- Day 5: driving and parking: 5 feet and 300 feet for explosives, 100 feet attendance, no smoking within 25 feet, 10 B:C extinguisher, stop 15 to 50 feet before railroad tracks.
- Days 6-7: emergencies, then mock exams; redo the part where you lose the most points. Take the real test when you score 27 or more out of 30 a few times in a row.
Start your TSA application early: TSA advises applying at least 60 days before you need the endorsement, because processing can take more than 45 days.
MyLevel is an independent practice site. It is not affiliated with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), AAMVA or any state DMV or licensing agency. All questions are original MyLevel practice questions on the topics of the CDL manual's hazardous materials section; they are not questions from any official test. The MyLevel certificate is a practice certificate, not a CDL endorsement, test result or official document. Fees and rules can change and differ by state: always check your state DMV, tsa.gov and fmcsa.dot.gov.
Sample question with explanation
Which hazard class is used for explosives?
- Class 1
- Class 4
- Class 6
- Class 2
Show the answer
Answer: A. Class 1
Explosives are Class 1, divided into Divisions 1.1 to 1.6 by how they behave.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CDL hazmat test?
In Washington the hazardous materials knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions and you need 24 correct (Washington DOL). Federal rules require at least 80% on every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). The number of questions can differ by state, so check your state's DMV.
How much does the hazmat endorsement cost?
The TSA security threat assessment costs $86.50 for new applicants and renewals, or $41 if you hold a valid TWIC and your state accepts it (TSA, November 2026). Your state also charges its own test and license fees, which differ per state, and hazmat entry-level training from a provider has its own price.
How long does the TSA background check take, and how long is it valid?
TSA advises applying at least 60 days before you need the endorsement, because processing can take more than 45 days. You apply online, then give fingerprints and documents at an enrollment center; TSA tells your state, not you. The fee covers 5 years, though some states renew more often.
Is the CDL hazmat test hard?
It is mostly rules and numbers: placard tables, the 1,001 lb rule, where shipping papers go, parking distances and what to do in an emergency. With 24 of 30 needed you can miss 6. Practising each part and taking a few mock exams is usually enough preparation.
Do I get a certificate?
When you pass a full mock exam you can download a MyLevel practice certificate (PDF) with your name and score. It is not an official document, not a CDL endorsement and not a DMV test result.
Do I need training before the hazmat test?
Yes, if you apply for the H endorsement for the first time: since 7 February 2022 you must complete hazmat entry-level driver training from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before you may take the H knowledge test. Drivers who had the H endorsement before that date do not need it (FMCSA).
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