CDL Hazmat Endorsement Practice Test Questions and Answers

The knowledge a driver of a hazmat-laden vehicle needs, drawn from 49 CFR parts 171, 172, 173, 177, 178 and 397. 49 CFR 383.121 says: "In order to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement, each applicant must have such knowledge as is required of a driver of a hazardous materials laden vehicle".

TSA must have found the driver is not a security risk, or the driver must hold a valid TWIC. 49 CFR 383.141(b): "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."

Every 5 years or less, so the driver goes through a TSA security screening at least every 5 years. 49 CFR 383.141(d): "Each State must require that hazardous materials endorsements be renewed every 5 years or less".

At least 60 days before the CDL or hazmat endorsement expires. 49 CFR 383.141(c): "At least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the CDL or hazardous materials endorsement, a State must notify the holder".

The laws of the jurisdiction it is operating in, unless a DOT rule for that vehicle is more stringent. 49 CFR 397.3: "Every motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must be driven and parked in compliance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated".

Its driver or a qualified representative of the motor carrier, at all times (outside the narrow exceptions in 397.5(b)). 49 CFR 397.5(a): the vehicle "must be attended at all times by its driver or a qualified representative of the motor carrier that operates it."

Only if it carries 50 pounds or less of that material, the lawful bailee knows what it holds and has been instructed in emergency procedures, and the vehicle is in the bailee's unobstructed view or in a safe haven. 49 CFR 397.5(b) covers a vehicle "containing 50 pounds or less of a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material, on a construction or survey site".

Yes, except while doing duties that are incident and necessary to operating the vehicle. 49 CFR 397.5(c): it "must be attended by its driver. However, the vehicle need not be attended while its driver is performing duties which are incident and necessary to the driver's duties as the operator of the vehicle."

When the person in charge is on the vehicle, awake and not in a sleeper berth, or is within 100 feet with the vehicle in unobstructed view. 49 CFR 397.5(d)(1): "A motor vehicle is attended when the person in charge of the vehicle is on the vehicle, awake, and not in a sleeper berth, or is within 100 feet of the vehicle and has it within his/her unobstructed field of view."

It may not park on or within 5 feet of it. 49 CFR 397.7(a) bars parking "On or within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a public street or highway".

Not within 300 feet, except for brief periods when operations make any other spot impracticable. 49 CFR 397.7(a): "Within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place where people work, congregate, or assemble".

On or within five feet of the traveled portion of a public street or highway, except for brief periods when operations make any other spot impracticable. 49 CFR 397.7(b) says it "must not be parked on or within five feet of the traveled portion of public street or highway".

First make sure the vehicle can safely pass the fire without stopping. 49 CFR 397.11(a): "A motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must not be operated near an open fire unless its driver has first taken precautions to ascertain that the vehicle can safely pass the fire without stopping."

Not within 300 feet. 49 CFR 397.11(b): "A motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must not be parked within 300 feet of an open fire."

No closer than 25 feet. 49 CFR 397.13: "No person may smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe on or within 25 feet of" a vehicle carrying "Class 1 materials, Class 5 materials, or flammable materials classified as Division 2.1, Class 3, Divisions 4.1 and 4.2".

The engine must be off, and a person must control the fueling at the point where the tank is filled. 49 CFR 397.15: "Its engine must not be operating" and "A person must be in control of the fueling process at the point where the fuel tank is filled."

At the start of each trip and each time the vehicle is parked. 49 CFR 397.17(a): "A driver must examine each tire on a motor vehicle at the beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is parked."

Only to the nearest safe place to repair, replace or inflate it. 49 CFR 397.17(b): "the vehicle may be driven to the nearest safe place to perform the required repair, replacement, or inflation".

Remove it at once, place it a safe distance from the vehicle, and not drive until the cause is fixed. 49 CFR 397.17(c): "the driver shall immediately cause the overheated tire to be removed and placed at a safe distance from the vehicle. The driver shall not operate the vehicle until the cause of the overheating is corrected."

A copy of the Part 397 rules and written instructions for what to do in an accident or delay; the driver must also have the shipping papers and the written route plan. 49 CFR 397.19 lists "A copy of the rules in this part" and "A document containing instructions on procedures to be followed in the event of accident or delay."

Heavily populated areas, places where crowds gather, tunnels, narrow streets and alleys, unless there is no practicable alternative or another listed exception applies. 49 CFR 397.67(b): the carrier "shall operate the vehicle over routes which do not go through or near heavily populated areas, places where crowds are assembled, tunnels, narrow streets, or alleys".

No. 49 CFR 397.67: "Operating convenience is not a basis for determining whether it is practicable to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section."

The carrier or its agent, who must give the driver a copy; the driver may prepare it as the carrier's agent when the trip starts somewhere other than the carrier's terminal. 49 CFR 397.67(d): "the carrier or its agent shall prepare a written route plan that complies with this section and shall furnish a copy to the driver."

On an Interstate System bypass or beltway when one is available, unless a state routing agency has designated an alternative route. 49 CFR 397.101: "An Interstate System bypass or Interstate System beltway around a city, when available, shall be used in place of a preferred route through a city".

Among other topics: the pre-trip safety inspection; procedures for tunnels, bridges and railroad crossings; and the rules on attendance, parking, smoking, routing and incident reporting. 49 CFR 177.816(a) lists "Pre-trip safety inspection", "Procedures for maneuvering tunnels, bridges, and railroad crossings" and "Requirements pertaining to attendance of vehicles, parking, smoking, routing, and incident reporting."

Anyone who operates a cargo tank, or a vehicle with a portable tank of 1,000 gallons or more. 49 CFR 177.816(b): "each person who operates a cargo tank or a vehicle with a portable tank with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more must receive training applicable to the requirements of this subchapter and have the appropriate State-issued commercial driver's license required by 49 CFR part 383."

Yes. 49 CFR 177.816(c): "The training required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be satisfied by compliance with the current requirements for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a tank vehicle or hazardous materials endorsement."

No. 49 CFR 177.817(b): "An initial carrier may not accept a hazardous material offered for transportation unless the shipping paper describing the material includes a shipper's certification which meets the requirements in § 172.204 of this subchapter."

Tab it distinctively or put it on top of the other papers. 49 CFR 177.817(e)(1): "Clearly distinguish the shipping paper, if it is carried with other shipping papers or other papers of any kind, by either distinctively tabbing it or by having it appear first."

Within the driver's reach while belted in, and either easy to see on entering the cab or in a holder on the inside of the driver's door. 49 CFR 177.817(e)(2)(i): "Within his immediate reach while he is restrained by the lap belt" and "either readily visible to a person entering the driver's compartment or in a holder which is mounted to the inside of the door on the driver's side of the vehicle."

In the holder on the inside of the driver's door, or on the driver's seat. 49 CFR 177.817(e)(2)(ii): "In a holder which is mounted to the inside of the door on the driver's side of the vehicle; or" "on the driver's seat in the vehicle."

One year after the carrier accepts the material, or three years for a hazardous waste. 49 CFR 177.817(f): "For a hazardous waste, the shipping paper copy must be retained for three years after the material is accepted by the initial carrier. For all other hazardous materials, the shipping paper copy must be retained for one year after the material is accepted by the carrier."

Only with a state or local government escort, with permission from DOT, or when moving it is necessary to protect life or property. 49 CFR 177.823(a): "The vehicle is escorted by a representative of a state or local government"; "The carrier has permission from the Department"; or "Movement of the transport vehicle is necessary to protect life or property."

No, and neither is any other source of ignition. 49 CFR 177.823(b): "Smoking, and any other source of ignition, in the vicinity of a leaking cargo tank is not permitted."

Only the minimum distance needed to reach a place where its contents can be safely disposed of. 49 CFR 177.823(c): "A leaking cargo tank may be transported only the minimum distance necessary to reach a place where the contents of the tank or compartment may be disposed of safely."

Against shifting, including movement of packages relative to each other. 49 CFR 177.834(a): each package "must be secured against shifting, including relative motion between packages, within the vehicle on which it is being transported."

Class 1 explosives, Class 3 flammable liquids, Class 4 flammable solids, Class 5 oxidizers and Division 2.1 flammable gases. 49 CFR 177.834(c): "Smoking on or about any motor vehicle while loading or unloading any Class 1 (explosive), Class 3 (flammable liquid), Class 4 (flammable solid), Class 5 (oxidizing), or Division 2.1 (flammable gas) materials is forbidden."

It must be securely set, with every other reasonable step taken to keep the vehicle from moving. 49 CFR 177.834(e): "No hazardous material shall be loaded into or on, or unloaded from, any motor vehicle unless the handbrake be securely set and all other reasonable precautions be taken to prevent motion of the motor vehicle during such loading or unloading process."

No. 49 CFR 177.834(h): "There must be no tampering with such container or the contents thereof nor any discharge of the contents of any container between point of origin and point of billed destination."

A qualified person, at all times. 49 CFR 177.834(i)(1): "A cargo tank must be attended by a qualified person at all times when it is being loaded."

Within 25 feet, alert, with a clear view of the tank and delivery hose as far as practicable. 49 CFR 177.834(i)(3): "the qualified person is within 7.62 m (25 feet) of the cargo tank. The qualified person attending the unloading of a cargo tank must be alert and have an unobstructed view of the cargo tank and delivery hose to the maximum extent practicable during the unloading operation."

Someone who knows the nature of the material, has been instructed in emergency procedures, and is authorized and able to move the tank. 49 CFR 177.834(i)(4): "A person is “qualified” if he has been made aware of the nature of the hazardous material which is to be loaded or unloaded, has been instructed on the procedures to be followed in emergencies" and "is authorized to move the cargo tank, and has the means to do so."

All manhole closures closed and secured, and all valves and closures in liquid discharge systems closed and free of leaks, whatever the quantity. 49 CFR 177.834(j): "a person may not drive a cargo tank motor vehicle containing a hazardous material regardless of quantity unless:" "All manhole closures are closed and secured; and" "All valves and other closures in liquid discharge systems are closed and free of leaks."

Yes. 49 CFR 177.835(a): "No Class 1 (explosive) materials may be loaded into or on or be unloaded from any motor vehicle with the engine running."

Using bale hooks or other metal tools, rolling packages (except barrels or kegs), and throwing or dropping them. 49 CFR 177.835(b): "No bale hooks or other metal tools shall be used for the loading, unloading, or other handling of Class 1 (explosive) materials, nor shall any package or other container of Class 1 (explosive) materials, except barrels or kegs, be rolled." Also: "No packages of Class 1 (explosive) materials shall be thrown or dropped during process of loading or unloading or handling of Class 1 (explosive) materials."

Only if the engine powers the pump, or if it is a diesel engine and the outside temperature is at or below −12 °C (10 °F). 49 CFR 177.837(a): "Unless the engine of a cargo tank motor vehicle is to be used for the operation of a pump, Class 3 material may not be loaded into, or on, or unloaded from any cargo tank motor vehicle while the engine is running. The diesel engine of a cargo tank motor vehicle may be left running during the loading and unloading of a Class 3 material if the ambient atmospheric temperature is at or below −12 °C (10 °F)."

First to the container being filled, then to the container the liquid comes from, and in no other order. 49 CFR 177.837(b): "Such bonding shall be made by first connecting an electric conductor to the container to be filled and subsequently connecting the conductor to the container from which the liquid is to come, and not in any other order."

On a floor or platform that is essentially flat, and securely restrained upright or horizontal, in racks, or packed in boxes or crates. 49 CFR 177.840(a): cylinders "shall not be loaded onto any part of the floor or platform of any motor vehicle which is not essentially flat"; 177.840(a)(1): they "must be securely restrained in an upright or horizontal position, loaded in racks, or packed in boxes or crates."

Not if mixing them would generate hydrogen cyanide. 49 CFR 177.848(c): "cyanides, cyanide mixtures or solutions may not be stored, loaded and transported with acids if a mixture of the materials would generate hydrogen cyanide."

Two years after the initial carrier accepts it, or three years for a hazardous waste. 49 CFR 172.201(e): "For a hazardous waste, the shipping paper copy must be retained for three years after the material is accepted by the initial carrier. For all other hazardous materials, the shipping paper must be retained for two years after the material is accepted by the initial carrier."

The identification number, the proper shipping name, the hazard class or division, and the packing group in Roman numerals. 49 CFR 172.202(a): "The identification number prescribed for the material as shown in Column (4) of the § 172.101 table"; "The proper shipping name prescribed for the material in Column (2) of the § 172.101 table"; "The hazard class or division number prescribed for the material, as shown in Column (3) of the § 172.101 table"; "The packing group in Roman numerals, as designated for the hazardous material in Column (5) of the § 172.101 table."

49 CFR 172.204: "This is to certify that the above-named materials are properly classified, described, packaged, marked and labeled, and are in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation."

No. The number must be monitored the whole time the material is in transportation, and a call-back number does not qualify. 49 CFR 172.604(a): it must be "Monitored at all times the hazardous material is in transportation, including storage incidental to transportation"; "A telephone number that requires a call back (such as an answering service, answering machine, or beeper device) does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section."

Among others, the drivers of motor vehicles. 49 CFR 172.602(c)(1): "This information must be immediately accessible to train crew personnel, drivers of motor vehicles, flight crew members, and bridge personnel on vessels for use in the event of incidents involving hazardous materials."

General awareness/familiarization, function-specific, safety and security awareness training (plus in-depth security training where a security plan is required). 49 CFR 172.704(a) lists "General awareness/familiarization training", "Function-specific training", "Safety training. Each hazmat employee shall receive safety training concerning" and "Security awareness training. Each hazmat employee must receive training that provides an awareness of security risks associated with hazardous materials transportation"

Yes, but only under direct supervision of a trained hazmat employee, and training must be finished within 90 days. 49 CFR 172.704(c)(1): "The employee performs those functions under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee; and" "The training is completed within 90 days after employment or a change in job function."

At least once every three years. 49 CFR 172.704(c)(2): "A hazmat employee must receive the training required by this subpart at least once every three years."

It must cover the preceding three years and be kept while the person is employed as a hazmat employee and for 90 days after. 49 CFR 172.704(d): "Each hazmat employer must create and retain a record of current training of each hazmat employee, inclusive of the preceding three years, in accordance with this section for as long as that employee is employed by that employer as a hazmat employee and for 90 days thereafter."

Yes, but only if the extra requirements do not conflict with Subpart H and Part 177, and only for drivers domiciled in that state. 49 CFR 172.701: "For motor vehicle drivers, however, a State may impose more stringent training requirements only if those requirements—" "Do not conflict with the training requirements in this subpart and in part 177 of this subchapter" and "Apply only to drivers domiciled in that State."

No. 49 CFR 172.502(a)(2) prohibits "Any sign, advertisement, slogan (such as “Drive Safely”), or device that, by its color, design, shape or content, could be confused with any placard prescribed in this subpart."

The shipper provides them to the carrier no later than when the material is offered (unless the vehicle is already placarded), and the carrier may not transport it without the required placards affixed. 49 CFR 172.506(a): the offeror "shall provide to the motor carrier the required placards for the material being offered prior to or at the same time the material is offered for transportation"; "No motor carrier may transport a hazardous material in a motor vehicle, unless the placards required for the hazardous material are affixed thereto as required by this subpart."

Yes, unless, for example, it has been cleaned of residue and purged of vapors, or meets another listed exception. 49 CFR 172.514(b): "Each bulk packaging that is required to be placarded when it contains a hazardous material, must remain placarded when it is emptied, unless it—" "Is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazard."

Yes, instead of or in addition to the front of the cargo body. 49 CFR 172.516(b): "The required placarding of the front of a motor vehicle may be on the front of a truck-tractor instead of or in addition to the placarding on the front of the cargo body to which a truck-tractor is attached."

Clear of appurtenances such as ladders, pipes, doors and tarpaulins, and at least 3 inches from any marking such as advertising. 49 CFR 172.516(c): "Be located clear of appurtenances and devices such as ladders, pipes, doors, and tarpaulins"; "Be located away from any marking (such as advertising) that could substantially reduce its effectiveness, and in any case at least 3 inches (76.0 mm.) away from such marking."

More than 450 L (119 gallons). 49 CFR 171.8: a bulk packaging has "A maximum capacity greater than 450 L (119 gallons) as a receptacle for a liquid"; it is a packaging "in which hazardous materials are loaded with no intermediate form of containment."

49 CFR 171.8: "Cargo tank motor vehicle means a motor vehicle with one or more cargo tanks permanently attached to or forming an integral part of the motor vehicle."

Yes, when their work directly affects hazmat transportation safety. 49 CFR 171.8 includes a person "Self-employed (including an owner-operator of a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft) transporting hazardous materials in commerce who in the course of such self-employment directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety."

A mass explosion hazard. 49 CFR 173.50(b)(1): "Division 1.1 consists of explosives that have a mass explosion hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost the entire load instantaneously."

Division 1.4 presents only a minor explosion hazard largely confined to the package; Division 1.2 has a projection hazard. 49 CFR 173.50(b): "Division 1.2 consists of explosives that have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard"; "Division 1.4 consists of explosives that present a minor explosion hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to the package."

A flash point of not more than 60 °C (140 °F), with listed exceptions. 49 CFR 173.120(a): "a flammable liquid (Class 3) means a liquid having a flash point of not more than 60 °C (140 °F)."

Above 60 °C (140 °F) and below 93 °C (200 °F), for a liquid that meets no other hazard class. 49 CFR 173.120(b): "combustible liquid means any liquid that does not meet the definition of any other hazard class specified in this subchapter and has a flash point above 60 °C (140 °F) and below 93 °C (200 °F)."

49 CFR 173.136(a): "“corrosive material” (Class 8) means a liquid or solid that causes irreversible damage to human skin at the site of contact within a specified period of time."

The felonies listed in 49 CFR 1572.103(a), such as espionage and treason. 49 CFR 1572.103(a): "An applicant has a permanent disqualifying offense if convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, in a civilian or military jurisdiction of any of the following felonies:" including "Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage." and "Treason, or conspiracy to commit treason."

When the conviction was within 7 years of the application, or release from prison for it was within 5 years. 49 CFR 1572.103(b)(1): "the applicant was convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, of the crime in a civilian or military jurisdiction, within seven years of the date of the application; or" "the applicant was incarcerated for that crime and released from incarceration within five years of the date of the TWIC application."

Not until the want or warrant is released or the indictment is dismissed. 49 CFR 1572.103(c): "An applicant who is wanted, or under indictment in any civilian or military jurisdiction for a felony listed in this section, is disqualified until the want or warrant is released or the indictment is dismissed."

U.S. national, or one of the listed statuses such as lawful permanent resident. 49 CFR 1572.105(a): "An individual applying for a security threat assessment for a TWIC or HME must be a national of the United States or—" including "A lawful permanent resident of the United States."

Having been adjudicated as lacking mental capacity, or committed to a mental health facility. 49 CFR 1572.109(a): "An applicant has mental incapacity, if he or she has been—" "Adjudicated as lacking mental capacity; or" "Committed to a mental health facility."

A fingerprint-based criminal history records check, an intelligence-related background check, and a final disposition. 49 CFR 1572.15(a): "The security threat assessment TSA completes includes a fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC), an intelligence-related background check, and a final disposition."

No later than 30 days before the HME expires. 49 CFR 1572.15(b)(1): "the applicant must begin the security threat assessment no later than 30 days before the date of the expiration of the HME."