CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - HAZMAT (H) Endorsement

To operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), you must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A CMV includes vehicles used for commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or those designed to carry 16 or more passengers (excluding the driver).

To earn a CDL, all applicants must pass both a knowledge test and a skills test. While everyone must take the General Knowledge Test, drivers applying for the Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement must also pass the required ELDT Hazmat Endorsement knowledge test as defined in 49 CFR 383.5. Additionally, applicants must complete a TSA background check as part of the hazmat clearance process.

After completing the hazmat knowledge test, drivers must take the standard CDL skills tests, which include:

• Vehicle inspection
• Basic vehicle control
• On-road driving

These tests must be taken in the same type of vehicle the applicant plans to be licensed for. Vehicles with components that are marked or labeled cannot be used for the Vehicle Inspection Test.

Drivers who plan to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks with an individual capacity of more than 119 gallons, and a combined capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, whether permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle, must also pass the Tank Vehicle (N) Endorsement test as required by FMCSA.

The CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - HAZMAT (H) Endorsement course holds significant importance for various reasons.

• It equips drivers with the knowledge and skills to safely transport hazardous materials, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting themselves, the public, and the environment.
• It ensures drivers comply with federal regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials, avoiding fines and potential license suspension.
• It qualifies drivers to haul hazardous materials, opening doors to new job opportunities.
• The ELDT Hazmat Endorsement demonstrates a driver's commitment to safety and specialized knowledge in handling hazardous materials.
• Accidents involving hazardous materials can be catastrophic, resulting in hefty fines, clean-up costs, and potential lawsuits. Proper training can help prevent these incidents, saving companies significant expenses in the long run.

The course meets and exceeds the compliance requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the United States Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180).

According to the rules of the FMCSA, there is no need to take a refresher training for this ELDT Hazmat Endorsement training as it is aimed as a first-time training for entry-level drivers.

However, the DOT regulations mandate that all personnel involved in the transportation process of hazardous materials must receive refresher/retaining once every three years. Therefore, we recommend that drivers transporting hazardous materials should enroll in our DOT Hazmat Transportation: General Awareness Training 4-hour online training course once every three years to ensure continued compliance with all regulations.

This program is designed for drivers seeking to apply to add an (H) endorsement to an existing CDL, hence participants should be at least 18 years old and hold a valid commercial driver’s license.

Yes! As an FMCSA-approved training provider for ELDT online courses, our courses are accepted in every state except Washington. The state of Washington requires classroom instruction by a registered Washington Training Provider for all kinds of CDL certifications and endorsements. These requirements apply only to drivers who hold a Washington license or are obtaining a Washington CDL.

Various professionals across industries would gain valuable knowledge and skills by enrolling in this CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - HAZMAT (H) Endorsement course. They include:

• Commercial Drivers who may be tasked with transporting hazmat;
• Hazmat Delivery Drivers,
• Tanker Truck Drivers,
• Hazmat Material Haulers (Liquid/Gas),
• Hazmat Drivers for Energy Companies,
• Hazmat Waste Transporters, and
• Hazmat Drivers in specialized industries such as explosives in the mining sector or radioactive materials in the medical field.

Once you complete the H Endorsement training, we will report your completion to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through the Training Provider Registry (TPR). This ensures that your training records are updated and accessible to the FMCSA, verifying that you have met the necessary requirements.

Once this is done, you are eligible to take your state's hazmat knowledge test. Successfully passing the knowledge test will qualify you to receive the H endorsement.

No. State authorities also require a knowledge test and a background security check by the TSA before you can receive an H endorsement.

You must complete this online H Endorsement theory course before taking the state Hazmat Endorsement Knowledge Exam, which is typically administered at the state motor vehicle office. Upon finishing this hazmat endorsement training course, our system will automatically upload your ELDT records to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Training Provider Registry (TPR). Once this is done, you are eligible to take your state's hazmat knowledge test. Successfully passing the knowledge test will qualify you to receive the H endorsement.

Certificate of Completion: Immediately after passing the final exam, you can download, save, or print your certificate in PDF format.

Validity: This CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - HAZMAT (H) Endorsement certificate does not expire. However, by federal law, individuals must go through the CDL renewal process to renew the (H) endorsement on their CDL.

Renewal: Some States may require more frequent assessments based on shorter CDL renewal cycles. For instance, in the State of Florida, CDL renewals must be done every four years. Please check with your state DOT for renewal cycles.