Hauling Hazmat can be dangerous. Which is why it's important that all Hazmat drivers are properly trained and credentialed. Below you will find information on how to get properly trained and ready to transport these materials.
Be sure to stay until the end of the blog for a free, downloadable checklist for Texas Drivers!
The 4 Steps:
Anyone who
hauls hazardous materials must have a CDL, regardless of vehicle size. Once you
have your CDL, you must get your Hazmat Endorsement. There are four easy steps to get your Hazmat (H) Endorsement in Texas:
Take a Hazmat Endorsement ELDT theory course. (We offer that here for $49.)
Apply and test for your endorsement at your local DMV.
Get fingerprinted for, and pass, a TSA background check.
Get your CDL with the new endorsement in the mail.
Things to Know
The course:
Hazmat ELDT theory courses will teach you what Hazmat is;
how to signal that you are carrying Hazmat; safety checks to complete before,
during, and after the drive; and procedures for safely responding to spills or
leaks. Our hazmat course, available here, meets all Federal
and State regulations for Hazmat ELDT training. Once you complete the
course, your information is sent to the FMCSA and your local driver’s license
office.
We know you’re busy, which is why we designed our course to
be taken at your own pace from your computer or phone or our app!
The test:
When you finish the course and go to test, you'll need to have your:
The actual test has 30 questions, and you need to get 80%, or 24 questions, correct to pass.
Every DMV is different, so call yours before to see if they require appointments for testing.
The Background Check: When you pass the test, a DMV worker will give you the information and code needed to schedule an appointment to get fingerprinted.
The fingerprinting is a separate fee that you’ll need to verify with the company when you schedule your appointment.
On the day of the appointment, make sure you bring your CDL. You must reschedule if you don’t have your CDL with you.
Within 45 days after your appointment, the Department of Public Safety will mail you a notice that you passed and your updated CDL if you passed or instructions for how to appeal the decision if you fail.
If it has been 46 days since your fingerprinting and you haven't heard anything, contact the Dept. of Public Safety to check your status. Note: In Texas, you cannot get your Hazmat Endorsement if: you have a non-domicile CDL, your lawful status is refugee or asylee, your CDL is only valid for driving within Texas, or you have a valid Texas Limb Waiver.
Download our free, printable checklist to track your progress:
