• Drivers of certain specialized CMVs must obtain an endorsement by passing special written and/or driving tests.
• Endorsements are required for hazardous material vehicles, tank vehicles, passenger vehicles, school buses, double/triple trailers, and combination tank and hazardous materials vehicles.
• On or after February 7, 2022, drivers must complete ELDT before seeking a hazardous material, school bus, or passenger endorsement.

Before operating a more specialized vehicle, a driver must pass a special written and/or driving test(s). If the driver passes the test(s), the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP)* will show an endorsement to drive that type of vehicle. The endorsements are as follows:

States may have additional codes for endorsements. These codes must be explained on the license.

*The only endorsements allowed on a CLP are passenger, school bus, and tank vehicle.

Obtaining an endorsement

To obtain an endorsement, drivers will need to pass a knowledge test. The school bus (S) and passenger (P) endorsements also require a skills test. Information about the testing standards can be found in Part 383 Subpart G, or obtained from the state licensing agency.

On or after February 7, 2022, drivers must complete entry-level driver training (ELDT), provided by an entity listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Training Provider Registry (TPR) website before seeking a hazardous material (H), school bus (S), or passenger (P) endorsement. (Part 380 Subparts F and G).

Hazardous materials endorsement

Drivers operating any size of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) hauling hazardous materials (hazmat) in quantities requiring placarding must obtain a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement (HME). This is true regardless of the state of operation and whether a carrier operates in intrastate or interstate commerce.

Hazmat is defined in 383.5 as “any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under Subpart F of Part 172 or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in Part 73.” Under Part 383, states can only issue an HME for a maximum of five years. It could be for a lesser time if the state so desires. Drivers should contact state licensing agencies for specific details.

Waiver of endorsements for military

At the discretion of a state, the knowledge and skills test requirements for obtaining a passenger(P), tank (T), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement may be waived for current or former military service members if certain criteria are met. This exception does not waive the security screening requirements that must be met to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement.