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Drivers are required to obtain an endorsement (or endorsements) on their commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) to operate certain specialized types of vehicles.
This regulation applies to drivers in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce who operate a CMV that requires an endorsement on their CDL or CLP.
Drivers must pass a special written and/or driving test(s) before they can operate a more specialized vehicle. If they pass the test(s), their CDL or CLP will show that they have an endorsement to drive that type of vehicle. The endorsements are as follows:
Endorsement | Description |
---|---|
H | Hazardous Materials |
N | Tank |
P | Passenger |
S | School bus |
T | Double/triple trailers |
X | A combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials |
States may have additional codes for endorsements. These codes are to be explained on the license.
The only endorsements allowed on a CLP are passenger, school bus, and tank vehicle.
Exceptions. At the discretion of a state, the knowledge and skills test requirements for obtaining a passenger endorsement may be waived for current or former military service members if certain criteria are met.
At the discretion of a state, the knowledge test requirements for obtaining a tank or hazardous materials 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.