CDL Endorsements Explained: HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples & More
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A CDL endorsement is an additional authorization added to your CDL that permits you to operate specific types of vehicles or haul specific types of cargo. Your base CDL (Class A, B, or C) covers standard vehicles; endorsements expand what you can legally drive. Each endorsement requires passing an additional test, and some — like HazMat — have federal background check requirements.
This guide covers all six CDL endorsement codes, what each one authorizes, testing requirements, and state-by-state endorsement fees from our 51-state database. Federal endorsement requirements come directly from 49 CFR Part 383.
All Six CDL Endorsements at a Glance
| Code | Name | Test Type | ELDT Required? | TSA Check? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | No | No |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | Yes | No |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | No | No |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | Yes | Yes ($85.25) |
| X | Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | No | Yes ($85.25) |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | Yes | No |
Endorsement Details
Double/Triple Trailers
Test: Knowledge test only
Permits the driver to pull double or triple trailers. Required for operating vehicles with two or three trailers.
Federal Requirement
Must pass a knowledge test on coupling and uncoupling double and triple trailers, and related inspection and safety procedures.
Passenger
Test: Knowledge and skills tests
Required for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Covers buses and large passenger vehicles.
Federal Requirement
Must pass a knowledge test on safe passenger loading, transit, and unloading, as well as a skills test in a representative passenger vehicle. ELDT required for first-time endorsement (effective Feb 7, 2022).
Tank Vehicle
Test: Knowledge test only
Required for operating any commercial motor vehicle that is used to transport any liquid or gaseous materials within a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis.
Federal Requirement
Must pass a knowledge test covering the special safety considerations for tank vehicle operation, including liquid surge, load distribution, and rollover prevention.
Hazardous Materials
Test: Knowledge test only
Required for operating any vehicle that is placarded for hazardous materials under 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F. Covers transport of flammable liquids, gases, explosives, radioactive materials, and other regulated hazardous substances.
Federal Requirement
Must pass a knowledge test on hazardous materials regulations, safe handling and transport procedures, and emergency response. Requires a TSA security threat assessment (background check and fingerprinting) every 5 years. ELDT required for first-time endorsement (effective Feb 7, 2022).
TSA Security Threat Assessment required. Fee: $85.25. Includes fingerprinting and background check. Must be renewed every 5 years. Start the process early — it can take several weeks to clear.
Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle
Test: Knowledge test only
A combination endorsement authorizing the driver to operate tank vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Requires both the H (Hazardous Materials) and N (Tank Vehicle) endorsements.
Federal Requirement
Must pass both the Hazardous Materials (H) and Tank Vehicle (N) knowledge tests. Requires TSA security threat assessment. Represents the combined privileges of both endorsements.
TSA Security Threat Assessment required. Fee: $85.25. Includes fingerprinting and background check. Must be renewed every 5 years. Start the process early — it can take several weeks to clear.
School Bus
Test: Knowledge and skills tests
Required for operating a school bus. The driver must also hold a Passenger (P) endorsement. A school bus is defined as a CMV used to transport pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students to and from home and school, or to and from school-sponsored events.
Federal Requirement
Must hold a valid P endorsement, pass a school bus knowledge test, and pass a skills test in a school bus. ELDT required for first-time endorsement (effective Feb 7, 2022). States may require additional background checks.
Which Endorsements Should You Get?
The endorsements you need depend on what you plan to haul and what opportunities you want to be eligible for. Here are common scenarios:
Over-the-Road (OTR) Trucking
Most OTR positions require a Class A CDL. Endorsements may not be required for dry van or refrigerated freight, but having N (Tanker) and H (HazMat) — or X (combo) — opens up more loads.
Common: T, N, H or X
Tanker / Fuel Delivery
You need at minimum the N (Tank Vehicle) endorsement. If hauling hazardous liquids (fuel, chemicals), you also need H (HazMat) or the X combo endorsement.
Required: N (and typically H or X)
School Bus Driver
Requires both P (Passenger) and S (School Bus) endorsements. Additional state background checks typically required beyond the CDL process.
Required: P + S
Transit / Motorcoach
Class B CDL with Passenger (P) endorsement. City transit, charter bus, and tour bus operations.
Required: P
Pro tip: Many experienced drivers recommend getting as many endorsements as possible when you first get your CDL. The knowledge tests are fresh in your mind, and having endorsements on your license — even if you do not use them immediately — makes you a more versatile candidate. Drivers with HazMat and Tanker endorsements can typically command higher pay.
ELDT Requirements for Endorsements
Since February 7, 2022, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required not just for your initial CDL but also for first-time endorsements in certain categories. ELDT applies to:
- Class A CDL (first-time or upgrade from Class B)
- Class B CDL (first-time)
- Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement (first-time)
- Passenger (P) endorsement (first-time)
- School Bus (S) endorsement (first-time)
ELDT training must be completed through a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). The federal regulation does not mandate a specific minimum number of training hours — completion is based on the training provider's assessment of each trainee's proficiency. Individual states may impose additional hour requirements.
Endorsement Fees by State — All 51 States
Many states include endorsement fees in the base CDL fee (showing as $0 below). Others charge a separate fee per endorsement. HazMat endorsements always have the additional $85.25 TSA background check fee regardless of state endorsement fees.
Scroll horizontally on mobile to see all columns.
| State | H | N | T | P | S | X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Alaska | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Arizona | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $0 | $20 |
| Arkansas | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| California | $59 | $59 | $59 | $100 | $100 | $59 |
| Colorado | $5 | $5 | $7 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Connecticut | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Delaware | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| District of Columbia | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $40 |
| Florida | $7 | $7 | $7 | $7 | $7 | $14 |
| Georgia | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Hawaii | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Idaho | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $40 |
| Illinois | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Indiana | $19 | $19 | $19 | $19 | $19 | $38 |
| Iowa | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Kansas | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| Kentucky | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Louisiana | $7.50 | $7.50 | $7.50 | $7.50 | $7.50 | $15 |
| Maine | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| Maryland | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Massachusetts | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| Michigan | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Minnesota | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $5 |
| Mississippi | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| Missouri | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Montana | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Nebraska | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
| Nevada | $14.25 | $14.25 | $14.25 | $14.25 | $14.25 | $14.25 |
| New Hampshire | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| New Jersey | $2 | $2 | $2 | $2 | $2 | $4 |
| New Mexico | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| New York | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| North Carolina | $21.25 | $21.25 | $21.25 | $21.25 | $21.25 | $42.50 |
| North Dakota | $3 | $3 | $3 | $3 | $3 | $6 |
| Ohio | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $12 | $24 |
| Oklahoma | $4 | $4 | $4 | $4 | $4 | $8 |
| Oregon | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pennsylvania | $21.50 | $21.50 | $21.50 | $21.50 | $21.50 | $21.50 |
| Rhode Island | $11.50 | $11.50 | $11.50 | $11.50 | $11.50 | $23 |
| South Carolina | $2 | $2 | $2 | $2 | $2 | $4 |
| South Dakota | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $30 |
| Tennessee | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $20 | $5 |
| Texas | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Utah | $9 | $9 | $9 | $9 | $9 | $18 |
| Vermont | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Virginia | $8 | $8 | $8 | $8 | $8 | $16 |
| Washington | $17 | $17 | $17 | $17 | $17 | $34 |
| West Virginia | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| Wisconsin | $44 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 | $49 |
| Wyoming | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Key: H = Hazardous Materials, N = Tank Vehicle, T = Double/Triple Trailers, P = Passenger, S = School Bus, X = HazMat + Tank Combo. “$0” means the endorsement fee is included in the base CDL fee. All HazMat endorsements (H and X) require an additional $85.25 TSA background check fee.
CDL Restrictions (The Opposite of Endorsements)
While endorsements add capabilities, restrictions limit them. The most common CDL restrictions are:
L — Air Brake Restriction
If you fail the air brake knowledge test or take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, an “L” restriction is placed on your CDL. You can only operate CMVs without air brakes. To remove it, you must pass both the air brake knowledge and skills tests.
E — Automatic Transmission Restriction
If you take the skills test in an automatic transmission vehicle, you are restricted to automatics only. To remove it, you must pass the skills test in a manual transmission vehicle.
K — Intrastate Only
Limits you to operating within your state's borders only. Common for drivers under 21 who hold an intrastate CDL.
Bottom Line
Endorsements expand your career options and earning potential. The knowledge tests for T, N, and H can typically be studied for and passed within a few days. P and S require additional skills testing in a representative vehicle, which requires more preparation but opens up passenger transport careers. The X endorsement is simply having both H and N — no additional test beyond the two individual endorsement tests.
If you are still deciding on your CDL path, see our complete CDL guide or our CDL cost breakdown for more details.
CDL Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $59,950 | $100 | 6 wk | View → |
| Texas | $53,070 | $25 | 6 wk | View → |
| Florida | $50,000 | $75 | 6 wk | View → |
| New York | $60,520 | $10 | 6 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $58,540 | $30 | 6 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $59,790 | $50 | 6 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $58,080 | $28.5 | 6 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $56,570 | $10 | 6 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $49,580 | $43.25 | 6 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $55,140 | $25 | 6 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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