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Washington D.C. HazMat CDL Practice Test

Practice for your HazMat CDL exam with questions based on the official Washington D.C. CDL handbook

Updated: August 2026

What's on the Washington D.C. HazMat CDL test

Answering from memory beats re-reading — retrieval practice roughly doubles what you remember a week later. These free questions are modeled on the official HazMat CDL knowledge test.

Questions
30
To pass
24/30 correct (80%)
Updated
June 2026
100% free

The Washington D.C. CDL HazMat test follows the AAMVA standard used by most states: 30 questions, with 24 correct answers (80%) needed to pass. A CDL learner's permit in Washington D.C. costs $78 (District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) fee schedule, June 2026).

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Washington D.C. HazMat CDL Practice Test

  1. The shippers package hazardous materials, they must certify that this was done according to the regulations. The only exception is when:

    • The driver is given a sealed cargo compartment
    • The shipper is a private carrier carrying his or her own product
    • The shipment is a hazardous waste

    When companies send out dangerous goods, they must follow rules to pack them safely. The only time they don't have to is if the company is moving its own products and not selling the service.

  2. How many hazard classes are there?

    • 3
    • 9
    • 10

    There are 9 different types of dangers or hazard classes that truck drivers need to know about when they are carrying goods. These classes help them understand what kind of special care or rules they need to follow to keep the roads safe.

  3. Apart from the shipping papers and the packages, what other two locations must display the hazardous material identification number?

    • on the front bumper and on the inside of the cab door.
    • on the exhaust system and on a decal on the dashboard.
    • on the driver’s door and on the steering column.
    • on all bulk packaging and on the cargo tanks.

    Beyond shipping papers and packages, the hazardous material identification number is also required to be shown on cargo tanks and on all bulk packaging.

  4. A driver places placards on their vehicle in order to:

    • to show the vehicle’s maximum legal weight.
    • to advertise the company hauling the load.
    • to communicate risk.
    • to indicate the driver’s route and destination.

    Placards are exterior signs on a vehicle that alert others to the presence of hazardous materials and indicate the hazard class of the load.

  5. Why is the shipper required to sign the shipping paper?

    • To confirm the carrier has inspected and approved the shipment for transport
    • To certify that it has prepared the shipment in accordance with regulations
    • To confirm the carrier has received payment for transporting the shipment

    The shipping paper has to contain the shipper’s certification, signed by the shipper, confirming the shipment was prepared in compliance with the applicable regulations.

  6. Carriers must provide each driver who hauls Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials with:

    • a written list of emergency response phone numbers for local fire departments.
    • a copy of FMCSR Part 397.
    • a copy of the shipper’s facility address and receiving hours.

    Carriers are required to give drivers transporting explosives a copy of 49 CFR 397, “Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Driving and Parking Rules.” This part includes rules on hazardous materials routing, including factors to consider when selecting an appropriate route.

  7. Hazardous material identification numbers must be shown on portable tanks, cargo tanks, and other bulk packages. Regulations require black ______ numbers.

    • 75 mm
    • 125 mm
    • 100 mm

    Hazardous material identification numbers must appear on portable tanks, cargo tanks, and other bulk packaging. The rules specify black 100 mm (3.9 inch) numbers on orange panels, placards, or on a white diamond-shaped background when placards are not required.

  8. Helium is classified as a Class ____ hazardous material.

    • 2
    • 9
    • 1

    A hazardous material’s class indicates the type of risk it presents. There are nine hazard classes in total. Class 2 covers gases, including flammable gases (2.1) like propane, non-flammable gases (2.2) like helium, and toxic gases (2.3) such as compressed fluorine.

  9. Who must select the safest route when transporting placarded radioactive materials?

    • The state highway department
    • The receiver/consignee
    • The carrier

    If placarded radioactive materials have to be transported, the carrier is responsible for choosing the safest route. Once the route is selected, the carrier must inform the driver about the radioactive materials and provide the driver with the planned route.

  10. With most hazardous materials, you may park within 5 feet of the road briefly. If your work requires it. The materials that are the exception and do not allow parking this close to the road are?

    • Acids and poisons
    • Corrosives and oxidizers
    • Explosives 1.1 thru 1.3

    When it comes to parking near the road with hazardous materials, you usually can if it's quick and needed for work. But, don't do this with very explosive materials (like fireworks or dynamite), flammable stuff (like gasoline or propane), because it's too dangerous.

  11. A truck as hazardous material, when can it be moved without the placards on the truck?

    • Never
    • When the shipper says it's ok
    • To protect life or property

    If a truck is carrying dangerous materials, it usually must have special signs (placards) on it to show that it is hazardous. However, there is one exception to this rule. The truck can be moved without these signs only if it is necessary to protect people's lives or to prevent property from being damaged. This means safety is the top priority, and in an emergency situation, the truck can be moved even without the placards.

  12. Which option lists a required criterion for a package to qualify as non-bulk packaging?

    • A water capacity of 454 kg (1,000 pounds) or less if it is used as a receptacle for a gas
    • A maximum net mass of 400 kg (882 pounds) or less and a maximum capacity of 450 L (119 gallons) or less if it is used as a receptacle for a solid
    • A maximum capacity of 450 L (119 gallons) or less if it is used as a receptacle for a liquid
    • All of the above

    Non-bulk packaging must meet defined limits when used as a container for solids, liquids, or gases. It qualifies as non-bulk if it is: 450 L (119 gallons) or less for liquids; 400 kg (882 pounds) or less and 450 L (119 gallons) or less for solids; and 454 kg (1,000 pounds) or less for gases.

  13. If you are transporting Division 1.2 or 1.3 materials, what is the minimum distance you must park from a bridge, tunnel, or building?

    • 300 feet
    • 150 feet
    • 250 feet
    • 50 feet

    With a load of Division 1.2 or 1.3 explosives, you are required to park no closer than 300 feet from any bridge, tunnel, or other structure.

  14. Under what circumstances may a shipper shorten (abbreviate) the proper shipping name or hazardous material identification number on a shipping paper?

    • Only if regulations specifically authorize the shipper to do it
    • Only when the shipment is moving by highway within the same state
    • Only when the material is non-flammable and low hazard

    A shipper is not allowed to abbreviate a hazardous material’s identification number, hazard class, or proper shipping name unless the regulations explicitly permit that abbreviation. Abbreviations can interfere with correct identification and create safety risks.

  15. You must stop before a railroad crossing if your vehicle is transporting _______ of chlorine.

    • at least 100 gallons
    • any amount
    • more than 110 gallons

    If you are transporting any quantity of chlorine gas, you are required to stop at every railroad crossing and use extra caution before crossing. A train collision could cause a chlorine release, which is very dangerous because chlorine gas is poisonous. (If chlorine is being hauled in cargo tanks, a gas mask must be available in the cab.) Chlorine is also a strong oxidizer and can react with flammables to start fires, which may spread corrosive or toxic gases.

  16. You may allow another person to watch your vehicle only when it is…

    • parked at a public rest area while you take a break.
    • being watched by any licensed driver.
    • on the property of the shipper, carrier, or receiver.

    You may let someone else watch your vehicle only when you are on the property of the shipper, carrier, or consignee/receiver, since those parties understand the hazards and how to handle them.

  17. Which hazard class covers both flammable gases and non-flammable gases?

    • 2
    • 4
    • 9

    A material’s hazard class indicates the type of risk it presents. There are nine hazard classes. Hazard Class 2 is for gases, including flammable gases (2.1) like propane, non-flammable gases (2.2) like helium, and toxic gases (2.3) such as compressed fluorine.

  18. If you think there may be a cargo fire in your trailer and the cargo doors feel hot, what should you do?

    • crack the doors slightly to let heat and smoke escape.
    • leave the doors closed.
    • swing the doors fully open to ventilate the trailer.

    Hot cargo doors make it more likely a fire is burning inside. Opening the doors would add oxygen and can intensify the fire. Keeping the doors shut limits oxygen, so the fire may only smolder until firefighters arrive.

  19. By law, how regularly must employees involved in transporting hazardous materials be tested?

    • Within 90 days of hire and then every 3 years
    • Within 90 days of hire and then every 6 months
    • At least every 5 years

    People who transport dangerous stuff must be tested within 90 days of starting their job and then every 3 years to make sure they know how to handle these materials safely.

  20. Symbol column, the letter "G" stands for?

    • Identifies the proper shipping name for which one or more technical names of the hazardous material must be entered in parentheses, along with the basic description
    • Identifies the proper shipping name
    • Gases

    The letter "G" means you need to write the hazardous material's specific name next to its general name when shipping it.

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About the HazMat Test in Washington D.C.

The HazMat endorsement test is required in Washington D.C. for drivers who transport hazardous materials. It covers placarding, labeling, loading procedures, emergency response, and compliance with federal hazmat regulations. A TSA background check is also required.

The HazMat test is part of the CDL written exam administered by the Washington D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. You must pass this test along with the other required written tests to receive your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) in Washington D.C..

Our practice questions are built from the official Washington D.C. CDL handbook and federal FMCSA regulations. Each question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the material, not just memorize answers.

Washington D.C. HazMat endorsement facts

Washington D.C. CDL facts, each with its official source
FactValueSource
CDL knowledge test$10 per testCharged whether you pass or faildmv.dc.gov
Adding a CDL endorsement$20dmv.dc.gov
Card service fee2.5% on all debit and credit card transactionseffective December 15, 2025dmv.dc.gov
Payment at the CDL officesNo cash at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Office or the CDL Testing FacilityThe Landover road test lot takes money orders onlydmv.dc.gov
Knowledge test languagesEnglish onlydmv.dc.gov
Time limit — endorsement knowledge test60 minutesdmv.dc.gov
Running out of timeExceeding the time limit fails the testdmv.dc.gov
Knowledge test retake wait3 calendar daysEligible again on the fourth daydmv.dc.gov
Knowledge test attemptsSix failures in a 12-month period block a seventh test until 12 months after the first failuredmv.dc.gov
Knowledge test fee is charged either wayPayable whether you pass or faildmv.dc.gov
Where knowledge tests are givenDeanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office, 1421 Kenilworth Avenue NEKnowledge exams Tue–Sat, closing at 2 pmdmv.dc.gov
Study materialThe DC DMV CDL Manual (2005 CDL Testing System, version July 2014)dmv.dc.gov
Endorsements with no road skills testT (double/triple trailers), H (hazardous materials) and N (tank)dmv.dc.gov
When H and N can be addedOnly after the Class A, B or C REAL ID CDL has been issuedNever on a commercial learner permitdmv.dc.gov
Endorsements a CLP can carrySchool bus (S) and passenger (P) only, with restrictionsH, N, T and X are added after the CDL is issueddmv.dc.gov
Minimum age21 for a DC CDL; 18 for the District’s intrastate-only CDLdmv.dc.gov
Citizenship or immigration statusUS citizen, or a non-US citizen with a valid permanent resident carddmv.dc.gov
DOT medical certificationSubmitted electronically by a certified medical examiner through FMCSA’s NR-II portalDC DMV no longer accepts a paper DOT medical card from the drivereffective June 23, 2025dmv.dc.gov
Entry-Level Driver TrainingRequired for a first Class A or B CDL, a Class B to A upgrade, and a first S, P or H endorsementFor the H endorsement the training must be completed before the knowledge testeffective February 7, 2022dmv.dc.gov
Drug & Alcohol ClearinghouseA “prohibited” status removes commercial privileges until the return-to-duty process is completeeffective November 18, 2024dmv.dc.gov
CMV Group CVehicles built to carry 16 or more passengers, or used to transport materials classified as hazardousdmv.dc.gov
H endorsementTruck carrying hazardous materialsdmv.dc.gov
X endorsementCombines N and H in a single endorsement (tank or hazardous materials)dmv.dc.gov
N endorsementTruck with a tankdmv.dc.gov
Intrastate CDL restrictionsClass C vehicles only, and no H, N, P, S or T endorsementsdmv.dc.gov
Who DC DMV issues a CDL toProfessional drivers who reside in the Districtdmv.dc.gov
Wearable devices during testingSmart glasses, AR eyewear and other wearable recording or communication devices are restricted during any DC DMV testdmv.dc.gov
Licensing agencyDistrict of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)The District is its own licensing jurisdiction; all CDL testing runs out of the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Officedmv.dc.gov
HazMat background checkFingerprints and a background check are required for the H endorsementdmv.dc.gov
TSA security threat assessmentYou must pass a TSA background check to obtain the endorsementdmv.dc.gov
What disqualifies you from the H endorsementNot being a lawful permanent resident, renouncing US citizenship, certain felony convictions or indictments, or being judged a TSA security threatdmv.dc.gov
Who tells you the background-check stepsDC DMV — the procedures vary by jurisdiction and the licensing agency provides themdmv.dc.gov
TSA security threat assessment fee (federal)$85.25Non-refundable; paid to TSA, not the stateeffective January 1, 2025tsa.gov
TSA reduced fee (valid TWIC holders, where the state accepts it)$41tsa.gov
TSA clearance validity5 yearstsa.gov
When to enroll with TSAAt least 60 days before you need the endorsementTSA says some applications take more than 45 daystsa.gov

How to add the HazMat endorsement in Washington D.C.

  1. Get the Class A, B or C CDL first. In the District the H and N endorsements cannot be issued before the CDL itself, and a commercial learner permit can never carry them. Source
  2. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training for the H endorsement with an FMCSA-registered provider — for hazmat the training must be finished before you take the knowledge test, not the skills test. Source
  3. Submit your fingerprints and complete the security threat assessment: the hazardous materials endorsement requires a background check, and TSA must clear you before DC DMV can add the H. Source
  4. Take the hazardous materials knowledge test at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office. Endorsement tests have a 60-minute limit and cost $10 per test; exceeding the limit is an automatic fail. There is no road skills test for H. Source
  5. Pay the $20 commercial driver license endorsement fee to have the H added to your CDL. Ask about the X (combination) endorsement if you also drive tankers — it merges N and H into one. Source

As of September 2, 2026, verified against District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).

Washington D.C. CDL questions

How long is a DC commercial learner permit valid, and how long must I hold it?
One year, and it cannot be renewed — once it expires you must retest. You must hold it at least 30 calendar days before you can even schedule the CDL road skills test, which is more than the 14-day federal minimum. The permit only lets you drive the designated class when a driver licensed for that class is with you, and it can carry only the S and P endorsements. Source
What happens if I fail the DC CDL knowledge test?
You wait three calendar days and are eligible again on the fourth day — fail on a Tuesday and the earliest retake is Saturday. Fail six times in a 12-month period and you cannot take a seventh test until 12 months after the first failure. You pay the $10 test fee each time. Tests are in English only, the general knowledge test has a 90-minute limit and endorsement tests 60 minutes, and running out of time is an automatic fail. Source
Where do I take the DC CDL tests?
Knowledge tests are given only at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office, 1421 Kenilworth Avenue NE — knowledge exams run Tuesday to Saturday and close at 2 pm. The road skills test is held at the Commercial Driver License Road Test Lot at 3000 Pennsy Drive, Landover, MD (the Landover Metro overflow lot), by appointment only, and money order is the only payment accepted there. Source
How do I get a hazmat (H) endorsement in the District of Columbia?
You need the CDL first — DC DMV cannot add H or N before the Class A, B or C REAL ID CDL is issued, and a learner permit can never carry them. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training for H (required before the knowledge test, not the skills test), submit fingerprints for the TSA security threat assessment, pass the hazardous materials knowledge test at Deanwood ($10, 60-minute limit) and pay the $20 endorsement fee. There is no road skills test for H, N or T. Source
How old do you have to be to get a CDL in the District of Columbia?
21, with a valid DC non-commercial driver license. The District also issues an intrastate-only CDL from age 18, but it needs two years of driving experience, covers Class C vehicles only, and cannot carry the H, N, P, S or T endorsements. Source

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