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Maryland HazMat CDL Practice Test

Practice for your HazMat CDL exam with questions based on the official Maryland CDL handbook

Updated: August 2026

What's on the Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland costs $106 (Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) fee schedule, June 2026).

Start the practice test

Maryland 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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All Maryland CDL tests

The Maryland HazMat test is one section of the Maryland CDL knowledge exam. For the full set — general knowledge questions, every endorsement section, and Maryland’s permit requirements in one place — go to the Maryland CDL permit practice test.

More free CDL practice tests

About the HazMat Test in Maryland

The HazMat endorsement test is required in Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland.

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

Maryland HazMat endorsement facts

Maryland CDL facts, each with its official source
FactValueSource
Out-of-state CDL conversion with the HazMat endorsement$405-year licenceeffective September 1, 2025mva.maryland.gov
CDL HazMat background check (BRC)$109.25Paid to the MVA at the fingerprinting appointment; MVA does not break the amount downeffective September 1, 2025mva.maryland.gov
CDL with HazMat endorsement$305-year licence — the HazMat endorsement shortens the CDL termeffective September 1, 2025mva.maryland.gov
Fee schedule in forceEffective September 1, 2025effective September 1, 2025mva.maryland.gov
Licensing agencyMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA)mva.maryland.gov
Minimum age18 for intrastate (Maryland-only) driving; 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials or passengersmva.maryland.gov
Entry-Level Driver TrainingRequired before the skills test or HAZMAT knowledge test, from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider RegistryFirst-time Class A/B applicants, Class B→A upgrades, and first P, S or H endorsementsmva.maryland.gov
ELDT and the HazMat testELDT must be finished before you may take the HAZMAT knowledge testmva.maryland.gov
Non-domiciled CLPs and CDLsIssuance paused until further noticeCovers issuance, transfers, updates, replacements, duplicates and renewalseffective September 29, 2025mva.maryland.gov
DOT medical certificateSent to the MVA directly from the FMCSA National RegistryMost CDL holders do not need to carry the paper cardmva.maryland.gov
Medical certificate validityUp to two yearsAn examiner may issue a shorter certificate for a monitored conditionmva.maryland.gov
Endorsements a CLP can carryPassenger (P), School Bus (S) and Tank Vehicle (N) onlymva.maryland.gov
HazMat on a learner permitThe MVA may not issue a learner’s instructional permit with a HazMat endorsementDoubles/Triples and HazMat appear only after the skills test is passedmva.maryland.gov
Knowledge-test passing score80% per testThe General Knowledge test must be passed before any other knowledge testmva.maryland.gov
Knowledge-test retake waitSeven days after a second failure of the same testmva.maryland.gov
Test languagesKnowledge tests in English or Spanish; skills tests in English onlyLanguage interpreters may not assist with either testmva.maryland.gov
When tests are givenKnowledge tests walk-in first, then by appointment; skills tests by appointment only. No test starts after 3:00 p.m. Mon–Fri or after 10:00 a.m. Saturdaymva.maryland.gov
Placarded vehiclesA vehicle placarded for hazardous materials cannot be used for the skills testmva.maryland.gov
Branch visitsAppointments are recommended for branch office visits and booked through myMVAmva.maryland.gov
What each endorsement needsP and S: CLP + knowledge + skills test. N and T: knowledge test only. H and X: knowledge test + background checkmva.maryland.gov
HazMat (H) endorsementPass the Hazardous Materials knowledge test and complete a TSA background check and fingerprintingWithout a CDL already, a skills test is also requiredmva.maryland.gov
HazMat + tank (X) endorsementQualify for both the N and the H endorsementmva.maryland.gov
Two separate transactionsAn MVA HAZMAT application plus a fingerprint-based background record check run by Maryland DPSCSmva.maryland.gov
Where the background check is doneBel Air, Glen Burnie Headquarters (Building B), Frederick, Salisbury and Waldorf onlyAppointments must be booked online through myMVAmva.maryland.gov
HazMat documentsProof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, your current Maryland CDL and a valid DOT medical cardmva.maryland.gov
Order of the stepsFingerprints and TSA approval come first; the HAZMAT knowledge test comes afterThe background check and the knowledge test cannot be done in one appointmentmva.maryland.gov
TSA decision timeAbout 30 days after the fingerprints are submittedmva.maryland.gov
Deadline after TSA approvalObtain the endorsement within six months of the TSA approval letterMiss it and you may restart the whole application and pay every fee againmva.maryland.gov
Renewing the endorsementRetake the HAZMAT knowledge test and go through the TSA security threat assessment againThe endorsement is removed from the CDL if the check is not completedmva.maryland.gov
TWIC card holdersA valid TWIC card replaces the MVA fingerprinting and background processmva.maryland.gov
TSA approval is a preconditionMaryland may not issue the endorsement without TSA approvalmva.maryland.gov
Transferring an out-of-state HazMat endorsementA new Maryland TSA threat assessment is required even if one was done elsewheremva.maryland.gov
Failing the HazMat knowledge testLater attempts are by appointment onlymva.maryland.gov
Moving to Maryland with an H or X endorsementPass the HazMat knowledge test and a new background check to transfer itmva.maryland.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 Maryland

  1. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training first if this is your first HAZMAT endorsement — MVA cannot let you take the HAZMAT knowledge test until it is done. Source
  2. Schedule a HAZMAT Background Record Check appointment through your myMVA account. Only five offices do the fingerprinting: Bel Air, Glen Burnie Headquarters (Building B), Frederick, Salisbury and Waldorf. Source
  3. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, your current Maryland CDL, and a valid medical certification (DOT card) with any federal waiver or exemption. Source
  4. At the appointment the MVA takes your fingerprints for the CJIS state and federal criminal check and forwards the application to TSA. Pay every fee at the visit — the $109.25 HAZMAT background check plus the endorsement fee. Source
  5. Wait for the TSA determination letter — usually about 30 days after your fingerprints are submitted. Maryland cannot issue the endorsement without TSA approval. Source
  6. Once approved, book a separate appointment at a full-service MVA office to take the HAZMAT knowledge test and receive the endorsement — bring the TSA approval letter, your licence and your medical certification. You must obtain the endorsement within six months of the letter or start over. Source

As of September 2, 2026, verified against Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA).

Maryland CDL questions

How much does a Maryland CDL cost?
The MVA fee table effective September 1, 2025 lists $106 for the CDL learner’s permit, $64 to renew an 8-year CDL or convert an out-of-state CDL of the same class, $20 for a CDL skills retest, $109.25 for the HazMat background check and $30 for a CDL carrying the HazMat endorsement (a 5-year licence). Training, the DOT physical and the TSA portion of the HazMat check are separate. Source
What score do I need on the Maryland CDL knowledge test, and can I take it in Spanish?
Maryland’s CDL manual sets the passing score at 80% on each knowledge test, and the General Knowledge test must be passed before any other. Knowledge tests may be taken in English or Spanish; skills tests are given only in English and no interpreter may assist with either. Fail the same knowledge test twice and you wait at least seven days to retake it. Source
How do I get a HazMat endorsement in Maryland?
It is two transactions: an MVA HAZMAT application and a fingerprint-based background record check run by Maryland DPSCS, done only at Bel Air, Glen Burnie Headquarters (Building B), Frederick, Salisbury or Waldorf. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, your Maryland CDL and a valid DOT card, pay every fee at that visit, then wait about 30 days for the TSA letter. Only after TSA approves do you book a second appointment for the HazMat knowledge test — and you must get the endorsement within six months of the approval letter. Source
Do I have to send my DOT medical card to the Maryland MVA?
No. Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate is sent to the MVA directly from the FMCSA National Registry, and most CDL holders do not need to carry the paper card. Most certificates are valid up to two years — a School bus (S) endorsement needs a new one every year. Let it lapse and your CDL is downgraded; after more than a year you must retake every CDL knowledge and skills test. Source

What to study for the Maryland HazMat test

  • The regulations, shipping papers and marking/labeling[49 CFR 383.121]

    The hazardous materials table, shipping-paper requirements, package marking and labeling, preparation rules, ORM-D, and how to report a hazmat incident.

  • Loading, handling and segregation[49 CFR 383.121]

    Forbidden materials and packages, loading and unloading rules, keeping incompatible materials apart, carrying hazmat on a passenger-carrying bus, attending and parking a loaded vehicle, and safe havens.

  • Placards — when a load needs one[49 CFR 172.504]

    A placard is the diamond-shaped hazard-class sign a vehicle must display on each side and each end once it carries a placardable quantity. Most hazard classes require placards at any quantity; the lower-hazard "Table 2" materials only need them once the load passes 1,001 pounds aggregate (bulk packagings excepted).

  • Emergency response[49 CFR 383.121]

    What to do in different kinds of accidents, precautions around fire and while fueling or smoking, and the extra rules that apply to Class 1.1 and 1.2 explosives.

  • The nine hazard classes[49 CFR 173.2]

    Class 1 Explosives · Class 2 Gases (2.1 flammable, 2.2 non-flammable compressed, 2.3 poisonous) · Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquids · Class 4 Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible materials, dangerous-when-wet materials · Class 5 Oxidizers and organic peroxides · Class 6 Poisonous (toxic) materials and infectious substances · Class 7 Radioactive materials · Class 8 Corrosives · Class 9 Miscellaneous hazardous materials.

HazMat test questions, explained

Why does the same product sometimes need a placard and sometimes not?[49 CFR 172.504]
Placarding is triggered by quantity and hazard-class table, not by the product’s name. A vehicle carrying any amount of most hazard classes needs placards; a load of the lower-hazard "Table 2" materials only needs them once it passes 1,001 pounds aggregate. That is why a van with a few cases of a flammable product may run unplacarded while a bulk tank of the same product must display placards on every side.
Why is there no skills/driving test for the HazMat endorsement?[49 CFR 383.141]
The H endorsement tests knowledge, not driving skill — you already proved you can operate the vehicle class when you earned the underlying CDL. What HazMat adds on top of the knowledge test is a security layer: the Transportation Security Administration has to clear you with a fingerprint-based background check before a state can issue the endorsement, which is why HazMat can take longer than any other endorsement even though the test itself is one sitting.
Why do I need training before the test if it is knowledge-only?
Entry-level driver training for a first HazMat endorsement is theory instruction — there is no behind-the-wheel component — covering the same regulation areas the knowledge test draws from: basic and operational hazmat requirements, loading and unloading, bulk packages, and emergency response. It exists so you have already studied the material once with a registered provider before you sit the test, not to teach a separate driving skill.
Can I get the exact Maryland HazMat test answers?
No honest source can hand you the exact test: Maryland’s knowledge test draws its questions from a randomized pool, so the exact set and order are not fixed page to page. The fastest real path is understanding why each answer is correct, not memorizing a fixed list. Try the free HazMat practice test below — every question ships with an explained answer.

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