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 testAll 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.
Other Maryland CDL Practice Tests
HazMat Practice Tests in Nearby States
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
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state CDL conversion with the HazMat endorsement | $405-year licenceeffective September 1, 2025 | mva.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, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| CDL with HazMat endorsement | $305-year licence — the HazMat endorsement shortens the CDL termeffective September 1, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| Fee schedule in force | Effective September 1, 2025effective September 1, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| Licensing agency | Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) | mva.maryland.gov |
| Minimum age | 18 for intrastate (Maryland-only) driving; 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials or passengers | mva.maryland.gov |
| Entry-Level Driver Training | Required 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 endorsements | mva.maryland.gov |
| ELDT and the HazMat test | ELDT must be finished before you may take the HAZMAT knowledge test | mva.maryland.gov |
| Non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs | Issuance paused until further noticeCovers issuance, transfers, updates, replacements, duplicates and renewalseffective September 29, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| DOT medical certificate | Sent to the MVA directly from the FMCSA National RegistryMost CDL holders do not need to carry the paper card | mva.maryland.gov |
| Medical certificate validity | Up to two yearsAn examiner may issue a shorter certificate for a monitored condition | mva.maryland.gov |
| Endorsements a CLP can carry | Passenger (P), School Bus (S) and Tank Vehicle (N) only | mva.maryland.gov |
| HazMat on a learner permit | The MVA may not issue a learner’s instructional permit with a HazMat endorsementDoubles/Triples and HazMat appear only after the skills test is passed | mva.maryland.gov |
| Knowledge-test passing score | 80% per testThe General Knowledge test must be passed before any other knowledge test | mva.maryland.gov |
| Knowledge-test retake wait | Seven days after a second failure of the same test | mva.maryland.gov |
| Test languages | Knowledge tests in English or Spanish; skills tests in English onlyLanguage interpreters may not assist with either test | mva.maryland.gov |
| When tests are given | Knowledge 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. Saturday | mva.maryland.gov |
| Placarded vehicles | A vehicle placarded for hazardous materials cannot be used for the skills test | mva.maryland.gov |
| Branch visits | Appointments are recommended for branch office visits and booked through myMVA | mva.maryland.gov |
| What each endorsement needs | P and S: CLP + knowledge + skills test. N and T: knowledge test only. H and X: knowledge test + background check | mva.maryland.gov |
| HazMat (H) endorsement | Pass the Hazardous Materials knowledge test and complete a TSA background check and fingerprintingWithout a CDL already, a skills test is also required | mva.maryland.gov |
| HazMat + tank (X) endorsement | Qualify for both the N and the H endorsement | mva.maryland.gov |
| Two separate transactions | An MVA HAZMAT application plus a fingerprint-based background record check run by Maryland DPSCS | mva.maryland.gov |
| Where the background check is done | Bel Air, Glen Burnie Headquarters (Building B), Frederick, Salisbury and Waldorf onlyAppointments must be booked online through myMVA | mva.maryland.gov |
| HazMat documents | Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, your current Maryland CDL and a valid DOT medical card | mva.maryland.gov |
| Order of the steps | Fingerprints and TSA approval come first; the HAZMAT knowledge test comes afterThe background check and the knowledge test cannot be done in one appointment | mva.maryland.gov |
| TSA decision time | About 30 days after the fingerprints are submitted | mva.maryland.gov |
| Deadline after TSA approval | Obtain the endorsement within six months of the TSA approval letterMiss it and you may restart the whole application and pay every fee again | mva.maryland.gov |
| Renewing the endorsement | Retake the HAZMAT knowledge test and go through the TSA security threat assessment againThe endorsement is removed from the CDL if the check is not completed | mva.maryland.gov |
| TWIC card holders | A valid TWIC card replaces the MVA fingerprinting and background process | mva.maryland.gov |
| TSA approval is a precondition | Maryland may not issue the endorsement without TSA approval | mva.maryland.gov |
| Transferring an out-of-state HazMat endorsement | A new Maryland TSA threat assessment is required even if one was done elsewhere | mva.maryland.gov |
| Failing the HazMat knowledge test | Later attempts are by appointment only | mva.maryland.gov |
| Moving to Maryland with an H or X endorsement | Pass the HazMat knowledge test and a new background check to transfer it | mva.maryland.gov |
| TSA security threat assessment fee (federal) | $85.25Non-refundable; paid to TSA, not the stateeffective January 1, 2025 | tsa.gov |
| TSA reduced fee (valid TWIC holders, where the state accepts it) | $41 | tsa.gov |
| TSA clearance validity | 5 years | tsa.gov |
| When to enroll with TSA | At least 60 days before you need the endorsementTSA says some applications take more than 45 days | tsa.gov |
How to add the HazMat endorsement in Maryland
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Wait for the TSA determination letter — usually about 30 days after your fingerprints are submitted. Maryland cannot issue the endorsement without TSA approval. Source
- 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
Official Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) links
- MDOT MVA: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- MDOT MVA: License & ID Fees
- MDOT MVA: Get or Renew a CDL
- Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual DL-151 (PDF)
- MDOT MVA: CDL Hazmat Endorsement
- MDOT MVA: CDL Classifications, Endorsements & Restrictions
- MDOT MVA: CDL Medical Certification Requirements
- MDOT MVA: Appointments & Online Services
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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