Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
Hazardous Materials Rules for All Drivers
Questions and answers
-
What must every commercial driver be able to do regarding HazMat?
Recognize hazardous cargo and know whether it can be hauled without an “H” endorsement
All drivers should know something about HazMat, even without the endorsement.
Section 2 · 2.23 – Hazardous Materials Rules for All Commercial Drivers ↗ -
What must you undergo when applying for an original or renewal “H” endorsement?
A TSA federal security threat assessment, which is a background records check
The Transportation Security Administration runs a background records check.
Section 2 · 2.23 – Hazardous Materials Rules for All Commercial Drivers ↗ -
When do you start the TSA background records check?
After applying for your CDL at DMV, passing the knowledge tests and submitting a valid medical form
The check starts once you have applied, completed the appropriate knowledge tests and submitted a medical form.
Section 2 · 2.23 – Hazardous Materials Rules for All Commercial Drivers ↗ -
What must you submit to one of TSA’s designated agents?
Fingerprints, a fee and any additional required information
TSA agents collect fingerprints, a fee and any other required information.
Section 2 · 2.23 – Hazardous Materials Rules for All Commercial Drivers ↗ -
Besides a copy of your CLP, what must you show the TSA agent?
An ID document such as a California DL/ID card or an out-of-state DL
Accepted documents are a California DL/ID card, an out-of-state DL, or your CLP with a DMV photo receipt.
Section 2 · 2.23 – Hazardous Materials Rules for All Commercial Drivers ↗ -
How does the handbook define hazardous materials?
Products that pose a risk to health, safety and property during transportation
HazMat are products that pose a risk to health, safety and property while being transported.
Section 2 · 2.23.1 – What Are Hazardous Materials? ↗ -
What are the three aims of the HazMat rules?
Contain the product, communicate the risk, and ensure safe drivers and equipment
The rules are meant to contain the product, communicate the risk and ensure safe drivers and equipment.
Section 2 · 2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules? ↗ -
What do containment rules tell shippers and drivers?
How to package products safely and how to load, transport and unload bulk tanks
Containment rules protect people from contact with products that can injure or kill.
Section 2 · 2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules? ↗ -
What does the shipper use to warn dockworkers and drivers of the risk?
A shipping paper and diamond-shaped hazard labels
The shipping paper and diamond-shaped labels communicate the risk.
Section 2 · 2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules? ↗ -
Why must HazMat shipping papers be quick to find?
After an accident you may be unable to tell responders what you are carrying
Firefighters and police can reduce damage and injury if they know what HazMat is on board.
Section 2 · 2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules? ↗ -
How must HazMat shipping papers be kept among your other shipping papers?
Identified, or kept on top of the other papers
They must be identified or kept on top so they can be found at once.
Section 2 · 2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules? ↗ -
Where may shipping papers be kept while you are driving?
In a pouch on the driver’s door, or in clear view within reach
While driving, the papers go in a pouch on the driver’s door or in clear view within reach.
Section 2 · 2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules? ↗ -
Where may shipping papers be kept when you are out of the vehicle?
On the driver’s seat
When you leave the vehicle, the papers may be left on the driver’s seat or in the door pouch.
Section 2 · 2.23.2 – Why Are There Rules? ↗ -
What are placards?
Signs on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo
Placards warn others of HazMat by showing the hazard class.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
How many identical placards must a placarded vehicle have, at a minimum?
4
A placarded vehicle needs at least 4 identical placards.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Where are placards put on a vehicle?
On the front, the rear and both sides
Placards must be readable from all 4 directions.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What is the minimum size of a placard?
9.84 inches (250 mm) square
Placards must be at least 9.84 inches, or 250 mm, square.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
How is a placard positioned?
Turned upright on a point, in a diamond shape
Placards are diamond shaped, standing on a point.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Where do cargo tanks and other bulk packaging display the ID number of their contents?
On placards or orange panels
The ID number appears on placards or orange panels.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What is a HazMat ID number?
A 4-digit code used by first responders to identify HazMat
ID numbers are 4-digit codes that first responders use to identify the material.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Which letters come before the ID number?
“NA” or “UN”
The ID number is preceded by “NA” or “UN”.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Does each ID number on shipping papers always stand for a single chemical?
No, one ID number may identify more than one chemical
An ID number may be used to identify more than one chemical.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Which publication lists the chemicals and the ID numbers assigned to them?
The U.S. DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
The ERG lists chemicals with their ID numbers.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Ammunition, dynamite and fireworks are examples of which hazard class?
Class 1, Explosives
Class 1 is Explosives, such as ammunition, dynamite and fireworks.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Propane, oxygen and helium are examples of which hazard class?
Class 2, Gases
Class 2 is Gases, which covers propane, oxygen and helium.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Gasoline and acetone are examples of which hazard class?
Class 3, Flammable
Class 3 covers flammable liquids such as gasoline and acetone.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Matches and fuses are examples of which hazard class?
Class 4, Flammable Solids
Class 4 is Flammable Solids, such as matches and fuses.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Ammonium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide are examples of which hazard class?
Class 5, Oxidizers
Class 5 is Oxidizers, such as ammonium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Pesticides and arsenic are examples of which hazard class?
Class 6, Poisons
Class 6 is Poisons, such as pesticides and arsenic.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Uranium and plutonium are examples of which hazard class?
Class 7, Radioactive
Class 7 is Radioactive, such as uranium and plutonium.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Hydrochloric acid and battery fluid are examples of which hazard class?
Class 8, Corrosives
Class 8 is Corrosives, such as hydrochloric acid and battery fluid.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Formaldehyde and asbestos are examples of which hazard class?
Class 9, Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials
Class 9 is Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials.
Section 2 · HAZARD CLASS DEFINITIONS ↗ -
Your vehicle carries HazMat but does not require placards. Do you need an “H” endorsement to drive it?
No, you can drive it without the endorsement
The endorsement is needed only when the vehicle requires placards.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
When do you need an “H” endorsement?
When the vehicle you drive requires placards
You cannot drive a vehicle that requires placards unless your license has the “H” endorsement.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
How do you get the “H” endorsement?
Pass a knowledge test on Section 9 of the handbook
The HazMat knowledge test is based on Section 9.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
An added endorsement is required for CMVs that carry liquid or gaseous materials in tanks above a certain size. What individual rated capacity must a tank exceed?
119 gallons
The individual tanks must be rated above 119 gallons, with an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
For that tank rule, what aggregate rated capacity must the tanks on the vehicle reach?
1,000 gallons or more
The tanks together must have a rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
A CMV carries an empty storage container tank that is not designed for transportation and is temporarily attached to a flatbed trailer. Is it a tank vehicle?
No, it is not considered a tank vehicle
An empty storage tank not designed for transportation, temporarily attached to a flatbed, does not make a tank vehicle.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
You do not know whether your vehicle needs placards. What should you do?
Ask your employer
If you are unsure, ask your employer.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
What does the handbook say about driving a vehicle that needs placards without the “H” endorsement?
It is a crime
When stopped, you will be cited and not allowed to drive the truck.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Why can a failure to placard when needed risk lives after an accident?
Emergency help will not know of your hazardous cargo
Without placards, responders cannot tell what they are dealing with.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗ -
Before loading a truck with more than one type of product, what must you know?
Whether it is safe to load them together
Some products cannot be loaded together. If you do not know, ask your employer and consult the regulations.
Section 2 · 2.23.3 – Lists of Regulated Products ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Licenses, endorsements and tests105
- Disqualifications and state rules110
- Vehicle inspection80
- Basic control and shifting gears47
- Seeing and communicating46
- Controlling your speed62
- Managing space40
- Seeing hazards49
- Distracted and Aggressive Driving71
- Night, Fog, Winter and Hot Weather124
- Railroad Crossings and Mountain Driving65
- Emergencies, ABS and Skids102
- Accident Procedures and Fires49
- Alcohol, Drugs and Illness41
- Transporting Cargo Safely79
- Bus Inspection, Loading and Hazardous Materials74
- Driving a Bus: Stops, Crossings and Prohibited Practices56
- Air Brake Parts: Compressor, Tanks and Foundation Brakes52
- Warnings, Spring Brakes, ABS and Dual Systems59
- Inspecting Air Brake Systems61
- Using Air Brakes51
- Driving Combination Vehicles Safely50
- Combination Vehicle Air Brakes and ABS59
- Coupling and Uncoupling63
- Inspecting a Combination Vehicle24
- Pulling Double and Triple Trailers16
- Coupling, Inspecting and Brake Checks for Doubles34
- Tank Vehicles62
- HazMat basics and who does what48
- Hazard classes, labels and lists64
- Shipping papers and package markings49
- Placards and placard tables40
- Loading and unloading HazMat58
- Bulk packaging and tanks30
- HazMat driving and parking rules72
- HazMat emergencies and reporting60
- Danger zones and mirrors34
- Loading and unloading students47
- Emergency exit and evacuation34
- Railroad-highway crossings40
- Student management, ABS and special situations47