Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
HazMat basics and who does what
Questions and answers
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How does the handbook describe hazardous materials (HazMat)?
Products that pose a risk to health, safety, and property during transportation
HazMat are products that put health, safety, and property at risk while they are being transported.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
You bring a truck that displays placards to your commercial skills test. What will the DMV examiner do?
Decline to conduct the test in that vehicle
To protect the public, examiners do not give skills tests in vehicles that display placards.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
A tank vehicle is empty but has not been purged of its hazardous cargo. Can it be used for a DMV skills test?
No, vehicles not purged of hazardous cargo are not accepted
The rule covers vehicles carrying HazMat or wastes and vehicles that have not been purged of hazardous cargo.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Which drivers need an "H" endorsement?
Those who drive a vehicle that requires placards
The endorsement is required for anyone who drives a vehicle that requires placards.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Does the size of the vehicle change whether you need an "H" endorsement to transport HazMat?
No, it is needed for any size vehicle used to transport HazMat
The endorsement is required before you drive any size vehicle used to transport HazMat as defined in the federal rules.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
In the HazMat section, what does text that begins with the word "California" tell you?
It is a state requirement that also applies when driving in California
Text marked "California" is a state, nonfederal requirement. These requirements are strictly enforced.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Where are the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) found?
CFR, Title 49, Parts 171 to 180
The HMR and common references are in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 171 through 180.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
A product is not named in the Hazardous Materials Table. Does that prove it is not hazardous?
No, the list in the table is not all-inclusive
The table does not list everything. A material is hazardous based on its characteristics and the shipper’s decision that it meets a definition in the rules.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
What decides whether a material is considered hazardous?
Its characteristics and the shipper’s decision that it meets a definition
It depends on the material’s characteristics and on the shipper deciding whether it meets a definition in the regulations.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
What are the diamond-shaped warning signs displayed on vehicles carrying certain HazMat called?
Placards
Vehicles carrying certain types or quantities of HazMat must display warning signs called placards.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
May the holder of a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) transport HazMat?
No, a CLP holder is prohibited from transporting HazMat
A CLP holder may not transport HazMat at all.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Who must provide the required HazMat training and testing for a driver?
The employer or a designated representative
The driver’s employer or a designated representative is required to provide the training and testing.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
How often must HazMat employees be trained and tested?
At least once every 3 years
The regulations require training and testing at least once every 3 years.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
How long must a HazMat employer keep an employee’s training record?
While the employee works with HazMat and for 90 days after
The record is kept as long as the employee works with HazMat and for 90 days thereafter.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
A driver stops working with HazMat today. For how much longer must the employer keep the training record?
90 days
The record must be kept for 90 days after the employee stops working with HazMat.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
What must the security training given to all HazMat drivers include?
How to recognize and respond to possible security threats
All drivers must be trained in the security risks of HazMat transportation, including recognizing and responding to possible threats.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
For which loads must a driver have special training before driving?
Certain flammable gases, or highway-route controlled quantities of radioactive materials
Special training is required before driving with certain flammable gases or highway-route controlled quantities of radioactive materials.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Which drivers must receive specialized training because of the equipment they use?
Drivers transporting cargo tanks and portable tanks
Drivers who transport cargo tanks and portable tanks must receive specialized training from their employer or its representative.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Which example does the handbook give of special HazMat cargo that may need a federal permit or exemption?
Rocket fuel
The federal government may require permits or exemptions for special cargo such as rocket fuel.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Which loads may need a permit in some locations, according to the handbook?
Certain explosives or bulk hazardous wastes
Some locations require permits to transport certain explosives or bulk hazardous wastes.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Whom should you contact to learn whether a HazMat permit or route restriction applies?
CHP and DOT
A permit or route restriction may be required for some classes and quantities. CHP and DOT have the information.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Which agency has information on permits and registration for hazardous waste transportation?
The Department of Toxic Substances Control
For hazardous waste, contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control. Medical waste is handled by the Department of Health Services.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Which agency has information on permits and registration for medical waste transportation?
The Department of Health Services
Medical waste questions go to the Department of Health Services.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
When must you undergo a TSA federal security threat assessment?
When you apply for an original "H" endorsement or renew one
The background records check is required both for an original "H" endorsement and for a renewal.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
At what point do you start the TSA background records check?
After applying for the CDL at DMV, passing the knowledge tests, and submitting a valid medical form
You start it after you apply at DMV, pass all the appropriate knowledge tests, and submit a valid medical form.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
What must you submit to one of TSA’s designated agents for the security threat assessment?
Fingerprints, a fee, and any additional information required
You submit fingerprints, a fee, and any other information TSA requires.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Which of these is NOT listed as an ID document you may show the TSA agent with your CDL permit copy?
A carrier company badge
The listed documents are a California DL/ID card, an out-of-state DL, or your CLP with a DMV photo receipt.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
If you use your CLP as identification for the TSA agent, what must accompany it?
A DMV photo receipt
The CLP is accepted when it is accompanied by a DMV photo receipt.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Who issues the California Hazardous Materials transportation license to motor carriers?
CHP
Motor carriers hauling certain HazMat in California must hold a license issued by the California Highway Patrol.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
A carrier hauls, for a fee, a HazMat shipment that would need placards only in larger amounts. Above what weight does the carrier need a California HazMat transportation license?
500 pounds
The license is required for shipments over 500 pounds, hauled for a fee, that would need placards if shipped in greater amounts in the same manner.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Which shipments always require the carrier to hold a California HazMat transportation license, unless specifically excepted?
Shipments for which placards must be displayed
A license is required for HazMat shipments that need placards, unless they are specifically excepted.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
What must be done with the carrier’s California HazMat transportation license during a trip?
A valid legible copy is carried in the vehicle and shown to a peace officer on request
A valid, legible copy rides in the vehicle and must be presented to any peace officer or authorized CHP employee who asks.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
Does the California HazMat transportation license replace federal HazMat registration?
No, it is in addition to any federal registration that may be required
The state license is on top of the federal HazMat registration that may be required.
Section 9 · SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ↗ -
What are the rules called that tell shippers how to package and drivers how to load, transport, and unload HazMat?
Containment rules
These packaging, loading, transport, and unloading rules are known as containment rules.
Section 9 · 9.1.1 – Contain the Material ↗ -
Whom are the HazMat regulations intended to protect?
You, those around you, and the environment
The rules exist to protect the driver, other people, and the environment.
Section 9 · 9.1.1 – Contain the Material ↗ -
Which of these is one of the ways shippers communicate the risk of a material?
Putting hazard warning labels on packages
Shippers warn others with labels on packages, proper shipping papers, emergency response information, and placards.
Section 9 · 9.1.2 – Communicate the Risk ↗ -
What can happen if you do not comply with the HazMat regulations?
Fines and jail
Breaking the rules is unsafe, and noncompliance can lead to fines and jail.
Section 9 · 9.1.3 – Assure Safe Drivers and Equipment ↗ -
When should you inspect your vehicle on a HazMat trip?
Before and during each trip
Inspect the vehicle before the trip and again during it.
Section 9 · 9.1.3 – Assure Safe Drivers and Equipment ↗ -
A law enforcement officer stops your HazMat load. Which of these may the officer check?
Shipping papers, placards, your "H" endorsement, and your HazMat knowledge
Officers may stop and inspect the vehicle and check papers, placards, the endorsement, and what you know about HazMat.
Section 9 · 9.1.3 – Assure Safe Drivers and Equipment ↗ -
Who uses the regulations to determine a product’s ID number, proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group?
The shipper
The shipper determines the ID number, shipping name, hazard class, packing group, packaging, labels, markings, and placards.
Section 9 · 9.2.1 – The Shipper ↗ -
Who must supply the placards for a HazMat shipment?
The shipper
The shipper packages, marks, and labels the materials, prepares the papers, provides emergency response information, and supplies placards.
Section 9 · 9.2.1 – The Shipper ↗ -
When does the shipper NOT have to certify on the shipping paper that the shipment was prepared according to the rules?
When you are pulling cargo tanks supplied by you or your employer
The shipper certifies every shipment unless you are pulling cargo tanks that you or your employer supplied.
Section 9 · 9.2.1 – The Shipper ↗ -
What must the carrier do before transporting a HazMat shipment?
Check that the shipper correctly described, marked, labeled, and prepared it
Before transport, the carrier checks that the shipper described, marked, labeled, and otherwise prepared the shipment correctly.
Section 9 · 9.2.2 – The Carrier ↗ -
What does a carrier do with an improper HazMat shipment?
Refuses it
Refusing improper shipments is part of the carrier’s role.
Section 9 · 9.2.2 – The Carrier ↗ -
Who placards the vehicle when it is loaded, if placards are required?
The driver
The shipper supplies the placards, and the driver puts them on the vehicle when loading.
Section 9 · 9.2.3 – The Driver ↗ -
You notice a package leaking as it is brought to your truck. What is your duty as the driver?
Refuse the leaking package
The driver refuses leaking packages and shipments.
Section 9 · 9.2.3 – The Driver ↗ -
When must a driver report a HazMat accident or incident to the proper government agency?
When it occurs while the driver is in physical control of the shipment
The driver reports accidents and incidents that happen while the shipment is in the driver’s physical control.
Section 9 · 9.2.3 – The Driver ↗ -
Which of these is part of the driver’s job when hauling HazMat?
Transport the shipment safely and without delay
The driver moves the shipment safely without delay and follows all the special rules for HazMat.
Section 9 · 9.2.3 – The Driver ↗
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
- Hazardous Materials Rules for All Drivers42
- 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
- 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