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California HazMat Endorsement Guide with ELDT Training

California HazMat Endorsement Steps

  1. NEW REQUIREMENT: Pass a California ELDT HazMat Course available here
  2. Undergo a TSA background check
  3. Complete HazMat application through California DMV or TSA
  4. Complete a medical screening
  5. Pass the DMV written exam
  6. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening

Are you looking to get a HazMat endorsement in California? This is your complete guide to the requirements for obtaining a California Hazardous Materials Endorsement and the NEW ELDT Mandate rules, which have CHANGED the HazMat endorsement process as of February 7th, 2022. We'll even show you how to access a course with sample California HazMat test questions and answers.

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That's right; if you are reading a "how to" article on getting a California HazMat (H) endorsement written before 2022, it is probably now WRONG!

Unless you've been following the news closely in the trucking industry regarding Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, the steps you're about to take to get a California HazMat endorsement might be incorrect. Specifically, there is likely to be one extremely important step that is missing or just flat out not right. Let's face it; there would be nothing worse than thinking you're prepared to test and heading to your local DMV only to be turned away!

The good news is that you have come to the right place!  We are here to give you the CORRECT steps on How to Get a California Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement in .

What is a HazMat Endorsement?

Let's start with the basics. You, a professional CDL driver, need a California HazMat endorsement to haul hazardous materials in your freight. These loads carry hazardous substances that can have adverse effects on you and the environment. Thus, they require a special endorsement to be added to your California CDL in order to transport them. Additionally, a driver with a hazardous materials endorsement is subject to specific responsibilities beyond the standard requirements set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) of a standard CDL driver without a HazMat endorsement.

HazMat Driver Additional Responsibilities Include:

  • Maintaining Shipping Papers

  • Placarding and Marking the Vehicle

  • Loading and Unloading

  • Ensuring Compatibility Requirements

  • Blocking and Bracing

  • Completing Incident & Accident Reports

  • Complying to a Security Plan

  • Employee Training - HazMat Theory

The hazardous materials endorsement on a California CDL means the driver has passed the mandatory training and tests to transport all classes of hazardous materials. The driver must keep a copy of the HazMat table in their truck to properly categorize types of loads on all paperwork and comply with Hazardous Materials Requirements (HMR).

Types/Classes of Hazardous Materials Include:

  • Class 1 – Explosives

  • Class 2 – Gases

  • Class 3 – Flammable Liquid

  • Class 4 – Flammable Solids

  • Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides

  • Class 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances

  • Class 7 – Radioactive Material

  • Class 8 – Corrosives

  • Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

    Environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants

The FMCSA conducts over 154,000 annual roadside inspections each year to ensure safety guidelines are met while transporting the materials. Carrying a HazMat endorsement comes with increased responsibilities, including a thorough understanding of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to avoid violations. The new HazMat Theory training regulation has been mandated to ensure that all drivers are trained and meet a consistent safety standard and training to transport hazardous materials.

NEW: HazMat Theory Requirement & ELDT Mandate

As part of the new ELDT requirements that went into effect on February 7, 2022, all drivers seeking a California HazMat endorsement are required to complete a Hazardous Materials theory training program BEFORE testing at a local DMV.

The program must be provided by a company/entity on the official Training Provider Registry. It will fulfill the necessary theory instruction needed to take the knowledge test as part of the Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. As part of the ELDT requirements, this training is now required before taking the written test for the HazMat endorsement at the DMV.

Prior to February 7, 2022 these were the steps to obtain a California HazMat endorsement:

  1. Undergo a required Federal Security Threat Assessment (well-known as TSA: background check)
  2. Fill out the "Hazardous Materials Endorsement" application through the DMV or TSA, depending on which is required in your state
  3. Complete a medical screening
  4. Take and pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)
  5. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person

After February 7, 2022, these are the steps to obtain a California HazMat endorsement:

  1. Pass a HazMat theory knowledge exam
  2. Undergo a required Federal Security Threat Assessment (well-known as TSA: background check)
  3. Fill out the "Hazardous Materials Endorsement" application through the DMV or TSA, depending on which is required in your state
  4. Complete a medical screening
  5. Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)
  6. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person
  7. Wait for TSA to send an official notice of completion. Once the state receives a copy, you will then obtain your hazmat endorsement.

Before you begin these steps, you need to have held at least one of the following:

  • Commercial learners permit and/or a temporary license
  • Employment Authorization Document to earn a hazardous material endorsement
  • A valid CDL

C1 Truck Driver Training, a school on the official Training Provider Registry, offers a California Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement theory training online course for $99 per individual or for a group rate to businesses.  This will help you meet the ELDT requirement and includes sample California HazMat Endorsement test questions and answers. 

C1 Truck Driver Training will automatically transmit results to the Training Provider Registry upon completion of the program. Once these results are accepted, the driver will be permitted to take the required knowledge test for obtaining a HazMat endorsement at a local California DMV in .

California HazMat Theory Online Training Reviews

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Armando D.

"I found the course very easy to use. There were no time limits, so I was able to learn quickly at my own pace. I tend to read faster and watch videos at high speed because it forces me to concentrate. Too slow, and I lose interest. I passed my hazmat test on the first try. So thank you for giving me what I needed to pass successfully."

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Alexander V.

"Taking the online hazmat course was easy, and I got my hazmat endorsement! Thank you so much for the help in acquiring my hazmat endorsement. The CA DMV personnel had no info on what to do or how to get it. They just kept referring me to get a 15-hour behind-the-wheel driver training course for new applicants, although I already have my Class A CDL and had nothing to do with taking the exam. When I found your online course, I was excited to read that this is what I need to finalize the process of acquiring my hazmat endorsement. I will recommend everyone I meet trying to get a hazmat endorsement to your ELDT course because it is the most simple and informative way to learn and pass the course."

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Luiz R.

"Excellent. Real easy to pass. Thank you guys!! Im going to recommend you guys to my friends and anyone looking to get there certificate as well, thank you."

Don't Get Turned Away at the California DMV!

Please note that outdated information is out there, and anyone seeking a California HazMat endorsement will be turned away from the DMV if the individual has not completed the new HazMat theory training program requirement.

Purchase ELDT California Hazmat Course Now!

* Course not valid for the state of Washington