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Illinois HazMat Endorsement Guide with ELDT Training

Illinois HazMat Endorsement Steps

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

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

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With the new ELDT mandate, "how to" articles on getting an Illinois HazMat (H) endorsement written before 2022 are 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 an Illinois HazMat endorsement might be incorrect. Specifically, there is likely to be one extremely important step that is missing or just incorrect. Let's face it; there would be nothing worse than thinking you're prepared to test and heading to your local licensing agency and being 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 an Illinois Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement in.

What is a HazMat Endorsement?

To start with the basics, you, a professional CDL driver, need an Illinois 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 Illinois 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 an Illinois 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 standards 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 an Illinois HazMat endorsement are required to complete a Hazardous Materials theory training program BEFORE testing at a local Driver Services Department Illinois Secretary of State.

The program must be provided by a company/entity on the official Training Provider Registry and 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 DSD.

Prior to February 7, 2022 these were the steps to obtain an Illinois 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 DSD or TSA, depending on which is required in your state
  3. Complete a medical screening
  4. Take and pass the DSD Illinois Secretary of State 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 an Illinois 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 DSD or TSA, depending on which is required in your state
  4. Complete a medical screening
  5. Pass the DSD Illinois Secretary of State 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 an Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Department of Driver Services Illinois Secretary of State.

Illinois HazMat Theory Online Training Reviews

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Mica D.

The course was very user-friendly, I passed the course and will test Thursday with the state.

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Eric B.

The course was very easy to navigate and prepared me for the endorsement test with the state of Illinois…..I passed the test on the first try…thank you!.

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Regina G.

I had a very good experience at this school. All of the instructors were very patient and understanding. If you want your CDL this is the school to attend.

Don't Get Turned Away at the Illinois Department of Driver Services!

Please note that outdated information is out there, and anyone seeking an Illinois HazMat endorsement will be turned away from the Secretary of State if the individual has not completed the new HazMat theory training program requirement.

Purchase ELDT Illinois Hazmat Course Now!

* Course not valid for the state of Washington