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Rhode Island HazMat Endorsement Guide with ELDT Training

Rhode Island HazMat Endorsement Steps

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

We have put together an online guide to simplify the steps you need to take to obtain your Rhode Island HazMat Endorsement in . This free step-by-step hazardous materials endorsement includes all requirements that need to be met to get your Rhode Island Hazardous Materials Endorsement AND meet the new ELDT mandate rules in . If you want your HazMat endorsement in Rhode Island after February 7th, 2022, this guide is for you! We'll even show you how to access a course with sample Rhode Island HazMat test questions and answers.

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If you have been reading a "how to" article on getting a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island HazMat endorsement might be incorrect. Specifically, there is likely to be one extremely important step that is missing or just flat-out not right. Of course, 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 Rhode Island Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement in .

What is a HazMat Endorsement?

To start with the basics. You, a professional CDL driver, need a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 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 a Rhode Island HazMat endorsement are required to complete a Hazardous Materials theory training program BEFORE testing at a local licensing agency.

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 Rhode Island DMV.

Prior to February 7, 2022 these were the steps to obtain a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island CDL

C1 Truck Driver Training, a school on the official Training Provider Registry, offers a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Rhode Island HazMat Theory Online Training Reviews

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Wayne D.

"I found the HazMat course easy to use and navigate through. I passed with a score of 86%!"

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LeAnn B.

"The Hazmat theory online course was easy to use and it was very informative. I went to the DMV to take my Hazmat test and they were able to find the needed information that was sent so that I could take my test. I took my Hazmat test and passed on the first try. I was very confident and knew that I would do well due to taking this course. Thank you!"

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Kenneth H.

"The training was well put together. I was able to complete it in a decent amount of time, and I got my endorsement. I’d recommend this training to others."

Don't Get Turned Away at the Rhode Island DMV!

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

Purchase ELDT Rhode Island HazMat Course Now!

* Course not valid for the state of Washington