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You must have a CDL with the hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement before driving vehicles placarded for hazmat. You cannot drive a hazmat vehicle with a commercial learner’s permit.
To get this endorsement, you must pass a written test about hazmat rules and regulations and you must undergo a security threat assessment (background check) as required by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001.
Unlike other CDL Endorsement tests, you must re-take the written test and pass the background investigation every time you renew your CDL (every 4 years).
The following application process instructions are for your information only.
The first step in obtaining a Hazmat Endorsement on a CDL is to contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to make application for the process known as the Hazmat Threat Assessment Program (HTAP).
During this process, you will fill out an application and then submit your fingerprints for a background check. Based on the data provided on your HTAP application, TSA will perform a threat assessment. TSA will check the FBI fingerprint data base for criminal history records, intelligence-related checks, and immigration status records.
NOTE: Certain felony convictions will result in a permanent disqualification from holding a hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL. Other felony convictions may result in a delay in your ability to obtain a hazmat endorsement. You should contact TSA directly for further information on felony convictions.
At the time you complete the application, you will have to pay a processing fee. That fee is currently $86.50. You can pay by credit card directly on the website or by providing the information to the operator at the Universal Enrollment center. Electronic payments are the most secure and convenient for you, and will save time at the fingerprint collection site. If you choose not to pay electronically, you must bring a money order for the processing fee to the collection site. Cash and personal checks will not be accepted by enrollment agents.
The results of the threat assessment will be provided directly to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), who will update your driver records accordingly. You will also receive a letter regarding the results of their assessment directly from TSA. While most threat assessments are processed fairly quickly, it can take up to six weeks to receive the results from TSA.
TSA processes all applications for the Hazmat Endorsement (HME) background checks, “TWIC” cards (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), and TSA Pre Check for airline travel at one central location.
Begin the enrollment/application process by entering your biographic information online or over the phone before you visit an enrollment center to complete the application process. This is commonly referred to as pre-enrollment. You are not required to pre-enroll in order to complete the application process; however, TSA encourages you to pre-enroll to facilitate the application process:
You may pre-enroll online at: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/ or Call the UES Call Center at 1-855-347-8371 Monday through Friday from 6 AM-8 PM Mountain Time to complete your application over the phone.
After completing your pre-enrollment, you must be fingerprinted and provide your identity / immigration documentation at one of the Universal Enrollment Service centers nationwide. Upon completion of your pre-enrollment application, you will be given a confirmation number for your records.
Go to a fingerprint site, referred to as a “Universal Enrollment Service Center”. Idaho sites are currently located in Boise, Idaho Falls, and in Spokane and Kennewick, WA for North Idaho residents. You can be fingerprinted at any UESC in any participating state.
NOTICE: TSA requires multiple identification documents to process a HME, such as your Idaho Driver’s License PLUS a birth certificate or other document such as a US Passport. TSA may also require a plastic driver’s license- not a paper temporary. The TSA website is the best source of information on current document requirements, site locations, operating hours and driving directions.
If the TSA determines you do not pose a security threat: You will be notified that you are clear to be issued a hazmat endorsement. You can proceed to the county drivers licensing office to take the written examination and be issued a CDL with the hazardous materials endorsement.
If the TSA determines you pose a security threat: The TSA will notify you directly with the initial determination and provide you with an appeal process.
First time, renewal and transfer applicants must pass the written Hazardous Materials knowledge test and receive clearance from the TSA prior to receiving the HAZMAT endorsement on their CDL.
You may take the written test prior to completing the security assessment. If you take the written test before the assessment is completed, your driver’s record will show the test as being completed, but the HAZMAT endorsement will remain in a Pending status until the security clearance is received by the State of Idaho.
If you choose to wait to take the written test until the security clearance is received by the state, you can take the test and receive your new CDL with the (H) endorsement at the same time. If you fail the hazmat knowledge test, you must wait three days before retesting.
A TSA security clearance is good for a maximum of five (5) years; however, Idaho CDL’s are valid for a maximum of four years. Therefore, you must have a security assessment and pass a written examination to renew your hazardous material endorsement every four (4) years.
If you have completed a security threat assessment before, and you are transferring your hazardous materials endorsement to Idaho, you may not have to go through a new threat assessment for the transfer if your new Idaho license will expire within less than five (5) years of your last threat assessment.
Hazardous materials are products that pose a risk to health, safety, and property during transportation. The term often is shortened to HAZMAT, which you may see on road signs, or to HM in government regulations. Hazardous materials include explosives, various types of gas, solids, flammable and combustible liquid, and other materials. Because of the risks involved and the potential consequences these risks impose, all levels of government regulate the handling of hazardous materials.
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) is found in parts 171-180 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The common reference for these regulations is 49 CFR 171-180.
The Hazardous Materials Table in the regulations contains a list of these items. However, this list is not all-inclusive. Whether or not a material is considered hazardous is based on its characteristics and the shipper's decision on whether or not the material meets a definition of a hazardous material in the regulations.
The regulations require vehicles transporting certain types or quantities of hazardous materials to display diamond-shaped, square on point, warning signs called placards.
This section is designed to assist you in understanding your role and responsibilities in hauling hazardous materials. Due to the constantly changing nature of government regulations, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials in this section. An up-to-date copy of the complete regulations is essential for you to have. Included in these regulations is a complete glossary of terms.
You must have a commercial driver license (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement before you drive any size vehicle that is used to transport hazardous material as defined in 49 CFR 383.5. You must pass a written test about the regulations and requirements to get this endorsement.
Everything you need to know to pass the written test is in this manual, in Chapters 8 & 9. However, this is only a beginning. Most drivers need to know much more on the job. You can learn more by reading and understanding the federal and state rules applicable to hazardous materials, as well as, attending hazardous materials training courses. Your employer, colleges and universities, and various associations usually offer these courses. You can get copies of the Federal Regulations (49 CFR) through your local Government Printing Office bookstore and various industry publishers. Union or company offices often have copies of the rules for driver use. Find out where you can get your own copy to use on the job.
The regulations require training and testing for all drivers involved in transporting hazardous materials. Your employer or a designated representative is required to provide this training and testing. Hazardous materials employers are required to keep a record of training for each employee as long as that employee is working with hazardous materials, and for 90 days thereafter. The regulations require that hazardous materials employees be trained and tested at least once every three years.
All drivers must be trained in the security risks of hazardous materials transportation. This training must include how to recognize and respond to possible security threats.
The regulations also require that drivers have special training before driving a vehicle transporting certain flammable gas materials or highway route controlled quantities of radioactive materials. In addition, drivers transporting cargo tanks and portable tanks must receive specialized training. Each driver’s employer or his/her designated representative must provide such training.
Some locations require permits to transport certain explosives or bulk hazardous wastes. States and counties also may require drivers to follow special hazardous materials routes. The federal government may require permits or exemptions for special hazardous materials cargo such as rocket fuel. Find out about permits, exemptions, and special routes for the places you drive.