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Texas CDL HazMat + Tanker (X) Endorsement EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR – JUST RELEASED
Texas CDL HazMat + Tanker (X) Endorsement Exam – Complete Study Guide
10-Line Exam Coverage in Points Form
1. License & Eligibility – X endorsement requires passing both H (HazMat) and N (Tanker)
written exams . Applicants must hold a valid Class A, B, or C CDL, be at least 18
(intrastate) or 21 (interstate), and pass the TSA threat assessment . The X itself is not a
separate exam; it is the combined result of both components .
2. TSA Security Threat Assessment (H Component) – Required for HazMat endorsement.
Includes fingerprint-based background check, criminal history review (7-10 year
lookback), immigration verification, and terrorist watchlist screening . Cost: $86.50 (2026
fee). Processing typically takes 30-90 days . Permanent disqualifiers include terrorism-
related convictions; temporary disqualifiers include felony convictions within the past 7
years .
3. ELDT Requirement (H Component) – Since February 2022, first-time HazMat applicants
must complete Entry-Level Driver Training from an FMCSA-registered provider before
taking the HazMat knowledge test . Cost: $50-$200. Provider uploads completion to the
FMCSA Training Provider Registry database .
4. Tanker (N) Knowledge Test – Required for tank vehicle operation. Typically 20 multiple-
choice questions, 80% passing score (16/20 correct) . Topics include liquid surge (baffled
vs. smooth bore tanks), outage (empty space for expansion), proper braking/cornering
techniques, and partial vs. full loads . No TSA background check or skills test required for
N endorsement .
5. HazMat (H) Knowledge Test – 30 multiple-choice questions, requires 80% (24/30
correct) to pass . Major topics: hazard classes (9 classes, 31 subdivisions), placarding
rules (Table 1 vs Table 2), shipping papers, loading/unloading segregation, emergency
response, and driving restrictions .
6. Hazard Classes – Must Know All 9 – Class 1 (Explosives – orange), Class 2 (Gases –
red/flammable, green/non-flammable, white/poison), Class 3 (Flammable Liquids – red),
Class 4 (Flammable Solids – blue), Class 5 (Oxidizers – yellow), Class 6 (Toxic – white with
skull), Class 7 (Radioactive – black/white with radiation symbol), Class 8 (Corrosives –
black/white with test tube), Class 9 (Miscellaneous – white with black stripes) .
7. Placarding Rules – Most Tested Section – Table 1 materials: placards required at any
amount (Explosives 1.1/1.2/1.3, Poison Gas 2.3, Dangerous When Wet 4.3, Organic
Peroxide 5.2 Type B, Radioactive Yellow III). Table 2 materials: placards required only
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when aggregate weight exceeds 1,001 lbs (Flammable Gas 2.1, Flammable Liquid 3,
Oxidizer 5.1, Corrosive 8) . Placards must be displayed on all four sides of the vehicle .
8. Liquid Surge Physics (Tanker Critical) – When braking, liquid continues moving forward
even after the truck stops, creating a "second push" that can push the vehicle into
intersections or jackknife the trailer . Baffled tanks have interior walls with holes to
reduce surge; smooth bore tanks (used for food products) have violent surge requiring
extremely smooth braking and acceleration . Outage is the empty space left at the top of
a tank for liquid expansion as temperature rises; overfilling can cause tank rupture or
leakage .
9. Required Documentation & Procedures – Shipping papers must be within driver's reach
and visible to emergency responders . When vehicle is unattended, papers must be on
the driver's seat or in the driver's door pouch . The Emergency Response Guidebook
(ERG) must be accessible for emergency situations . No smoking within 25 feet of
flammable loading operations; grounding and bonding required before
loading/unloading .
10. Career Outlook & Value – X endorsement unlocks highest-paying CDL specialization: fuel
delivery, propane/LPG, crude oil transport, and industrial chemicals . Fuel delivery
carriers often offer per-load or per-stop bonuses. Combined pay premium: 15-25% over
standard CDL rates . Texas is the largest fuel-producing state, with consistent routes from
Gulf Coast refineries and Permian Basin production zones .
Practice Questions with Rationales
Question 1
What is the CDL X endorsement?
A) A standalone endorsement for hazardous materials only
B) A standalone endorsement for tanker vehicles only
C) The combined result of holding both H (HazMat) and N (Tanker) endorsements
D) An endorsement for transporting passengers with hazmat
Correct Answer: C
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Rationale: The X endorsement is not a separate, standalone endorsement type. It is the
combined result when a driver holds both the H (HazMat) and N (Tanker) endorsements. The
DMV combines them into the single code "X" .
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining the HazMat (H) endorsement
component of the X endorsement?
A) Pass the HazMat knowledge test
B) Complete ELDT HazMat training
C) Pass the TSA security threat assessment
D) Pass a tanker skills test
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The HazMat component requires TSA background check, ELDT training, and the
written HazMat knowledge test. A skills test is not required for either the HazMat or Tanker
endorsement . The Tanker endorsement requires only a written knowledge test .
Question 3
What is the approximate TSA background check fee for the HazMat endorsement (2026)?
A) $50.00
B) $86.50
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C) $100.00
D) $150.00
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The TSA security threat assessment fee is $86.50 for HazMat endorsement applicants
(2026 fee) . The total cost for the X endorsement ranges from $206 to $536, depending on
training choices .
Question 4
How long does the TSA background check typically take to process?
A) Same day
B) 1-7 days
C) 30-90 days
D) 6 months
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The TSA background check is the bottleneck for the X endorsement. Processing
typically takes 30-90 days . Applicants are advised to begin this process early before enrolling in
written exam preparation .
Question 5
Since February 2022, what additional requirement applies to first-time HazMat endorsement
Texas CDL HazMat + Tanker (X) Endorsement EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR – JUST RELEASED
Texas CDL HazMat + Tanker (X) Endorsement Exam – Complete Study Guide
10-Line Exam Coverage in Points Form
1. License & Eligibility – X endorsement requires passing both H (HazMat) and N (Tanker)
written exams . Applicants must hold a valid Class A, B, or C CDL, be at least 18
(intrastate) or 21 (interstate), and pass the TSA threat assessment . The X itself is not a
separate exam; it is the combined result of both components .
2. TSA Security Threat Assessment (H Component) – Required for HazMat endorsement.
Includes fingerprint-based background check, criminal history review (7-10 year
lookback), immigration verification, and terrorist watchlist screening . Cost: $86.50 (2026
fee). Processing typically takes 30-90 days . Permanent disqualifiers include terrorism-
related convictions; temporary disqualifiers include felony convictions within the past 7
years .
3. ELDT Requirement (H Component) – Since February 2022, first-time HazMat applicants
must complete Entry-Level Driver Training from an FMCSA-registered provider before
taking the HazMat knowledge test . Cost: $50-$200. Provider uploads completion to the
FMCSA Training Provider Registry database .
4. Tanker (N) Knowledge Test – Required for tank vehicle operation. Typically 20 multiple-
choice questions, 80% passing score (16/20 correct) . Topics include liquid surge (baffled
vs. smooth bore tanks), outage (empty space for expansion), proper braking/cornering
techniques, and partial vs. full loads . No TSA background check or skills test required for
N endorsement .
5. HazMat (H) Knowledge Test – 30 multiple-choice questions, requires 80% (24/30
correct) to pass . Major topics: hazard classes (9 classes, 31 subdivisions), placarding
rules (Table 1 vs Table 2), shipping papers, loading/unloading segregation, emergency
response, and driving restrictions .
6. Hazard Classes – Must Know All 9 – Class 1 (Explosives – orange), Class 2 (Gases –
red/flammable, green/non-flammable, white/poison), Class 3 (Flammable Liquids – red),
Class 4 (Flammable Solids – blue), Class 5 (Oxidizers – yellow), Class 6 (Toxic – white with
skull), Class 7 (Radioactive – black/white with radiation symbol), Class 8 (Corrosives –
black/white with test tube), Class 9 (Miscellaneous – white with black stripes) .
7. Placarding Rules – Most Tested Section – Table 1 materials: placards required at any
amount (Explosives 1.1/1.2/1.3, Poison Gas 2.3, Dangerous When Wet 4.3, Organic
Peroxide 5.2 Type B, Radioactive Yellow III). Table 2 materials: placards required only
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when aggregate weight exceeds 1,001 lbs (Flammable Gas 2.1, Flammable Liquid 3,
Oxidizer 5.1, Corrosive 8) . Placards must be displayed on all four sides of the vehicle .
8. Liquid Surge Physics (Tanker Critical) – When braking, liquid continues moving forward
even after the truck stops, creating a "second push" that can push the vehicle into
intersections or jackknife the trailer . Baffled tanks have interior walls with holes to
reduce surge; smooth bore tanks (used for food products) have violent surge requiring
extremely smooth braking and acceleration . Outage is the empty space left at the top of
a tank for liquid expansion as temperature rises; overfilling can cause tank rupture or
leakage .
9. Required Documentation & Procedures – Shipping papers must be within driver's reach
and visible to emergency responders . When vehicle is unattended, papers must be on
the driver's seat or in the driver's door pouch . The Emergency Response Guidebook
(ERG) must be accessible for emergency situations . No smoking within 25 feet of
flammable loading operations; grounding and bonding required before
loading/unloading .
10. Career Outlook & Value – X endorsement unlocks highest-paying CDL specialization: fuel
delivery, propane/LPG, crude oil transport, and industrial chemicals . Fuel delivery
carriers often offer per-load or per-stop bonuses. Combined pay premium: 15-25% over
standard CDL rates . Texas is the largest fuel-producing state, with consistent routes from
Gulf Coast refineries and Permian Basin production zones .
Practice Questions with Rationales
Question 1
What is the CDL X endorsement?
A) A standalone endorsement for hazardous materials only
B) A standalone endorsement for tanker vehicles only
C) The combined result of holding both H (HazMat) and N (Tanker) endorsements
D) An endorsement for transporting passengers with hazmat
Correct Answer: C
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Rationale: The X endorsement is not a separate, standalone endorsement type. It is the
combined result when a driver holds both the H (HazMat) and N (Tanker) endorsements. The
DMV combines them into the single code "X" .
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining the HazMat (H) endorsement
component of the X endorsement?
A) Pass the HazMat knowledge test
B) Complete ELDT HazMat training
C) Pass the TSA security threat assessment
D) Pass a tanker skills test
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The HazMat component requires TSA background check, ELDT training, and the
written HazMat knowledge test. A skills test is not required for either the HazMat or Tanker
endorsement . The Tanker endorsement requires only a written knowledge test .
Question 3
What is the approximate TSA background check fee for the HazMat endorsement (2026)?
A) $50.00
B) $86.50
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C) $100.00
D) $150.00
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The TSA security threat assessment fee is $86.50 for HazMat endorsement applicants
(2026 fee) . The total cost for the X endorsement ranges from $206 to $536, depending on
training choices .
Question 4
How long does the TSA background check typically take to process?
A) Same day
B) 1-7 days
C) 30-90 days
D) 6 months
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The TSA background check is the bottleneck for the X endorsement. Processing
typically takes 30-90 days . Applicants are advised to begin this process early before enrolling in
written exam preparation .
Question 5
Since February 2022, what additional requirement applies to first-time HazMat endorsement
