Pursuant to 49 CFR § 383.93, all commercial drivers who drive certain types of vehicles or haul certain types of cargo must have the appropriate endorsements on their CDL licenses to show that they have the additional specialized knowledge required for these operations. There are five
kinds of CDL endorsements that may be required, depending on the vehicle or type of cargo: T - Double and Triple Trailers: Required on the CDL if the driver tows two or three trailers of 10,001 pounds or more GCWR. The driver must pass the doubles/triples written exam to add the "T" endorsement to their CDL. This endorsement can be added to a Class A CDL. N - Tanker Vehicles: ,Required on the CDL if
the driver hauls liquids or liquefied gases in bulk (1,000 gallons or more). The driver must pass the tanker written exam to add the "N" endorsement to their CDL. This endorsement can be added to a Class A, B, or C CDL. P - Passenger Endorsement: Required on the CDL if the driver wishes to transport 16 or more passengers, which includes the
driver. The driver must pass the passenger written exam and pass a full drive skills test in a passenger vehicle to add the "P" endorsement to their CDL. This endorsement can be added to a Class A, B, or C CDL. If the driver already possesses a CDL and wants to add the "P" endorsement, he/she must pass the passenger written exam and purchase an instruction permit with the endorsement prior to drive skills testing in a passenger vehicle.
- NOTE: If the driver takes their drive skills test in a class B passenger vehicle and is issued a CDL license class B with P endorsement, this driver is also qualified to drive other vehicles in the class B category. However, a driver who completes a drive skills test in a non-passenger class B vehicle CANNOT drive a passenger vehicle/bus.
S - School Bus: Required on the CDL if the driver wishes to operate a school bus used to transport students to/from home/school or to/from school-sponsored events. The driver must pass the school bus written exam and pass a full drive skills test in a school bus to add the “S” endorsement. The driver must either possess a CDL with a “P” endorsement and permit with “S” endorsement or permit with both “P” and “S” endorsements prior to taking the full drive skills test in a school bus. The “S” endorsement will not stand alone – it requires a “P” endorsement. This endorsement can be added to a Class A (with an M restriction), class B or a class C (with N restriction) CDL.
H - Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) or X - Tanker & HAZMAT: Required on the CDL of any driver, regardless of the class of vehicle, who wishes to haul hazardous material or hazardous waste in amounts requiring placarding under DOT regulations. The driver must pass the HAZMAT written exam to add the “H” endorsement to their CDL. Customers holding only a class “R” license who wish to transport hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards must take the CDL drive skills test in a representative vehicle, in addition to the written exam to obtain, at minimum, a class C CDL. The HAZMAT endorsement can be added to a Class A, B, or C CDL.
If applying for the "H" endorsement for the first-time, the driver must take the appropriate Entry-Level Driving Training course to add the endorsement to their CDL.
Drivers applying for a new, renewal or out-of-state transfer for an “H” or “X” endorsement must also pass a background check before adding the “H” or “X” endorsement. This includes drivers who dropped their “H” or “X” by request (no grace period), drivers whose license is expired more than one year, or who are reinstating from a restraint action that requires the issuance of a new license and they want the “H” or “X” back on their CDL.
For additional information, fill out the web form.
When you see those little letters on your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), just what comes to mind? Are they relevant to your career? Those little letters (i.e. endorsements) are the government’s way of giving commercial drivers the authority to transport heavy, sensitive, difficult, people, or potentially hazardous cargo. Endorsements certify that commercial drivers have received the necessary training needed for specific commercial driving tasks.
Endorsements that may be added to your CDL:
- H-Hazardous Materials*
- N-Tank Vehicles*
- P-Passenger**
- S-School bus**
- T-Double/Triple Trailers*
- X-Tank Vehicle/Hazardous Materials Endorsements*
*Knowledge Test Only
**Knowledge & Skills test
CDL endorsements do matter. Consider how much a driver with a Hazmat Endorsement makes versus a driver that isn’t certified. The blog, Trucker Country says, having the right endorsements, “can land driver’s a meaningful career with higher pay.” They also agree that every endorsement that a driver pursues broadens their driving opportunities. The CDL certification exams are short, simple, and very affordable. So, with the opportunities that CDL endorsements can add to your career, it’s a great idea to qualify for as many as possible.
Diverse CDL endorsements offer you flexibility and increase your job opportunities. Drivers that wish to switch fields can go from a truck driver to a bus driver with ease. Plus, multiple endorsements give you the edge over other drivers. If you qualify to drive a double or triple trailer or even a tank, you will have the advantage over other applicants without the qualifying endorsements.
You may not ever use all of your endorsements or feel like it’s a drawback that has cost you time and money. Quite arguably, an employer may see you as a mature more qualified applicant because you went through the time and expense of qualifying for multiple endorsements.
The endorsements that suit your lifestyle or career goals will be entirely up to the driver. Your decision about endorsement certification should be based on the longevity of your career and not a spare of the moment decision. The endorsements that you choose could determine your future and the success of your career in truck driving.
Why Truck Drivers Choose The Advanced Career Institute
Advanced Career Institute offers advanced CDL training programs to get you started in a career in truck driving. We also cater to students with no prior experience or knowledge of the trucking industry with our Class A training. Our hands-on training and curriculum help our students succeed with confidence. With over 25 years of experience, we understand the unique situations and challenges that our students may be facing and we’re here to help. If you qualify, our financial assistance programs can help you pay for tuition. Contact us today for more details on a rewarding career in trucking available to both men and women.