CDL Endorsements
Endorsements are add-ons to your CDL that authorize specific vehicle types or cargo. Each requires a separate knowledge test.
Not all endorsements apply to every CDL class. Use the CDL Selector to find what you need.
When It's Required
Required to transport any quantity of hazardous materials that require placarding under federal HazMat regulations.
What to Study
Study shipping papers, placard and label selection, safe loading and segregation, emergency response procedures, and security-awareness requirements under federal law.
When It's Required
Required for vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in a tank permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle, with individual tank capacity of more than 119 gallons.
What to Study
Study liquid surge and baffled tanks, outage allowances, inspections, high-center-of-gravity handling, and rollover prevention strategies.
When It's Required
Required for commercial vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver — charter buses, transit coaches, and similar vehicles.
What to Study
Study passenger safety protocols, controlled loading and unloading, emergency door operation, on-road passenger management, and distracted-driving rules.
When It's Required
Required for any driver transporting school-age students in a vehicle classified as a school bus under federal or state law.
What to Study
Study student loading zones, stop-signal arm procedures, railroad crossing rules, mirror adjustment, emergency evacuation drills, and state-specific school bus regulations.
When It's Required
Required to pull double or triple trailers where permitted by state law — common in regional and long-haul freight operations.
What to Study
Study coupling and uncoupling double and triple combinations, pull-out stability, off-tracking behavior, full combination inspections, and safe following distance.
When It's Required
Required for any vehicle equipped with an air brake system — covering most Class A tractor-trailers and many Class B straight trucks.
What to Study
Study air brake components, dual-circuit systems, inspection procedures, warning devices, pressure gauges, and stopping distance at highway speeds.
When It's Required
Essential for Class A drivers operating tractor-trailers, lowboys, and other multi-unit combinations over federal weight thresholds.
What to Study
Study coupling and uncoupling procedures, air line connections, trailer handling characteristics, off-tracking, and full combination vehicle inspections.
Not sure which endorsements you need?
Answer a few questions about your vehicle and operation, and the CDL Selector pinpoints your required endorsements.