CDL Hazardous Materials Practice Test

25 practice questions

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1. Question 1 of 25Medium

   A package of radioactive material is broken in transit and there may be a spill. What should you do first?

   1. AA. Move the package to the rear of the trailer
   2. BB. Sweep the material up and keep driving
   3. CC. Rinse the area with water and reload the vehicle
   4. DD. Tell your dispatcher or supervisor as soon as possible
   Show answer to question 1

   Answer: D. Tell your dispatcher or supervisor as soon as possible

   For radioactive leaks or broken packages, the manual says to tell your dispatcher or supervisor as soon as possible. Handling the material or moving it yourself risks exposure; if there is a spill or an internal container might be damaged, you must not touch or inhale it.

2. Question 2 of 25Hard

   A driver is operating a combination vehicle with Division 1.1 explosives loaded in the lead trailer. Under which condition is this vehicle combination forbidden from operating?

   1. AA. The second vehicle contains empty non-bulk containers free of residue.
   2. BB. The second vehicle contains Class 7 radioactive materials labeled Yellow III.
   3. CC. The parking brake is engaged during all loading and unloading operations.
   4. DD. The lead trailer displays hazard placards on all four sides.
   Show answer to question 2

   Answer: B. The second vehicle contains Class 7 radioactive materials labeled Yellow III.

   Regulations prohibit hauling Division 1.1 or 1.2 explosives in a combination vehicle if the other vehicle in the combination contains Class 7 radioactive materials labeled Yellow III. Displaying placards on four sides is standard practice and not a prohibition.

3. Question 3 of 25Medium

   You are transporting a small shipment weighing only 50 pounds. For which material must your vehicle display placards regardless of the amount shipped?

   1. AA. Class 8 Corrosives
   2. BB. Class 3 Flammable Liquids
   3. CC. Division 2.1 Flammable Gases
   4. DD. Division 1.1 Mass Explosives
   Show answer to question 3

   Answer: D. Division 1.1 Mass Explosives

   Division 1.1 Mass Explosives is listed in Placard Table 1, which requires placards whenever any amount is transported. Flammable liquids, flammable gases, and corrosives are Table 2 materials, which generally do not require placards for non-bulk loads under 1,001 pounds.

4. Question 4 of 25Medium

   What must a driver do regarding special regulations when transporting hazardous materials?

   1. AA. Follow only standard traffic laws and ignore cargo-specific rules
   2. BB. Follow special rules only when transporting cargo across state lines
   3. CC. Follow all special rules about transporting hazardous materials
   4. DD. Apply special rules only if requested by the receiving facility
   Show answer to question 4

   Answer: C. Follow all special rules about transporting hazardous materials

   The CDL manual states that the driver must follow all special rules about transporting hazardous materials. Drivers cannot simply rely on standard traffic laws alone or wait for instructions from a receiving facility.

5. Question 5 of 25Easy

   What does the glossary call a subdivision of a hazard class?

   1. AA. A hazard class
   2. BB. A division
   3. CC. A consignee
   4. DD. A carrier
   Show answer to question 5

   Answer: B. A division

   A division is defined as a subdivision of a hazard class. A hazard class is the broader category, while carrier and consignee refer to parties in transportation.

6. Question 6 of 25Medium

   What is the proper grounding procedure when filling a cargo tank with flammable liquids through an open filling hole?

   1. AA. Keep the ground connected only while the transfer hose is physically attached.
   2. BB. Attach the ground before opening the filling hole and maintain it until after closing the hole.
   3. CC. Connect the ground wire only after the tank has reached half of its total capacity.
   4. DD. Attach the ground after opening the filling hole and disconnect it immediately when filling stops.
   Show answer to question 6

   Answer: B. Attach the ground before opening the filling hole and maintain it until after closing the hole.

   To prevent static electricity sparks, the cargo tank must be grounded before opening the filling hole, and that ground must be maintained until after closing the filling hole. Attaching the ground after opening the hole exposes flammable vapors to potential ignition during grounding.

7. Question 7 of 25Medium

   As you approach an open fire near the roadway while driving a placarded vehicle, what condition must be met before you can drive past it?

   1. AA. You can safely pass without stopping
   2. BB. All cargo pressure relief valves are locked shut
   3. CC. Local emergency responders grant permission by radio
   4. DD. Vehicle speed is reduced to less than 15 miles per hour
   Show answer to question 7

   Answer: A. You can safely pass without stopping

   The CDL manual states that you must never drive a placarded vehicle near open fires unless you can safely pass without stopping. Slowing down or seeking verbal permission does not make passing safe if the hazard could force the vehicle to stop near the fire.

8. Question 8 of 25Hard

   A carrier is preparing to haul a specialized hazardous materials cargo such as rocket fuel. What authorization may the federal government specifically require for this transport?

   1. AA. Permits or exemptions
   2. BB. Nighttime-only travel authorization
   3. CC. Temporary state operating waivers
   4. DD. Private armed security escorts
   Show answer to question 8

   Answer: A. Permits or exemptions

   The federal government may require permits or exemptions for special hazardous materials cargo such as rocket fuel. Although high-risk loads involve strict oversight, the regulations specify federal permits or exemptions rather than requiring private armed escorts.

9. Question 9 of 25Medium

   If compressed gas is involved in an accident, who must the commercial driver notify?

   1. AA. The cargo recipient
   2. BB. The tank manufacturer
   3. CC. The shipper
   4. DD. The nearest fuel depot
   Show answer to question 9

   Answer: C. The shipper

   The rules specify that a driver must notify the shipper if compressed gas is involved in any accident. Contacting the recipient or tank manufacturer is not the required emergency notification.

10. Question 10 of 25Medium

    Why must POISON INHALATION HAZARD placards be displayed even for small amounts of a material when the words INHALATION HAZARD appear on the shipping paper or package?

    1. AA. To show that the load has been weighed at a scale
    2. BB. To warn responders that the material poses an inhalation hazard
    3. CC. To indicate that the cargo may be carried without other placards
    4. DD. To mark the vehicle as exempt from inspection at weigh stations
    Show answer to question 10

    Answer: B. To warn responders that the material poses an inhalation hazard

    The rules require the POISON INHALATION HAZARD or POISON GAS placard, as appropriate, so the hazard is communicated, and these placards are used in addition to any other required hazard class placard. They do not replace other placards or show that the load was weighed.

11. Question 11 of 25Easy

    What is the definition of gross weight or gross mass?

    1. AA. The maximum legal axle weight permitted on public roads
    2. BB. The weight of the empty vehicle and its empty packaging
    3. CC. The weight of the packaging plus the weight of its contents
    4. DD. The weight of the cargo excluding all packing materials
    Show answer to question 11

    Answer: C. The weight of the packaging plus the weight of its contents

    The CDL manual defines gross weight or gross mass as the weight of the packaging plus the weight of its contents. Weighing only the cargo without its packaging represents net weight rather than gross weight.

12. Question 12 of 25Medium

    A driver is assigned a hazardous materials shipment that is ready to go. What should the driver do with the shipment?

    1. AA. Take a longer route to avoid inspections
    2. BB. Delay until the receiver calls with instructions
    3. CC. Transport it safely without delay
    4. DD. Wait until the next day to avoid traffic
    Show answer to question 12

    Answer: C. Transport it safely without delay

    The driver safely transports the shipment without delay. Deliberately waiting or taking a longer route conflicts with that responsibility.

13. Question 13 of 25Easy

    When loading hazardous materials containers, why should you avoid using hooks?

    1. AA. Hooks can scratch the cargo space floor liner.
    2. BB. Hooks can damage containers or packaging.
    3. CC. Hooks are too weak to lift heavy packages.
    4. DD. Hooks attract static electricity near explosives.
    Show answer to question 13

    Answer: B. Hooks can damage containers or packaging.

    The CDL manual says not to use hooks because tools can damage containers or other packaging during loading. The concern is physical damage to the package, not static electricity or the strength of the hook.

14. Question 14 of 25Easy

    A driver wants to check the tire pressure on a placarded vehicle during a trip. What is the only acceptable way to check it?

    1. AA. Look for a low sidewall bulge.
    2. BB. Tap the tire with a tool.
    3. CC. Use a tire pressure gauge.
    4. DD. Press a thumb into the tread.
    Show answer to question 14

    Answer: C. Use a tire pressure gauge.

    The CDL manual says the only acceptable way to check tire pressure is with a tire pressure gauge. Pressing, looking at the sidewall, or tapping the tire does not give an accurate pressure reading.

15. Question 15 of 25Easy

    Under hazardous materials regulations, what shape and positioning are vehicle placards required to have?

    1. AA. Diamond-shaped warning signs displayed square on point
    2. BB. Triangular markers positioned with the apex pointing downward
    3. CC. Circular plates mounted horizontally on each vehicle side
    4. DD. Rectangular banners fastened across the rear trailer door
    Show answer to question 15

    Answer: A. Diamond-shaped warning signs displayed square on point

    The regulations require vehicles carrying certain types or quantities of hazardous materials to display diamond-shaped warning signs displayed square on point, which are called placards. Circular signs, rectangular banners, and inverted triangles do not meet the federal standard for vehicle placards.

16. Question 16 of 25Easy

    Before moving a cargo tank containing hazardous materials, which condition is required regarding the manholes and valves?

    1. AA. Only the main bottom loading valve must be closed if traveling at low speeds.
    2. BB. All manholes and valves must be closed regardless of the amount of cargo or distance.
    3. CC. Discharge valves may remain cracked open if the cargo tank is less than half full.
    4. DD. Manholes may remain vented if moving less than five miles within a facility.
    Show answer to question 16

    Answer: B. All manholes and valves must be closed regardless of the amount of cargo or distance.

    All manholes and valves must be completely closed before moving a tank of hazardous materials, no matter how small the amount inside or how short the trip. Leaving any valve cracked or manhole open to vent during transit is illegal and creates a severe leak hazard.

17. Question 17 of 25Hard

    You or your employer must phone the National Response Center if a hazardous materials incident results in the discharge of a liquid marine pollutant exceeding:

    1. AA. 55 gallons
    2. BB. 100 gallons
    3. CC. 119 gallons
    4. DD. 250 gallons
    Show answer to question 17

    Answer: C. 119 gallons

    Immediate notification to the National Response Center is mandated when an incident involves the release of a marine pollutant in a quantity greater than 119 gallons for a liquid (or 882 pounds for a solid). Fifty-five gallons is a familiar drum capacity, but the specific reporting trigger set in the manual is greater than 119 gallons.

18. Question 18 of 25Easy

    A motor carrier provides transportation service only and is not the originator of a hazardous materials shipment. How long must the carrier keep a copy or electronic image of the shipping paper?

    1. AA. 2 years
    2. BB. 3 years
    3. CC. 6 months
    4. DD. 1 year
    Show answer to question 18

    Answer: D. 1 year

    The CDL manual specifies that a carrier that provides transportation service only must keep a copy or electronic image of the shipping paper for 1 year. Shippers, by contrast, must retain copies for 2 years, or 3 years in the case of hazardous waste.

19. Question 19 of 25Medium

    Corrosive liquids must never be loaded next to or above which of these materials?

    1. AA. Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet)
    2. BB. Division 2.2 (Non-Flammable Gas)
    3. CC. Division 6.2 (Infectious Substance)
    4. DD. Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials)
    Show answer to question 19

    Answer: A. Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet)

    Division 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet) is one of the materials that corrosive liquids must never be loaded next to or above, along with Division 1.4 explosives, Division 4.1 flammable solids, Class 5 oxidizers, and Division 2.3 Zone B poisonous gases. Non-flammable gases, infectious substances, and Class 9 materials are not on that list.

20. Question 20 of 25Medium

    A driver who transports hazardous materials is receiving the required security training. What must this training include?

    1. AA. How to prepare shipping papers and emergency response information
    2. BB. How to package and label hazardous materials for shipment
    3. CC. How to load and unload cargo tanks and portable tanks
    4. DD. How to recognize and respond to possible security threats
    Show answer to question 20

    Answer: D. How to recognize and respond to possible security threats

    All drivers must be trained in the security risks of hazardous materials transportation, including how to recognize and respond to possible security threats. Packaging, shipping papers, and tank loading are separate duties or specialized training topics.

21. Question 21 of 25Hard

    How must the identification number be displayed on a portable tank that holds 1,000 gallons or more?

    1. AA. On each side and each end of the portable tank
    2. BB. On one side only, if the tank holds a single product
    3. CC. On two opposing sides of the portable tank only
    4. DD. On the rear of the portable tank and on the cab of the truck
    Show answer to question 21

    Answer: A. On each side and each end of the portable tank

    The manual requires the identification number on each side and each end of a portable tank or other bulk packaging holding 1,000 gallons or more. Numbers on two opposing sides are enough only when the portable tank holds less than 1,000 gallons.

22. Question 22 of 25Medium

    To qualify as a freight container under hazardous materials regulations, a reusable container must have a minimum volume of at least:

    1. AA. 100 cubic feet.
    2. BB. 32 cubic feet.
    3. CC. 119 cubic feet.
    4. DD. 64 cubic feet.
    Show answer to question 22

    Answer: D. 64 cubic feet.

    According to the CDL manual, a freight container is a reusable container having a volume of 64 cubic feet or more. The 119-gallon figure applies to liquid capacity in bulk packaging rather than freight container cubic volume.

23. Question 23 of 25Hard

    A motor carrier must give a driver specific safety documents before the driver transports Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives. What action must the driver take regarding these documents?

    1. AA. Sign a receipt for the documents.
    2. BB. Keep duplicate copies inside the cargo compartment.
    3. CC. File a copy with the state police before departing.
    4. DD. Have the documents notarized by a safety official.
    Show answer to question 23

    Answer: A. Sign a receipt for the documents.

    Drivers transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives must sign a receipt for the documents provided by the carrier, which include FMCSR Part 397 and written emergency instructions. Having the paperwork notarized or filing copies with law enforcement is not required by federal regulations.

24. Question 24 of 25Hard

    During an inspection, a driver finds that a hazardous materials shipment has not been properly identified, marked, and labeled. What should the driver do?

    1. AA. Accept the shipment if the packages are not leaking
    2. BB. Correct the labels without informing the shipper
    3. CC. Transport it only if the vehicle is placarded
    4. DD. Make sure the shipper has identified, marked, and labeled the materials properly
    Show answer to question 24

    Answer: D. Make sure the shipper has identified, marked, and labeled the materials properly

    A driver must make sure the shipper has identified, marked, and labeled the hazardous materials properly. Non-leaking packages or placards on the vehicle do not excuse improper identification, marking, or labeling, and the driver should not simply relabel the shipment.

25. Question 25 of 25Hard

    When must the letters RQ appear on the shipping paper and on the package?

    1. AA. When one package holds a reportable quantity or more.
    2. BB. When the package is a bulk package of 119 gallons or more.
    3. CC. When the shipment holds any amount of a hazardous substance.
    4. DD. When the material is a poison inhalation hazard.
    Show answer to question 25

    Answer: A. When one package holds a reportable quantity or more.

    The shipper displays the letters RQ when the material is transported in a reportable quantity or greater in one package. Any amount of a hazardous substance does not trigger RQ, and RQ is not tied to inhalation hazards or to bulk package size.

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The full CDL bank has 472 Hazardous Materials questions. See plans