In Partnership with County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries

View instructions
Any driver, regardless of the vehicle Class, who wants to haul hazardous materials, must add an “H” endorsement to their CDL. In order to obtain the Hazmat endorsement drivers are required to pass a Transportation Security Administration background check and a knowledge test. The California hazmat test consists of 30 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 24 questions (80%). The CA CDL hazmat test covers the information found in the California CDL Manual. Study the chapter covering hazardous materials to learn how to recognize, handle, and transport Hazmat, then take this practice test to prepare for your exam!
1. To know how much space you should keep in front of you:
wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a clear landmark, then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot.
estimate how many vehicle lengths there are between you and the vehicle ahead.
estimate how many seconds it would take you to reach the vehicle ahead.
2. Which of the following may have reduced the clearances since the heights were posted at bridges and overpasses?
The weight of a cargo
Rain
Repaving of the road
3. Placards are used:
to warn other drivers about the risks of tailgating.
to warn other drivers when the load on the vehicle extends 4 feet or more beyond the rear of the body.
to warn others of hazardous materials.
4. If the hazardous material label won't fit on the package:
the shipper may put the label on a tag securely attached to the package.
the shipper may use a QR Code instead.
the shipper may reduce the size of the label to fit on the package.
5. Never drive a placarded vehicle near open fires unless:
the vehicle is vehicle transporting explosives.
you can safely pass the fire without stopping.
the vehicle is equipped with fire sprinklers.
6. You are more at risk of being fatigued:
after getting more than 8 hours of sleep.
when stopping periodically during long trips.
when driving alone.
7. Nitric acid should:
stacked to the ceiling.
loaded above other products.
not be loaded above any other product.
8. Placards must be placed:
on the rear only.
on the front only.
on the front, rear and both sides of the vehicle.
9. Some packages of ________ bear a "transport index", which tells the degree of control needed during transportation.
corrosive liquids
explosives
radioactive materials
10. If you have to drive off the road, you should:
keep one set of wheels on the pavement, if possible.
brake as hard as you can to maintain control.
fully apply the brakes until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph.
 
Page 1 of 3
Next page

Frequently Asked Questions

In California, the minimum age to apply for a DMV test is 15½ years old. If you are at least 17½ years old, you have the option to obtain a permit without completing driver training. When you turn 16, you can obtain a minor's driver license, and the provisional aspect of your class C driver's license comes to an end when you reach 18.

You can schedule an appointment through the official California DMV website to take the DMV written test in person. Alternatively, you can take the exam online during specific hours. You can select this option after filling out your application. If you are under 18, parental or guardian permission is necessary before taking the test. Additionally, this test requires a webcam and cannot be completed on a smartphone/tablet.
You'll need to bring specific documents:
  • Application Form. You can fill out this form online or choose the paper version available at any California DMV office. If you're under 18, ensure that your parents/guardians sign the application.
  • Proof of identity.
  • Full name document.
  • Two proofs of residency.
  • Social Security Number (SSN).
  • If you are under 18, you must also have a Certificate of Completion/Enrollment of Driver Education.
The online version of the DMV written test in California is offered in 35 languages. Although language options are provided, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English.
The DMV written test covers various topics, such as road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Studying the official California Driver’s Handbook is the first step to pass the exam because it contains all of this information. Once you've read it, you can take our free practice tests to test your preparation!
For new drivers in California, there are specific restrictions based on their age and licensing stage. With an instruction permit, you can drive accompanied by a licensed California aged at least 18 (or 25 for minors). After obtaining a provisional license, driving alone is permitted if there are no collisions or traffic violations on your record. In the first 12 months:

  • Driving alone is prohibited between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for medical emergencies, school or employment activities, or when accompanied by a family member. A written note is required.
  • Transporting passengers under 20 years old is not allowed, except when accompanied by a California-licensed parent or guardian, a driver aged 25 or older, or a certified driving instructor.
  • Until you turn 18, the use of a cell phone or electronic wireless device is forbidden, except in emergencies when you need to contact law enforcement or the hospital.

At 18, the restrictions end and you may request a duplicate DL without the term "provisional", after paying a fee.

The driver’s license application remains valid for 12 months. Since you are required to hold the permit for 6 months before taking the road test, if your application expires, you must reapply at a DMV office. The time spent with the instruction permit counts towards the six-month requirement. Bring both the expired and current permits on the day of the driving test to demonstrate the accumulated credit.

If you do not pass your written test, you must wait for 7 days, excluding the day you failed the test, before retaking it. You are allowed three attempts to pass the exam. However, if you fail it three times, your application will no longer be valid, and you must start the application process again.

CA CDL Hazmat Test

Number of questions: 30
Correct answers to pass:24
Passing score:80%
Share This Online CDL Test
Rate this CDL Hazmat Test
4.6 out of 5
based on 214 votes