Endorsments

Study and then take the DMV test. What will show on your CDL depends on what you do next:
- HAZMAT, exam only. BUT you have to pay for a background check to get HAZMAT.
- Doubles/Triples, exam only.
- Tanker, exam only.
- Passenger, exam only . But you will not get the endorsement until you take the road exam in a passenger vehicle.
- School bus. Same. Except road exam in a school bus. (plus back ground check with school system)

What endorsements you get depends on what you want to do and who you drive for.

 

Tanker and Hazmat are two plus's. In Massachusetts I just went to the RMV , paid to take the exams for the endorsements , passed and I was good to go. Even though I haul heavy, from time to time I will haul tanker..Each state is different in how they run their Hazmat though. I never had to pay for a background,,least not here , before taking the test.
Either way its a good endorsement to have.
Good luck

 

TSA does a fingerprint and back ground check for anyone wanting HAZMAT. The cost may vary from state to state, but it's nation wide.

From the website: http://www.tsa.gov/stakeholders/hazmat-endorsement-threat-assessment-program

The TSA Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program conducts a security threat assessment for any driver seeking to obtain, renew, or transfer a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) on a state-issued commercial drivers license (CDL).
The program was implemented to meet the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (pdf, 848Kb), which prohibits states from issuing a license to transport hazardous materials in commerce unless a determination has been made that the driver does not pose a security risk. The Act further requires that the risk assessment include checks of criminal history records, legal status, and relevant international databases.
If you seek to obtain, renew, or transfer an HME on your CDL, you must apply for a security threat assessment. TSA rules require you to begin applying for the security threat assessment at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your CDL.

• This program does not apply to drivers who do NOT hold an HME or a CDL.

 

I studied these questions and answers and kept going over them until I answered them all correctly.. After that, I walked into the Indiana BMV and took all the tests.. Passed them all..

http://www.cristcdl.com/otc/

 

Endorsements are a way for the Government to make money. Passing a written test does not mean that you can actually pull what you are licensed to. It only means that you had some knowledge that you remembered long enough to pass 70% of the questions asked.

Driving a tanker is very different from driving a van which is different from drive doubles and triples. Hazmat can be dangerous. Certain things should not be carried on the same truck and some things really suck up the environment. Getting all the endorsements up front is the cheapest way to do it if you actually end up using them. But hauling dangerous stuff requires you to be extra safe. Take your time and learn how to drive before you have nuclear waste behind you.