HAZMAT Knowledge Test question

Get the hazmat; even reefer companies haul hazmat loads.
A reefer company I drove for had about 125 drivers and I was the only one with hazmat endorsement. Many times I was rolling down the highway and not sitting waiting for a non-hazmat load.
An examples; a few of us were empty about the same time in Ohio. The only load available was paint going to Los Angeles and I got that load because I was the only one with hazmat endorsement. Similar situation several times and yes, I made the most money every year because of it.

 

Just to clarify you don't have to have a twic card to get hazmat, the problem with taking the knowledge test first is that it's only good for 30 days or less depending on the state and it will take longer than that to get the background check back

 

So what does that mean in terms of hurdles to jump? You basically HAVE to get the background check within 30 days after passing the Hazmat knowledge test, or else what? You can pass & not get the endorsement because your background check isn't cleared yet, & then the test expires & your screwed?

 

Most people get the background check done first when you get the leter saying you passed you take it to the dmv and then take the knowledge test and get the endorsement

 

That depends on the state. MS has you take the Hazmat test first so you don't waste the money on the background check if you fail and they do the bg check for you at the dmv once you pass

 

How soon can you do hazmat background do you need to wait until you are a cdl holder or can you do it with a cdl permit?

 

I took my test first week of December and fingerprints end of January in Washington. No issues. Only took 10 days to get the letter in the mail that I was good to go.

Make sure your fingerprints are in before you get your CDL license so you don't have to go back to get the endorsement on your license. You don't need a TWIC to get a hazmat.

 

There'll be a couple of fees in most MVD's. Fingerprinting service and background check have a cost. It isn't a lot, New Mexico is $137 for both, I think. But somebody has to pay. Heads up on that. Also, there'll be a delay between the test/fingerprinting/background check, and your actual CDL w/endorsements...maybe up to a month? More or less. Look into that for your timeframe inpact. I can't remember if they issue the CDL before the HM endorsement is finalized, then add it on later,sorry.

Best. J PS: spend some time reading the ERG, very informative. Tanker and double/triple tests are pretty easy.