CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

Add-on permissions for your CDL. What each code allows, how to get it, what it costs, and what it restricts.

Endorsement is an additional code on your CDL that authorizes a specific type of cargo or vehicle. Driving without the required endorsement counts as a CDL violation.
The six federal endorsements
H
Hazardous Materials
Class A, B, C
Hauling DOT-placarded hazardous cargo — explosives, flammables, toxins, gases.
· TSA Security Threat Assessment — $85.25 (as of Jan 1, 2025)· Fingerprinting + background check· HazMat written test· ELDT required· 21+ only, interstate only· Valid for 5 years, retest required
N
Tank Vehicles
Class A, B
Tank vehicles with an aggregate capacity of ≥1,000 gallons — fuel, milk, chemicals.
· Written N test only· No background check· Valid as long as the base CDL
P
Passenger Transport
Class A, B, C
Vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
· Written P test· Skills test in a passenger vehicle· ELDT required· Driving record check (MVR)
S
School Bus
Class A, B, C
School bus — a special type of passenger transport with extra requirements.
· Valid P endorsement required· Separate written S test· Separate skills test in a school bus· ELDT required· Extended background check· Most states: annual recertification
T
Doubles / Triples
Class A only
Towing double or triple trailers (doubles/triples).
· Written T test only· Triple trailers are banned in many states
X
HazMat + Tank (combo)
Class A, B
Combines H and N — hazardous cargo in a tank vehicle. The strictest endorsement.
· Must complete everything for H + N· TSA check required· Highest clearance level
Details and tips
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HazMat — the TSA check in detail
Background check, fingerprints, wait time
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The HazMat endorsement is the only CDL endorsement that requires a federal security check from the TSA. Without it, the state will not issue H or X.

  • Step 1: Book an appointment at an authorized Enrollment Center (UPS Store, IdentoGO, etc.)
  • Step 2: Submit fingerprints + pay $85.25 (rate as of January 1, 2025)
  • Step 3: TSA processes the request — up to 60 days under the official timeline
  • Step 4: Once approved, the state lets you take the HazMat test and issues the endorsement
Who gets denied: people convicted of certain offenses (terrorism, violent crimes, human trafficking), undocumented immigrants, and anyone in custody or on probation for serious crimes.
HazMat endorsement term: 5 years. Renewal requires a retest AND a new TSA check.
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School Bus (S) — the strictest endorsement
Two exams + extended background check
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The S endorsement is the most tightly regulated at the state level. In many jurisdictions the requirements are stricter than HazMat.

  • A P endorsement is required first — you cannot get S without a valid P
  • Background check: criminal record, financial violations, and sex-offender registry screening
  • Annual recertification — in most states (every single year, not once every few years)
  • Skills test — must be taken in an actual school bus, not a regular vehicle
  • Drug & alcohol testing: required at hiring, plus random testing on the job
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Doubles / Triples (T) — where is it allowed?
Not in every state
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The T endorsement is required to tow double trailers (doubles) and triples. Both need the same endorsement, but triple trailers are not allowed everywhere.

Triple trailers are banned: in most eastern states and on busy urban routes. They are mostly allowed in the West (Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Idaho) and in several Midwest states.
The T endorsement is a written test only — no skills exam at all. Procedure-wise, it is the “easiest” endorsement to get.
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Which endorsement should you choose?
Practical career tips
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  • OTR Trucking (long haul): Class A + T (doubles) = the most job openings
  • Fuel / chemicals: Class A or B + X (HazMat + Tank) = the highest pay, but you wait up to 60 days for TSA
  • City routes / buses: Class B + P = city and municipal carriers
  • School transport: Class B/C + P + S = stable work, strict screening
  • Start without HazMat: begin without H — build experience, then add the endorsement. The TSA check takes 1–2 months
New York additionally issues the M endorsement (Metal Coil) for hauling metal coils ≥5,000 lb — a state-level add-on, not a federal one.
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