25 realistic Hazardous Materials practice questions for North Carolina CDL applicants. Required for: Drivers transporting placarded hazardous materials. Official test: 30 questions, 24 correct to pass.
Question 1 of 25 · Loading
You should turn off your engine when:
-
A.
Loading or unloading flammable liquids
-
B.
Driving on a hill
-
C.
Inspecting brakes
-
D.
Refueling on the highway
Correct answer: A.
Turn off the engine when loading or unloading flammable liquids to reduce ignition risk.
Question 2 of 25 · Emergencies
When a HazMat package leaks, you should:
-
A.
Move it to a safe area
-
B.
Secure the area and call for help
-
C.
Continue the trip
-
D.
Place it in the trailer's rear
Correct answer: B.
Don't move leaking packages. Secure the area and contact qualified responders.
Question 3 of 25 · Shipping Papers
HazMat shipping papers must be:
-
A.
Out of the driver's reach
-
B.
Within the driver's reach while driving and clearly distinguished from other shipping papers
-
C.
In the trailer with the cargo
-
D.
Mailed to the receiver in advance
Correct answer: B.
Shipping papers must be within reach and identifiable. They must be on the seat or in a door pouch.
Question 4 of 25 · Placards
What does each placard show?
-
A.
The hazard class number
-
B.
A pictorial symbol for the hazard
-
C.
The four-digit ID number when required
-
D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Placards show the hazard class number, symbol, and ID number when required.
Question 5 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
Which of the following is a sign of a tire fire?
-
A.
Smoke from the tire
-
B.
A loud noise
-
C.
Vibration in the steering
-
D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Watch for smoke, noise, and vibration as warning signs of a tire fire.
Question 6 of 25 · HazMat Driving
Which is true about smoking near HazMat vehicles?
-
A.
Smoking is fine while driving
-
B.
Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of certain materials
-
C.
Smoking is allowed at truck stops
-
D.
Smoking is allowed in residential areas
Correct answer: B.
Smoking is forbidden within 25 feet of explosives, oxidizers, and flammables.
Question 7 of 25 · Shipping Papers
Where can drivers find emergency contact information for the materials they're hauling?
-
A.
On the placards
-
B.
In the shipping papers
-
C.
On the trailer doors
-
D.
In the glove box
Correct answer: B.
A 24-hour emergency contact number must appear on the shipping papers.
Question 8 of 25 · HazMat Driving
Drivers must avoid which of these areas when transporting HazMat?
-
A.
Tunnels and bridges where prohibited
-
B.
Heavily populated areas when alternative routes exist
-
C.
Open flames or heat sources
-
D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Avoid restricted areas, populated zones, and any ignition sources.
Question 9 of 25 · Shipping Papers
Which is true regarding HazMat shipping papers tabs?
-
A.
They must be tabbed or be the first paper
-
B.
They are filed alphabetically only
-
C.
They are not required to be visible
-
D.
They must be in a sealed envelope
Correct answer: A.
HazMat papers must be the top paper or tabbed to be readily identifiable.
Question 10 of 25 · Placards
How are placards different from labels?
-
A.
Labels go on packages; placards go on vehicles
-
B.
Placards go on packages and labels go on vehicles
-
C.
They are the same
-
D.
Labels are only required outside the U.S.
Correct answer: A.
Labels mark individual packages; placards identify HazMat on vehicles.
Question 11 of 25 · CDL Rules
Drivers transporting HazMat must have:
-
A.
Only a regular driver license
-
B.
A valid CDL with HazMat endorsement and TSA security threat assessment
-
C.
A passport
-
D.
Physician's certification only
Correct answer: B.
A current CDL with HazMat endorsement (and TSA background check) is required.
Question 12 of 25 · HazMat Driving
What is the speed limit when transporting HazMat through a tunnel?
-
A.
Tunnel speed limit minus 10 mph
-
B.
Posted limit
-
C.
No speed limit applies to HazMat
-
D.
Posted speed unless lower limit is posted for HazMat
Correct answer: D.
Follow posted limits; lower limits often apply specifically to HazMat in tunnels.
Question 13 of 25 · Placards
Which of these is required if a vehicle's placards are missing or destroyed?
-
A.
Placards must be replaced before continuing
-
B.
Drivers can continue without placards
-
C.
Drivers must call OSHA
-
D.
Drivers must wait until next shipping point
Correct answer: A.
Replace missing or damaged placards immediately before continuing.
Question 14 of 25 · Loading
What is "containment"?
-
A.
Putting HazMat in proper packaging
-
B.
A type of placard
-
C.
Stopping leaks during transport
-
D.
Containing fumes inside the trailer
Correct answer: A.
Containment means using packaging that meets DOT specifications for the material being shipped.
Question 15 of 25 · Loading
When loading or unloading HazMat:
-
A.
Set the parking brake
-
B.
Be sure the cargo is properly braced
-
C.
Stay close to the vehicle
-
D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Keep the brakes set, secure cargo, and remain on alert during loading and unloading.
Question 16 of 25 · Parking
When parking HazMat overnight, you should:
-
A.
Park near homes
-
B.
Choose well-lit, safe areas away from people and buildings
-
C.
Park on the shoulder of any road
-
D.
Park in residential areas
Correct answer: B.
Use safe, well-lit parking areas away from people and buildings.
Question 17 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
Are flares allowed when stopped near a HazMat leak?
-
A.
Yes, always use flares
-
B.
No, do not use flares near a HazMat leak — use reflective triangles
-
C.
Only with permission
-
D.
Only at night
Correct answer: B.
Open flames are dangerous near leaks. Use reflective triangles instead.
Question 18 of 25 · Security
Which is true about HazMat training?
-
A.
Drivers must be retrained every 3 years
-
B.
Training is optional
-
C.
Only new drivers need training
-
D.
Training is the same as for non-HazMat
Correct answer: A.
HazMat training is required every three years, including security awareness.
Question 19 of 25 · Rail Crossings
When approaching railroad crossings hauling HazMat, you should:
-
A.
Stop within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail
-
B.
Stop only at marked crossings
-
C.
Slow down only
-
D.
Speed up to clear quickly
Correct answer: A.
Stop 15 to 50 feet from nearest rail. Don't shift gears while crossing.
Question 20 of 25 · Shipping Papers
Drivers must check shipping papers for:
-
A.
Proper shipping name, hazard class, identification number
-
B.
Total quantity
-
C.
Emergency response number
-
D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Each entry must include the shipping name, class, ID number, quantity, and emergency contact.
Question 21 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
Which type of fire is most likely to occur with HazMat?
-
A.
Tire fires
-
B.
Electrical fires
-
C.
Engine compartment fires
-
D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Any of these can occur — pre-trip and en-route inspections reduce risk.
Question 22 of 25 · Parking
When is parking allowed for HazMat vehicles?
-
A.
On highway shoulders for any reason
-
B.
In safe locations away from open flames, heat sources, and people
-
C.
Anywhere is fine
-
D.
Only at truck stops
Correct answer: B.
Park away from people, fires, ignition sources, and within sight when possible.
Question 23 of 25 · Shipping Papers
What information must a HazMat driver have on the bills of lading?
-
A.
Total quantity by weight or volume
-
B.
Number and type of packages
-
C.
Shipping name and hazard class
-
D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
All of these must be included for HazMat shipments.
Question 24 of 25 · Shipping Papers
How can a driver determine the hazard class of a material?
-
A.
Read the shipping paper or check the Hazardous Materials Table
-
B.
Smell the package
-
C.
Open the container
-
D.
Ask other drivers
Correct answer: A.
The hazard class appears on shipping papers; the Hazardous Materials Table is the master reference.
Question 25 of 25 · Security
Which is true about HazMat security?
-
A.
Drivers should keep doors locked when stopped
-
B.
Drivers should never leave the vehicle unattended
-
C.
Drivers must follow the carrier's security plan
-
D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
All these practices reduce theft and tampering risk for HazMat.
About the Hazardous Materials Test
The Hazardous Materials (HazMat) test covers the rules for transporting materials that pose a risk to health, safety, and property. Topics include the hazardous materials table, shipping papers, marking, labeling, placarding, loading and unloading, bulk packaging, driving and parking rules, communications, emergencies, and hazardous materials regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. A federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check is also required.
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles administers this knowledge test as part of its commercial driver license program. To earn the HazMat Endorsement (H) on your North Carolina CDL, you need to score at least 24 out of 30 on the official version.
Topics covered on this practice test
- Shipping Papers: 6 questions
- Loading: 3 questions
- Placards: 3 questions
- Emergency Equipment: 3 questions
- HazMat Driving: 3 questions
- Parking: 2 questions
- Security: 2 questions
- Emergencies: 1 question
- CDL Rules: 1 question
- Rail Crossings: 1 question
How to use this practice test
- Read each question carefully. CDL questions are written precisely — small wording differences matter.
- Click "Show Answers & Explanations" only after answering every question. Don't peek mid-test.
- Read the explanation for every question, even ones you got right. The reasoning is more important than the answer.
- Repeat the test until you score 100%. The questions are deterministic per state, so you can track your improvement over multiple sessions.
- Move on to the other endorsement tests for North Carolina until you're ready for the official exam.
Tips specific to the Hazardous Materials test
HazMat is the longest knowledge test (30 questions) and adds a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. Most candidates struggle with placard colors, the segregation table, shipping paper requirements, and emergency response procedures. Use the official Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) alongside this practice set.