25 realistic Hazardous Materials practice questions for Utah CDL applicants. Required for: Drivers transporting placarded hazardous materials. Official test: 30 questions, 24 correct to pass.
Question 1 of 25 · Tank Operations
Which of these are dangers of hauling liquids in tanks?
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A.
Liquid surge
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B.
Outage requirements
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C.
Top-heavy load
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D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Surge, outage, and high center of gravity all make tank vehicles uniquely dangerous.
Question 2 of 25 · HazMat Driving
What is the speed limit when transporting HazMat through a tunnel?
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A.
Tunnel speed limit minus 10 mph
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B.
Posted limit
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C.
No speed limit applies to HazMat
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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 3 of 25 · Emergencies
What should you do if HazMat spills on the ground?
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A.
Cover with sand or absorbent material
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B.
Drive away from the spill
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C.
Get qualified help to handle the spill
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D.
Wash it down with water
Correct answer: C.
Get trained responders. Don't cover, push, or wash the spill yourself.
Question 4 of 25 · Placards
Green placards usually indicate:
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A.
Compressed gases (non-flammable)
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B.
Explosives
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C.
Poisons
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D.
Corrosives
Correct answer: A.
Green placards usually indicate non-flammable compressed gases.
Question 5 of 25 · Shipping Papers
What information must a HazMat driver have on the bills of lading?
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A.
Total quantity by weight or volume
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B.
Number and type of packages
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C.
Shipping name and hazard class
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D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
All of these must be included for HazMat shipments.
Question 6 of 25 · Placards
What does each placard show?
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A.
The hazard class number
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B.
A pictorial symbol for the hazard
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C.
The four-digit ID number when required
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D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Placards show the hazard class number, symbol, and ID number when required.
Question 7 of 25 · Loading
What does "blasting agents" refer to?
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A.
Materials used to detonate explosives
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B.
A class of explosives sensitive to ignition
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C.
Cleaning agents
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D.
Aerosol propellants
Correct answer: A.
Blasting agents are materials designed to be set off using a detonator.
Question 8 of 25 · HazMat Driving
Which is true about smoking near HazMat vehicles?
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A.
Smoking is fine while driving
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B.
Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of certain materials
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C.
Smoking is allowed at truck stops
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D.
Smoking is allowed in residential areas
Correct answer: B.
Smoking is forbidden within 25 feet of explosives, oxidizers, and flammables.
Question 9 of 25 · Rail Crossings
What is the maximum stopping distance allowed for HazMat vehicles approaching a railroad crossing?
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A.
Stop within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail and not closer than 15 feet
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B.
Stop on the tracks
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C.
Stop only when train is approaching
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D.
No stop required
Correct answer: A.
HazMat vehicles must stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail before crossing.
Question 10 of 25 · Inspection
HazMat drivers must inspect tires:
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A.
Once a day
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B.
At the start of the trip and at every stop
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C.
Once a week
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D.
Only at weigh stations
Correct answer: B.
Inspect tires before the trip and at each stop because hot or damaged tires raise fire risk.
Question 11 of 25 · Shipping Papers
Where can a driver find information about which HazMat are flammable?
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A.
Hazardous Materials Table
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B.
CDL test only
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C.
Engine manual
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D.
Driver license documents
Correct answer: A.
The DOT Hazardous Materials Table classifies materials and lists handling requirements.
Question 12 of 25 · Placards
Placards are warning signs placed on:
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A.
Drivers' shirts
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B.
The outside of vehicles transporting HazMat
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C.
The shipping papers only
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D.
Inside the cab
Correct answer: B.
Diamond-shaped placards on the four sides of the vehicle warn others of hazardous cargo.
Question 13 of 25 · Shipping Papers
HazMat shipping papers must be:
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A.
Out of the driver's reach
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B.
Within the driver's reach while driving and clearly distinguished from other shipping papers
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C.
In the trailer with the cargo
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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 14 of 25 · Loading
What does the term "marking" refer to?
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A.
Marking the shipper's name on the package
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B.
Putting the proper shipping name and ID number on the package
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C.
Marking the truck's plates
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D.
Marking the route on a map
Correct answer: B.
Marking includes the proper shipping name and the four-digit ID number on the package.
Question 15 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
Are flares allowed when stopped near a HazMat leak?
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A.
Yes, always use flares
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B.
No, do not use flares near a HazMat leak — use reflective triangles
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C.
Only with permission
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D.
Only at night
Correct answer: B.
Open flames are dangerous near leaks. Use reflective triangles instead.
Question 16 of 25 · Security
Which is true about HazMat training?
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A.
Drivers must be retrained every 3 years
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B.
Training is optional
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C.
Only new drivers need training
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D.
Training is the same as for non-HazMat
Correct answer: A.
HazMat training is required every three years, including security awareness.
Question 17 of 25 · Placards
When must placards be displayed?
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A.
Before the vehicle is loaded
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B.
Once the HazMat is loaded and secured before driving
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C.
After the trip ends
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D.
Only at weigh stations
Correct answer: B.
Drivers must placard once HazMat is loaded and verify before moving the vehicle.
Question 18 of 25 · HazMat Driving
When transporting HazMat over long distances, drivers should:
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A.
Stay alert, take rest breaks, and inspect the load regularly
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B.
Drive at maximum speed limit
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C.
Skip rest stops to save time
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D.
Avoid highways
Correct answer: A.
Stay alert with regular rest breaks; inspect cargo at every stop.
Question 19 of 25 · HazMat Basics
Which is the goal of HazMat regulations?
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A.
To make HazMat transport safer for everyone
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B.
To allow easy transport of HazMat
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C.
To increase shipping costs
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D.
To require more inspections
Correct answer: A.
HazMat rules contain risk to public safety, property, and the environment.
Question 20 of 25 · HazMat Basics
What is "hazard class"?
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A.
A grouping of materials by hazard type
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B.
A type of placard
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C.
A required driving license
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D.
A type of HazMat trailer
Correct answer: A.
There are nine hazard classes that group materials with similar dangers.
Question 21 of 25 · Loading
Which of the following must NEVER be transported with a HazMat shipment?
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A.
Routine cargo
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B.
Other foods
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C.
Class A or B explosives without segregation tables
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D.
Pet food
Correct answer: C.
Explosives have strict segregation rules. Always consult the segregation table.
Question 22 of 25 · Shipping Papers
Drivers must check shipping papers for:
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A.
Proper shipping name, hazard class, identification number
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B.
Total quantity
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C.
Emergency response number
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D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
Each entry must include the shipping name, class, ID number, quantity, and emergency contact.
Question 23 of 25 · Emergencies
Which of these is the best advice if you have a HazMat leak?
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A.
Continue to the destination
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B.
Stop, secure the area, communicate the danger, get help
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C.
Try to repair it yourself
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D.
Cover the leak
Correct answer: B.
Stop, secure, communicate, and get qualified help. Don't try to handle leaks yourself.
Question 24 of 25 · Emergencies
Drivers must report HazMat incidents to:
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A.
The local newspaper
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B.
Carrier and law enforcement, then the National Response Center
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C.
No one — drivers are not responsible
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D.
The shipper only
Correct answer: B.
Notify your carrier and local responders, then call the National Response Center if reportable.
Question 25 of 25 · Emergencies
What does "ERG" stand for?
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A.
Emergency Response Guide
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B.
Energy Regulations Guide
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C.
Environmental Resource Guide
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D.
Emissions Reduction Guide
Correct answer: A.
The DOT Emergency Response Guidebook contains response info for HazMat incidents.
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 Utah Driver License Division administers this knowledge test as part of its commercial driver license program. To earn the HazMat Endorsement (H) on your Utah CDL, you need to score at least 24 out of 30 on the official version.
Topics covered on this practice test
- Emergencies: 4 questions
- Placards: 4 questions
- Shipping Papers: 4 questions
- HazMat Driving: 3 questions
- Loading: 3 questions
- HazMat Basics: 2 questions
- Tank Operations: 1 question
- Rail Crossings: 1 question
- Inspection: 1 question
- Emergency Equipment: 1 question
- Security: 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 Utah 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.