Hazardous Materials Endorsement Course
Author: Terry Mullins
In early 2022, the FMCSA established new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations that define the minimum training standards for entry-level commercial drivers. These requirements apply to drivers who are obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading a Class B CDL to a Class A, or adding a school bus, passenger, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time.
The ELDT Hazardous Materials Endorsement Theory Instruction Curriculum is built to fulfill the theory instruction component of these requirements. To be considered compliant, the training must be assigned and delivered by a school or entity registered on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). Full ELDT compliance also requires that the registered provider deliver behind-the-wheel instruction alongside the theory component.
To satisfy the theory portion of the ELDT requirements, all 12 mandatory modules must be completed with a minimum score of 80 percent. Those modules are:
Basic Introductory and Operational Hazardous Materials Requirements — Covers the foundational competencies for HazMat transportation, including shipping paper requirements, marking, labeling, placarding, emergency response information, and shipper responsibilities.
Reporting Hazardous Materials Crashes and Releases — Covers the proper procedures and contacts for immediate notification of certain HazMat incidents, including how to correctly complete and submit hazardous materials incident reports.
Tunnels and Railroad Highway Grade Crossing Requirements — Covers proper operation of a HazMat vehicle at railroad-highway grade crossings and through vehicular tunnels.
Loading and Unloading Hazardous Materials — Covers proper loading and unloading procedures for hazardous material cargo.
Hazardous Materials on Passenger Vehicles — Covers the requirements governing which hazardous materials may and may not be transported in passenger vehicles.
Bulk Packages — Covers transportation requirements for cargo tanks, intermediate bulk containers, bulk cylinders, and portable tanks.
Operating Emergency Equipment — Covers special precautions related to fires, loading and unloading operations, cargo tank motor vehicle equipment, and shut-off and shutdown procedures.
Emergency Response Procedures — Covers proper procedures and best practices for managing an emergency response and post-response operations, including actions to take in the event of an unintended hazardous material release.
Engine Fueling — Covers the proper procedures for fueling a vehicle that is carrying hazardous materials.
Tire Check — Covers the proper procedures for inspecting tires on a HazMat vehicle.
Routes and Route Planning — Covers how to properly plan a route when transporting hazardous materials.
Hazardous Materials Safety Permits — Covers the hazardous materials permitting process and the requirements associated with it.
