Tennessee CDL Hazardous Materials Practice Test

The Tennessee CDL Hazardous Materials test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. You need at least 80% to pass. That's the federal minimum in 49 CFR 383.135 (Tennessee does not publish its own number).

Last updated Oct 16, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Tennessee CDL manual on October 16, 2026

Scott Wilder on X | scottwilderhq.com

FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC. It offers free exam-style practice tests built from the official CDL manual. FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.

Tennessee CDL permit facts

What	What Tennessee says	Source
Hazardous Materials pass mark	At least 80%. This is the federal minimum (49 CFR 383.135); Tennessee does not publish its own number.	Official page
Class A CLP fee	$14.00 total ($8.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee)	Official page
Class B or C CLP fee	$13.00 total ($7.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee)	Official page
CLP validity	365 days. If you do not convert the CLP to a CDL before it expires, all knowledge and skills tests become null and void.	Official page
Knowledge test retest rule	If you fail a knowledge test, you may retake it the next day. Applicants caught cheating are told by the DSC manager when they may retest.	Official page
Test languages	The manual says you may take a paper test or have the computer read the test to you in English, and to ask the DSC about other testing options. The official sources do not list other test languages or state an English-only rule.	Official page

20 question Hazardous Materials practice test

1. How is the packing group shown on a shipping paper?
1. A. In Roman numerals
2. B. As a color name
3. C. As a decimal number
4. D. In letters from A to C
Show answer
Answer: A. In Roman numerals
The packing group is displayed in Roman numerals and may start with PG.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.5 The Item Description.
2. Who must warn drivers and others about the hazards of a material?
1. A. The shipper
2. B. The dispatcher
3. C. The receiver
4. D. The weigh station
Show answer
Answer: A. The shipper
Shippers must warn drivers and others about the hazards.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.1.2 Communicate the Risk.
3. When may you drive a placarded vehicle near an open fire?
1. A. Only if you can safely pass without stopping
2. B. Only if you drive very slowly
3. C. Whenever the fire is small
Show answer
Answer: A. Only if you can safely pass without stopping
Never drive near open fires unless you can safely pass without stopping.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.5.
4. Which packages are often used for hazardous materials shipments?
1. A. Paper bags
2. B. Cylinders and drums
3. C. Plastic wrap
4. D. Cardboard envelopes
Show answer
Answer: B. Cylinders and drums
Cylinders and drums are often used for hazmat shipments.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.8 Recognizing Hazardous Materials.
5. What book may a motor carrier keep on each hazmat vehicle to help shippers?
1. A. The Hazardous Waste Manifest
2. B. The Driver's Logbook
3. C. The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
4. D. The Placard Handbook
Show answer
Answer: C. The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
A carrier may keep an ERG on each vehicle to help shippers with emergency response information.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.5 The Item Description.
6. Part of your vehicle was exposed to a corrosive liquid. What must be done?
1. A. Wipe it with a dry cloth
2. B. Leave it until the next trip
3. C. Wash it thoroughly with water
4. D. Cover it with a tarp
Show answer
Answer: C. Wash it thoroughly with water
Parts of the vehicle exposed to a corrosive liquid must be thoroughly washed with water.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.7.4 Responses to Specific Hazards.
7. Which placard goes with Class 3 Flammable Liquids?
1. A. Combustible
2. B. Flammable
3. C. Flammable Solid
4. D. Flammable Gas
Show answer
Answer: B. Flammable
The Table B row for 3 Flammable Liquids says Flammable.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.11 Placard Tables.
8. You deliver Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives. Where may you leave the shipment?
1. A. In an unlocked loading dock
2. B. With an authorized person or in a locked room made for explosives
3. C. In any open storage area
Show answer
Answer: B. With an authorized person or in a locked room made for explosives
For Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives, deliver only to authorized persons or leave the shipment in locked rooms designed for explosives storage.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.5.
9. In Column 7 of the Hazardous Materials Table, what do the numbers 1 to 6 mean?
1. A. The material is forbidden
2. B. The material is a marine pollutant
3. C. The material is a poison inhalation hazard
4. D. The material is not regulated
Show answer
Answer: C. The material is a poison inhalation hazard
Numbers 1 to 6 in Column 7 mean a poison inhalation hazard (PIH).
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.3 Lists of Regulated Products.
10. How can you make hazmat shipping papers easy to find?
1. A. Put them at the bottom of the stack
2. B. Mix them with the other papers
3. C. Tab them or keep them on top of the stack
Show answer
Answer: C. Tab them or keep them on top of the stack
Hazardous materials shipping papers must be tabbed or kept on top of the stack.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.10.
11. How is the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) indexed?
1. A. By driver name and truck number
2. B. By proper shipping name and identification number
3. C. By carrier name and city
4. D. By placard color and size
Show answer
Answer: B. By proper shipping name and identification number
The guide is indexed by proper shipping name and hazardous materials identification number.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.7.1 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).
12. You leave your truck. Where must the hazmat shipping papers be?
1. A. In the glove box
2. B. On the driver's seat
3. C. In the sleeper berth
4. D. In your pocket
Show answer
Answer: B. On the driver's seat
When you are out of the vehicle, papers go on the driver's seat.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.1 Definitions.
13. You find an overheated tire on your hazmat truck. What should you do?
1. A. Pour cold water on it and keep driving
2. B. Leave it on if the load is close to delivery
3. C. Remove it and place it a safe distance from the vehicle
Show answer
Answer: C. Remove it and place it a safe distance from the vehicle
Remove any overheated tire and place it a safe distance from your vehicle.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.9.
14. Which party sends products from one place to another by truck, rail, vessel, or airplane?
1. A. The driver
2. B. The shipper
3. C. The inspector
4. D. The carrier
Show answer
Answer: B. The shipper
The manual says the shipper sends the products.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.2.1.
15. Why should you load hazardous materials away from heat sources?
1. A. Heat makes the labels fall off
2. B. Many products become more hazardous when heated
3. C. Heat makes the load lighter
4. D. Heat helps the load stay in place
Show answer
Answer: B. Many products become more hazardous when heated
Many products become more hazardous when exposed to heat.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.4.1 General Loading Requirements.
16. What do the labels on a hazmat package always show?
1. A. The weight of the package
2. B. The shipper's phone number
3. C. The date it was packed
4. D. The hazard class of the product
Show answer
Answer: D. The hazard class of the product
Labels always reflect the hazard class of the product.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.7 Package Markings and Labels.
17. Which tool should you NOT use when loading hazardous materials?
1. A. A hand truck
2. B. A pallet
3. C. A strap
4. D. A hook
Show answer
Answer: D. A hook
The manual says not to use hooks because they might damage containers.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.4 Loading and Unloading.
18. Class 1, 4, and 5 loads must be in a closed cargo space unless the packages are fire and water resistant or covered with what?
1. A. Any plastic sheet
2. B. A fire and water resistant tarp
3. C. A cloth blanket
4. D. A rope net
Show answer
Answer: B. A fire and water resistant tarp
They may be covered with a fire and water resistant tarp.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.4.1 General Loading Requirements.
19. Where are placards put on a vehicle?
1. A. Only on the sides
2. B. Only on the front and rear
3. C. Only on the cab doors
4. D. Front, rear, and both sides
Show answer
Answer: D. Front, rear, and both sides
Placards go on the front, rear, and both sides.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.3 Lists of Regulated Products.
20. How much of a Table A material requires a placard?
1. A. Any amount
2. B. 1,001 pounds or more
3. C. 2,205 pounds or more
4. D. 119 gallons or more
Show answer
Answer: A. Any amount
Table A materials need placards for any amount.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.11 Placard Tables.

Tennessee CDL Hazardous Materials questions

What score do you need to pass the Tennessee CDL Hazardous Materials test?

You need at least 80% to pass. That is the federal minimum in 49 CFR 383.135. Tennessee does not publish its own number.

Is the Tennessee CDL Hazardous Materials test the same as other states?

The Hazardous Materials test is built on the same federal knowledge standards in every state, so the topics match the CDL manual. Tennessee uses its own handbook: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDL_Manual_May2022.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Tennessee?

Class A CLP fee: $14.00 total ($8.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee).

What languages is the Tennessee CDL knowledge test offered in?

The manual says you may take a paper test or have the computer read the test to you in English, and to ask the DSC about other testing options. The official sources do not list other test languages or state an English-only rule.

Sources

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.135
https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/fees.html
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDL_Manual_May2022.pdf
Manual sections used in this test: 9.1.2 Communicate the Risk; 9.2.1; 9.3.1 Definitions; 9.3.11 Placard Tables; 9.3.3 Lists of Regulated Products; 9.3.5 The Item Description; 9.3.7 Package Markings and Labels; 9.3.8 Recognizing Hazardous Materials; 9.4 Loading and Unloading; 9.4.1 General Loading Requirements; 9.6.10; 9.6.5; 9.6.9; 9.7.1 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG); 9.7.4 Responses to Specific Hazards

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