Washington CDL Hazardous Materials Practice Test

The Washington CDL Hazardous Materials test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) says you need 80% to pass (source).

Last updated Oct 7, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Washington CDL manual on October 7, 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.

Washington CDL permit facts

What	What Washington says	Source
Hazardous Materials pass mark	80%	Official page
Hazardous Materials test questions	30	Official page
CLP fee	$40	Official page
CLP validity	180 days. Renew once within 30 days of expiring for 180 more days. Doubles/triples and hazmat tests do not renew with the CLP	Official page
CLP holding period	Wait 14 calendar days after your original or upgraded CLP before the skills test	Official page
Test languages	The CDL knowledge test comes in English, Spanish, Russian and Serbian-Croatian. Language interpreters are not allowed. The study guide is English only.	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 find out if a hazardous materials trip needs permits or special routes?
1. A. The driver
2. B. The shipper only
3. C. The police
4. D. The receiver
Show answer
Answer: A. The driver
It is your job as driver to find out about permits or special routes.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.5 Route Restrictions.
3. How soon must carriers make a detailed written report after an incident?
1. A. Within 24 hours
2. B. Within 7 days
3. C. Within 30 days
4. D. Within 90 days
Show answer
Answer: C. Within 30 days
Carriers must make detailed written reports within 30 days of an incident.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.7.5 Required Notification.
4. Which method should you NEVER use to identify a leaking material?
1. A. Check the shipping papers
2. B. Look at the labels
3. C. Check the package location
4. D. Use your sense of smell
Show answer
Answer: D. Use your sense of smell
Toxic gases can destroy your sense of smell and can injure or kill you even if they don't smell.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.7.3 Fires.
5. Before transport, what does the carrier check about the shipment?
1. A. That the receiver is open
2. B. That the truck has a full fuel tank
3. C. That the driver has a trip plan
4. D. That the shipper described, marked, and labeled it correctly
Show answer
Answer: D. That the shipper described, marked, and labeled it correctly
The carrier checks that the shipper prepared the shipment correctly.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.2.2 The Carrier.
6. A hazardous materials truck has crashed and help has arrived. What is part of your job?
1. A. Give the responders the shipping papers
2. B. Clean up the spill by yourself
3. C. Move the load to another truck
4. D. Keep the papers in the cab
Show answer
Answer: A. Give the responders the shipping papers
Your job includes giving responders the shipping papers and emergency response information.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.7.2 Crashes/Incidents.
7. Which document must you sign by hand and carry when hauling hazardous waste?
1. A. Bulk Package Permit
2. B. Weight Receipt
3. C. Driver Hazard Report
4. D. Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
Show answer
Answer: D. Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
You must sign by hand and carry a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.9 Hazardous Waste Manifest.
8. After a hazardous materials crash, where should you keep people?
1. A. Close by, to help you
2. B. Downwind, near the vehicle
3. C. Far away and upwind
4. D. Inside the trailer
Show answer
Answer: C. Far away and upwind
The checklist says to keep people far away and upwind.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.7.2 Crashes/Incidents.
9. How close must the person attending a parked placarded vehicle be if not in the vehicle?
1. A. Within 300 feet
2. B. Within 100 feet and in clear view
3. C. Within 500 feet
4. D. Within 25 feet but out of sight
Show answer
Answer: B. Within 100 feet and in clear view
The person must be within 100 feet and have the vehicle in clear view.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.3 Attending Parked Vehicles.
10. How must the identification number be shown on a cargo tank?
1. A. White numbers on a black panel
2. B. Red numbers on a yellow panel
3. C. Black numbers on an orange panel, a placard, or a white diamond
4. D. Black numbers on a green panel
Show answer
Answer: C. Black numbers on an orange panel, a placard, or a white diamond
The rules require black numbers on orange panels, placards, or a white diamond-shaped background.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.5.1.
11. When may you accept the shipper's certification about packaging?
1. A. Only after you open every package
2. B. Never, the driver must repack it
3. C. Only if the load is under 1,001 pounds
4. D. Unless the package is clearly unsafe or breaks the rules
Show answer
Answer: D. Unless the package is clearly unsafe or breaks the rules
You may accept the certification unless the package is clearly unsafe or does not comply.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.3.6 Shipper's Certification.
12. How should you load charged storage batteries?
1. A. Right side up so the liquid will not spill
2. B. Upside down
3. C. Stacked loose
4. D. On their sides
Show answer
Answer: A. Right side up so the liquid will not spill
Keep them right side up so their liquid won't spill.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.4.1.
13. Which common cargo tank is used for gases?
1. A. MC306
2. B. MC300
3. C. MC331
4. D. MC312
Show answer
Answer: C. MC331
The most common cargo tanks are MC306 for liquids and MC331 for gases.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.5 Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading and Unloading.
14. You are fueling a truck that carries hazardous materials. Who must be at the nozzle?
1. A. No one, if the nozzle locks open
2. B. Someone, controlling the fuel flow, at all times
3. C. Only the shipper
Show answer
Answer: B. Someone, controlling the fuel flow, at all times
Someone must always be at the nozzle, controlling fuel flow.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.7.
15. 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.
16. Where must you NOT load nitric acid?
1. A. Below other products
2. B. Above any other product
3. C. On the floor
4. D. Next to the wall
Show answer
Answer: B. Above any other product
Do not load nitric acid above any other product.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.4.1 Class 8 (Corrosive) Materials.
17. 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.
18. Your placarded flammable liquid tank breaks down. What stopped vehicle signals can you use?
1. A. Flares
2. B. Fuses
3. C. Burning torches
4. D. Reflective triangles
Show answer
Answer: D. Reflective triangles
Use reflective triangles or red electric lights.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.4 No Flares!.
19. While you drive, where must the shipping papers be?
1. A. In the glove box
2. B. In the trailer
3. C. Within reach with your seat belt on, or in the door pouch
4. D. In your pocket only
Show answer
Answer: C. Within reach with your seat belt on, or in the door pouch
Keep them within reach with seat belt on, or in a pouch on the driver's door.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.6.10 Where to Keep Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information.
20. When may liquid discharge valves on a compressed gas tank be open?
1. A. While driving on the highway
2. B. Any time the tank is full
3. C. Only when loading and unloading
Show answer
Answer: C. Only when loading and unloading
Keep liquid discharge valves closed except when loading and unloading.
From the official CDL manual, section 9.5.4.

Washington CDL Hazardous Materials questions

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

Washington says you need 80% to pass the Hazardous Materials test.

Is the Washington 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. Washington uses its own handbook: https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/42/cdlguidepdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Washington?

CLP fee: $40.

What languages is the Washington CDL knowledge test offered in?

The CDL knowledge test comes in English, Spanish, Russian and Serbian-Croatian. Language interpreters are not allowed. The study guide is English only.

Sources

https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/cdl-training-and-testing/cdl-knowledge-test
https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/cdl-training-and-testing/commercial-learners-permit-clp
https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/cdl-training-and-testing/cdl-skills-test
https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/42/cdlguidepdf
Manual sections used in this test: 9.2.2 The Carrier; 9.3.5 The Item Description; 9.3.6 Shipper's Certification; 9.3.9 Hazardous Waste Manifest; 9.4 Loading and Unloading; 9.4.1; 9.4.1 Class 8 (Corrosive) Materials; 9.5 Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading and Unloading; 9.5.1; 9.5.4; 9.6.10 Where to Keep Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information; 9.6.3 Attending Parked Vehicles; 9.6.4 No Flares!; 9.6.5 Route Restrictions; 9.6.7; 9.7.2 Crashes/Incidents; 9.7.3 Fires; 9.7.4 Responses to Specific Hazards; 9.7.5 Required Notification

Hazardous Materials practice test in nearby states