Texas Hazmat Test 2026: Questions, Passing Score and What to Expect
Short answer: the Texas Hazmat test is the DPS Hazardous Materials Exam, a knowledge test you take in person at a Driver License office. Since June 1, 2026 it is English only. You need 80% to pass. DPS doesn't publish the number of questions; drivers and practice sites report 30, which means 24 right, or 6 you can miss. Before DPS lets you take it, your Hazmat ELDT has to be on file with the FMCSA.
The Texas Hazmat test at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where do I take it? | In person at a Texas DPS Driver License office, after you submit your Hazmat application and fee. |
| What language? | English only, from June 1, 2026. Interpreters are not allowed (DPS). |
| Passing score? | 80%. Federal rules require at least 80% correct on every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). |
| How many questions? | DPS doesn't publish it. 30 is the number drivers and practice sites report, so 24 correct would pass. |
| What do I study? | Section 9 (Hazardous Materials) of the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook (DL-7C). |
| What does it cost? | $11 to test to add an endorsement (DPS fees), plus the $88.25 TSA background check later. |
| What do I need first? | Hazmat ELDT on file in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, Forms CDL-1 and CDL-6, your DOT medical card, and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence. |
What's on the Texas Hazmat test?
The questions come from the Hazardous Materials section of the Texas CDL handbook. Expect questions on:
- hazard classes and what each one means;
- shipping papers, labels, markings and placards, and when placards are required;
- loading and unloading, and which materials can't be loaded together;
- bulk packages and cargo tanks;
- driving and parking rules for placarded vehicles, including tunnels, railroad crossings and fueling;
- what to do in an emergency, a leak or a crash.
Texas Hazmat endorsement: the steps in order
- Finish Hazmat ELDT theory. Texas requires it for first-time Hazmat applicants, and your provider files it with the FMCSA. Ours is Hazmat ELDT online, $20.
- Apply at a DPS Driver License office. Bring Forms CDL-1 and CDL-6, your medical card and citizenship documents, and pay the fee.
- Take the Hazardous Materials Exam at the office, in English.
- Get your TSA Service Code from DPS. In Texas it comes when you finish the application at the office, and you can't start fingerprinting before that.
- Book fingerprinting with IdentoGO using the Service Code, at uenroll.identogo.com or 888-467-2080.
- Wait for TSA. The check costs $88.25. TSA says its goal is a status within 60 days and recommends enrolling at least 60 days before you need the endorsement (TSA). Once you're approved, DPS mails your new CDL.
Full Texas walkthrough with costs: How to get a Texas Hazmat endorsement.
Can I take the Texas Hazmat test in Spanish?
No, not since June 1, 2026. DPS now gives every CDL and commercial learner permit knowledge test in English only, and interpreters are prohibited. The skills test was already English only.
Can I take the Texas Hazmat test online?
No. The exam is taken at a DPS Driver License office as part of your Hazmat application. What you can do online is the Hazmat ELDT theory course and your practice tests.
How do I check my Hazmat status in Texas?
Texas is one of the states where TSA's online status check doesn't work. DPS says to email TexasCDL@dps.texas.gov or contact its customer service center if you haven't heard anything within 10 days after fingerprinting. TSA's enrollment line is 1-833-848-4759.
When does a Texas Hazmat endorsement expire?
When your CDL expires, or five years after TSA approves you, whichever comes first (DPS). Renewing means a new TSA background check, not ELDT again: see how to renew a Hazmat endorsement.
Practice before you test
The Hazmat practice test has 100 questions in the style of the DMV test, on placards, shipping papers, loading and emergencies, for $15. Or get Hazmat ELDT and the practice test together in the Hazmat ELDT + practice test bundle for $30. Adding Tanker too, to haul fuel? See the Hazmat and Tanker (X) endorsement.