The tanker endorsement costs between $100 and $300 for the written test and skills exam combined, though the exact price depends on your state and testing location

The tanker endorsement (also called the Tank endorsement or HazMat Tank endorsement) is an add-on to your commercial driver's license that lets you haul liquids and gases in tank trucks. Most states charge a single fee that covers both the written knowledge test and the practical driving exam. Some states bundle it with the hazardous materials endorsement fee, while others charge separately.

The fee itself is set by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent licensing body, not by testing centers. If you use a third-party testing vendor, they may charge an additional service fee on top of the state fee — usually $10 to $30. This means your total out-of-pocket cost could land anywhere from $100 to $350 depending on where you test and whether you're paying the state fee, a vendor fee, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states charge between $100 and $300 for the tanker endorsement test and exam, but you need to check your specific state's DMV website for the exact amount.
  • The fee covers both the written test (knowledge exam) and the skills test (driving exam), though some states charge them separately.
  • If you test through a third-party vendor instead of the DMV, expect to pay an additional service or processing fee on top of the state fee.
  • You must already hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or be testing for one at the same time to add the tanker endorsement.
  • Some employers reimburse the endorsement fee after you pass, so ask your company before paying out of pocket.

How state fees break down

Each state sets its own fee structure. Some states charge one flat fee for all endorsements (tanker, hazmat, doubles/triples, etc.), while others charge per endorsement. A few states include the tanker endorsement in a bundle with hazmat, since many tanker jobs require both.

States like California, Texas, and Florida typically charge $50 to $150 for the tanker endorsement alone. Northeastern states often charge $75 to $200. Western states vary widely — some charge as little as $50, others as much as $250. The only way to know your state's exact fee is to visit your state DMV's website or call the commercial licensing section directly. They can also tell you whether the fee is the same whether you test at the DMV office or through a third-party testing center.

Third-party testing vendor fees

Many states allow you to take the tanker endorsement test through a private testing vendor (often called a third-party examiner or TPDE — Third Party Driving Examiner) instead of waiting for an appointment at the DMV. These vendors charge their own fee on top of the state fee.

A third-party vendor typically charges $25 to $50 for administering the test, though some charge as much as $75. This is separate from the state fee — you pay both. So if your state charges $100 for the tanker endorsement and the vendor charges $40, your total is $140. Some vendors bundle multiple endorsements together at a discount, so if you're getting tanker plus hazmat, ask whether they offer a package price.

What's included in the fee

The tanker endorsement fee covers two separate exams: the written knowledge test and the skills (driving) test. You must pass both to receive the endorsement. The written test is usually 20 to 30 questions about tank truck safety, cargo weight distribution, emergency procedures, and vehicle handling. The skills test involves a pre-trip inspection, a basic control skills portion, and an on-road driving test in an actual tank truck.

The fee does not cover study materials, practice tests, or training courses. If you need to study before testing, you'll buy those separately — CDL study guides cost $15 to $50, and some trucking companies or training schools offer tanker-specific prep courses for $200 to $500. Many drivers study using free resources online or materials provided by their employer.

When you might not pay the full fee

Some employers cover the tanker endorsement fee as part of hiring or training. Trucking companies that specialize in tanker work often reimburse the test fee once you pass, or they pay it upfront and deduct it from your first few paychecks. Ask your potential employer before you schedule the test — you may not need to pay anything out of pocket.

A few states offer fee waivers or reductions for low-income drivers, though this is uncommon. Your state DMV can tell you whether any programs exist. Some workforce development agencies also cover licensing fees for people in approved training programs, so if you're going through a formal CDL school, ask whether they cover endorsement costs.

How to find your state's exact fee

Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "tanker endorsement" or "commercial endorsement fees." Most states list all endorsement fees in a table or fee schedule. If the website doesn't have it, call the commercial driver's license section directly — they can tell you the fee, whether it's the same at all testing locations, and whether you can use a third-party vendor.

When you call or visit, also ask: whether the tanker and hazmat endorsements are bundled or separate; whether you can test for multiple endorsements at once and get a discount; and how long the current wait time is for testing appointments. Some states have long backlogs, which is why many drivers use third-party vendors even though they cost more — the appointment comes faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the fee every time I renew my license?

No. Once you pass the tanker endorsement test and it's added to your CDL, you keep it when you renew. You only pay the renewal fee for the CDL itself, not the endorsement again. However, if your endorsement expires or is suspended, you'll need to retake the test and pay the fee again.

Can I get a refund if I fail the test?

Most states do not refund the fee if you fail. You pay again to retake the test. Some third-party vendors offer a discount for retakes, so ask before you schedule. Check your state's policy on the DMV website or by calling the commercial licensing office.

Is the tanker endorsement fee the same as the hazmat endorsement fee?

Not always. Some states charge them separately, others bundle them together. A few states charge one flat fee for all endorsements regardless of how many you get. Check your state's fee schedule to see whether tanker and hazmat are listed separately or together.

What if I test in one state but my CDL is from another?

You must test in the state that issued your CDL. You cannot take the tanker endorsement test in a different state and transfer it. If you've moved, you'll need to transfer your CDL to your new state first, then add the tanker endorsement there.

Do I need the hazmat endorsement to get the tanker endorsement?

Not always. Some tanker jobs require only the tanker endorsement, while others require both tanker and hazmat. Check the job posting or ask your employer which endorsements you need. If you need both, you'll pay two separate fees (or one bundled fee, depending on your state).