The X Endorsement Lets You Carry Hazardous Materials and Passengers at the Same Time

The X endorsement on a commercial driver's license is a combination of two separate endorsements — the H endorsement (hazardous materials) and the N endorsement (tank vehicles) — bundled into one. If you hold an X endorsement, you are permitted to drive a vehicle that carries both hazardous materials and passengers, which is the most restrictive combination the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration allows.

You cannot get an X endorsement by itself. Instead, you obtain it by passing the tests for both H and N endorsements. Most drivers who need to haul hazardous materials in tank vehicles — such as fuel tankers that also transport workers, or chemical haulers with passenger capacity — pursue the X endorsement because it covers both requirements in a single credential rather than managing two separate endorsements.

The X endorsement is not common. Most hazmat drivers hold only the H endorsement (hazmat without tank vehicles), and most tank vehicle drivers hold only the N endorsement (tanks without hazmat). You need X only if your specific job requires both at once.

Key Takeaways

  • The X endorsement combines the H endorsement (hazardous materials) and N endorsement (tank vehicles), allowing you to haul hazmat in tank vehicles and carry passengers in the same vehicle.
  • You must pass separate written tests for both H and N endorsements to obtain X; there is no single X test.
  • You will need to pass a Transportation Security Administration background check to get the H portion, which is part of the X endorsement process.
  • Your state's commercial driver's license manual covers the specific knowledge areas tested for both H and N endorsements in your state.

What You Need to Study Before Testing

To prepare for the X endorsement, you must study two separate knowledge areas. The H endorsement test covers hazardous materials regulations — what materials are classified as hazmat, how they must be labeled, placarding rules, loading and unloading procedures, and what you must do if there is a spill or accident. The N endorsement test covers tank vehicle operation — how liquid surge affects braking and handling, proper tank filling and emptying, weight distribution, and safe driving techniques specific to tankers.

Your state's commercial driver's license manual is the official source for both test areas. Each state publishes its own manual, and the test questions come directly from the material covered there. You can obtain the manual from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or in person at a DMV office. Some states offer the manual in print; others provide it as a downloadable PDF.

Many drivers use third-party study guides or online practice tests alongside the official manual, but the state manual is what the actual test will measure. Reading through both the H and N sections thoroughly before you schedule your tests significantly improves your chances of passing on the first attempt.

The Testing Process and Order

You will take two separate written tests at your state's DMV or testing facility. Most states allow you to take both tests on the same day, though you can also space them out if you prefer. There is no required order — you can test for H first or N first.

Each test is typically 30 to 50 questions, depending on your state. You must pass both tests to receive the X endorsement on your license. If you pass one test but fail the other, you will not receive X; you would need to retake the failed test. Some states allow you to retake a failed test the same day; others require you to wait a set period before retesting.

Before you can sit for the H endorsement test, you must also pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. This check is separate from the written test and is required by federal law for anyone handling hazardous materials. You will complete a form at the DMV, and the TSA will review your background. This process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can vary. You cannot take the H test until the TSA has cleared you.

The TSA Background Check for Hazmat

The TSA background check is a federal requirement, not a state one. When you explore for the H endorsement, the DMV submits your information to the TSA, which reviews your criminal history, immigration status, and other factors to determine whether you pose a security risk. The TSA does not publish a detailed list of disqualifying offenses, but serious felonies, certain drug convictions, and immigration violations can result in denial.

You will be notified of the TSA's decision by mail. If you are cleared, you can then schedule your H test. If you are denied, you have the right to request reconsideration, though the process for doing so varies by state. Contact your state's DMV for specific instructions if your background check is denied.

The background check is valid for five years from the date of approval. When your CDL is renewed, you will need to pass a new TSA background check to renew the H (and therefore X) endorsement.

Fees and Timeline

Endorsement test fees vary by state. Most states charge between $10 and $50 per test, so testing for both H and N typically costs $20 to $100 combined. Some states include endorsement tests in the cost of a CDL renewal; others charge separately. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee structure.

The overall timeline depends on how quickly the TSA completes your background check. If you explore for the H endorsement and the TSA clears you within one to two weeks, you could take both tests and receive your X endorsement within three to four weeks of your initial process. However, if the TSA background check takes longer or if you need to retake a test, the process can extend to two months or more.

Once you pass both tests, the X endorsement is typically added to your license when ready or within a few business days, depending on your state's processing time.

When You Might Need the X Endorsement

The X endorsement is required if your job involves driving a vehicle that is placarded for hazardous materials and also carries passengers. Common examples include fuel tankers that transport workers to job sites, chemical haulers with passenger seating, or specialized vehicles that move both hazmat and personnel.

If you drive a tank vehicle but do not carry hazmat, you need only the N endorsement. If you carry hazmat but not in a tank vehicle (such as in a box truck or flatbed), you need only the H endorsement. The X endorsement is the intersection of both — relatively rare in practice.

Your employer will tell you whether you need the X endorsement for your position. If you are unsure, ask your dispatcher or safety manager before pursuing the endorsement, because the testing and background check process takes time and money.

Renewing or Updating Your X Endorsement

Your X endorsement renews along with your CDL. When your license expires, you must renew it through your state's DMV. At renewal, you will need to pass the TSA background check again to keep the H portion of your X endorsement. You may also be required to retake the H and N written tests, depending on your state's renewal rules — some states require retesting at every renewal, while others do not.

If you move to a different state, you will need to obtain a new CDL from your new state of residence. That new license will not automatically include your X endorsement; you will need to test for H and N again in your new state and pass the TSA background check under your new state's process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the X endorsement if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the offense. The TSA background check for the H endorsement will disqualify you for serious felonies and certain drug or immigration violations, but minor offenses may not. The TSA does not publish a complete list of disqualifying crimes. If you have concerns about your background, contact your state's DMV before explore; they may be able to provide guidance based on your specific situation.

Do I have to take the H and N tests on the same day?

No. Most states allow you to take them on the same day, but you can also take them weeks or months apart. However, you cannot take the H test until the TSA background check clears, so there is a minimum waiting period for that one. The N test has no such requirement and can be taken anytime.

What happens if I fail one of the two tests?

You will not receive the X endorsement. You can retake the failed test; the passing test remains valid. Some states let you retake a failed test the same day, while others require a waiting period. Check your state's DMV rules for retesting procedures and any associated fees.

How long does the TSA background check take?

Typically one to two weeks, but it can take longer depending on the TSA's workload and the complexity of your background. You will be notified by mail when the decision is made. Until you receive clearance, you cannot take the H test, so plan accordingly if you have a job start date in mind.

Do I need the X endorsement if I only sometimes carry passengers?

If your vehicle is placarded for hazmat and has passenger seating, you need the X endorsement regardless of whether you always use the passenger seats. The endorsement is based on the vehicle's capability, not on whether passengers are actually on board on any given trip.