What the five endorsements are

An endorsement is a notation on your driver's license that says you are permitted to operate a specific type of vehicle or perform a specific driving task. The five main endorsements are: H (hazardous materials), N (tank vehicles), P (passenger vehicles), S (school bus), and T (double/triple trailers). Each one requires its own test and background check, and each one costs money to add to your license. You cannot legally drive a vehicle that requires an endorsement unless your license shows that endorsement.

Endorsements are different from restrictions. A restriction (marked with a letter like "B" or "D") limits what you can do — it says you cannot do something. An endorsement says you can do something extra. If your job requires you to haul hazmat or drive a school bus, you need the endorsement before you start work.

Key Takeaways

  • The five endorsements are H (hazardous materials), N (tank vehicles), P (passenger vehicles), S (school bus), and T (double/triple trailers), and each requires a separate written test and fee.
  • You must pass a knowledge test specific to each endorsement, and some endorsements also require a skills test or background check.
  • Hazmat (H) endorsement requires a Transportation Security Administration background check and fingerprinting in addition to the written test.
  • School bus (S) endorsement requires a background check and a skills test, and some states require additional training before you can take the test.
  • You can hold multiple endorsements on one license if you pass the test for each one.

H endorsement: hazardous materials

The H endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials — things like explosives, flammable liquids, gases, poisons, and radioactive materials. If you drive a truck carrying any of these materials, you need an H endorsement. The job titles that typically require this are hazmat truck drivers, fuel delivery drivers, and chemical transport drivers.

To get an H endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test about hazmat regulations, placarding, and emergency procedures. You must also pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and provide fingerprints. The TSA check looks at your criminal history, immigration status, and other security factors. The fee varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $50 for the endorsement itself, plus the cost of fingerprinting and the TSA background check, which can add another $50 to $100.

The H endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver's license — usually four to eight years depending on your state. You will need to renew the TSA background check when you renew your license.

N endorsement: tank vehicles

The N endorsement allows you to drive a tank vehicle — a truck with a large tank permanently mounted to it that carries liquids or gases in bulk. Tank vehicles include milk tankers, fuel tankers, and chemical tankers. If you drive any vehicle with a permanently attached tank that holds more than a certain capacity (usually 1,000 gallons), you need an N endorsement.

To get an N endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test about tank vehicle operation, weight distribution, braking, and emergency procedures. The test covers how liquid shifts inside a tank during acceleration and braking, which affects how the vehicle handles. There is no background check required for the N endorsement alone, though if you are also carrying hazmat, you would need the H endorsement as well. The fee is typically $10 to $25.

You can hold an N endorsement without an H endorsement if you are only carrying non-hazardous liquids. However, many tank vehicle jobs require both endorsements because the cargo is often hazardous.

P endorsement: passenger vehicles

The P endorsement allows you to drive a passenger vehicle — a bus or van designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver). This includes charter buses, tour buses, and shuttle vans. If you drive any vehicle with seating for 16 or more people for compensation, you need a P endorsement.

To get a P endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test about passenger safety, loading procedures, emergency equipment, and passenger management. Some states also require a skills test where you demonstrate your ability to operate the vehicle safely. There is no background check required for a P endorsement unless you are also driving a school bus. The fee is typically $10 to $30.

The P endorsement is common for people who drive tour buses, charter buses, airport shuttles, and hotel shuttles. It is different from the S endorsement (school bus) because it does not require the same level of background screening and does not restrict you to school transportation.

S endorsement: school bus

The S endorsement allows you to drive a school bus. If you drive any vehicle that transports school children, you need an S endorsement. This includes full-size school buses, activity buses, and any vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school events.

To get an S endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test about school bus operation, student safety, loading and unloading procedures, and emergency equipment. You must also pass a background check, which includes a criminal history check and a check of your driving record. Many states require additional training — often a school bus safety course — before you can take the test. Some states also require a skills test. The fee is typically $10 to $30, plus the cost of any required training course, which can range from $50 to $200.

The S endorsement is the most heavily regulated of the five because school bus drivers work with children. Background checks are more thorough than for other endorsements, and some states disqualify you if you have certain criminal convictions or traffic violations. You can hold an S endorsement and a P endorsement at the same time, but the S endorsement is specifically for school transportation.

T endorsement: double and triple trailers

The T endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle towing double trailers (two trailers) or triple trailers (three trailers). Without a T endorsement, you can only tow one trailer. If you drive a tractor-trailer combination with more than one trailer, you need a T endorsement.

To get a T endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test about double and triple trailer operation, coupling and uncoupling procedures, braking systems, and weight distribution. Some states also require a skills test where you demonstrate your ability to back up and maneuver with multiple trailers. There is no background check required for the T endorsement. The fee is typically $10 to $25.

The T endorsement is common for long-haul truck drivers who work for large trucking companies. It is often paired with other endorsements — for example, a driver might have H, N, and T endorsements if they haul hazmat in a tank vehicle with multiple trailers.

How to add an endorsement to your license

To add an endorsement, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and any documents required for that specific endorsement (such as proof of training for school bus). You pay the fee and take the written test. If the endorsement requires a skills test, you will schedule that separately.

For the H endorsement, you must also complete the TSA background check process, which involves going to an approved fingerprinting location and submitting to the background check. This can take several weeks. For the S endorsement, you may need to complete a training course first — check with your state DMV to see what is required before you go in.

You do not need to renew your entire license to add an endorsement. You can add one at any time during the validity of your current license. The endorsement will appear on your license when it is renewed, or you can request a replacement license when ready if you need it for a job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than one endorsement on my license?

Yes. You can hold multiple endorsements if you pass the test for each one. Many truck drivers have H, N, and T endorsements together. Each endorsement is tested separately and costs its own fee, but they all appear on the same license.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to get an endorsement?

It depends on the endorsement. The H, N, T, and P endorsements typically require a commercial driver's license (CDL). The S endorsement can be added to either a regular license or a CDL, depending on the vehicle and your state. Check with your state DMV about which license class you need for the endorsement you want.

What happens if I drive without the required endorsement?

Driving without the required endorsement is a violation and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and in some cases a criminal charge. Your employer can also face fines. If you are involved in an accident while driving without the required endorsement, your insurance may not cover the claim.

How long does it take to get an endorsement?

The written test can usually be taken the same day you visit the DMV, and you get your results when ready. However, if the endorsement requires a background check (H or S), the process can take two to four weeks. If you need a skills test, you may need to schedule that separately, which can add another week or two.

Can I lose an endorsement?

Yes. If you accumulate too many traffic violations or are convicted of certain crimes, your endorsement can be suspended or revoked. For the H endorsement, a failed TSA background check or security violation can result in revocation. For the S endorsement, certain criminal convictions related to children or drugs can result in permanent disqualification.