CDL Endorsements

Driver guide

Updated September 27, 2026

Below is the full list: what each endorsement covers, the tests it takes, how to add one, and which ones matter if you want to haul cars. Every rule here comes from the federal regulations, linked at the bottom.

The CDL Endorsements List

Every state uses the same federal codes, so the letter on your license means the same thing anywhere in the country.

States can add their own codes, as long as the license explains them. First‑time P, S, and H applicants also need entry‑level training from a registered provider.

Each CDL Endorsement Explained

TDoubles and triples

The T endorsement covers pulling double or triple trailers. It takes a knowledge test only.

PPassenger

The P endorsement covers passenger vehicles such as buses. It takes a knowledge test and a skills test, and you take the skills test in a passenger vehicle of the same class you will drive.

NTank vehicle (tanker)

The N endorsement covers tank vehicles. Federal rules define one as a commercial vehicle built to haul liquid or gas in a tank that holds more than 119 gallons, with 1,000 gallons or more in all. The tank counts whether it is attached for good or only for a while.

The knowledge test covers liquid surge, braking with a full, partial, or empty tank, and how baffled tanks handle.

HHazardous materials (hazmat)

The H endorsement covers hazardous materials that must carry placards. You pass a knowledge test, and TSA runs a security threat assessment before your state can issue it. States must renew it at least every 5 years, so the background check repeats.

XTanker and hazmat combined

X is one code for holding both N and H. It is the endorsement for hauling placarded hazardous liquids or gases in a tank.

SSchool bus

The S endorsement covers school buses. You first qualify for P, then pass a school bus knowledge test and a skills test in a school bus.

What Endorsements Are Required for a Class A CDL?

None by default. A Class A CDL covers any combination with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more that tows a unit rated over 10,000 pounds. Endorsements depend on what you pull and what you haul, not on the license class.

• Pull doubles or triples: T
• Haul a tank: N
• Haul placarded hazmat: H, or X in a tank
• Carry passengers: P

A commercial learner’s permit can carry only three endorsements: P, S, and N. With N on a permit, you may drive only an empty tank vehicle that has been purged of any hazmat residue.

How to Add an Endorsement to Your CDL

Your state licensing agency adds endorsements, and the steps vary by state. The federal baseline looks like this:

1. Check the training rule. Going for P, S, or H for the first time? Finish entry‑level driver training with a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry first. You need it before the skills test for P and S, and before the knowledge test for H.
2. Pass the knowledge test. Every endorsement has one, taken through your state licensing agency.
3. Take the skills test for P or S. You test in a vehicle of the same class you plan to drive.
4. Clear TSA for H or X. You enroll with TSA, give fingerprints, and pay the fee, which is $85.25 as of September 2026. In Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, you apply and give fingerprints through your state DMV instead.
5. Get your updated license. The state adds the endorsement code to your CDL.

Find your state’s licensing agency through FMCSA’s state resources page, and check its rules before you book a test.

Endorsements and Car Hauling

Accelerated’s posted requirements do not list an endorsement. Here is what we do require:

• 3 years of CDL‑A driving and 1 year of verifiable 9‑car experience
• A valid Class A CDL, an acceptable MVR, and a clean safety history
• A current DOT medical certificate, and the ability to pass a DOT physical, drug screen, and background check

A TWIC card is useful, since our drivers hold TWIC and eModal credentials for the ports and terminals that require them. It is not required to apply. Our TWIC card guide for truck drivers explains how to get one.

The real skill in car hauling is loading and securing vehicles, and you learn it on car‑haul equipment. See the rigs in our car hauler equipment guide.

Still building your experience? Read car hauler jobs with no experience.

Endorsements vs. Restrictions

An endorsement adds to what you can drive. A restriction takes something away, often because of the vehicle you tested in.

Test in an automatic and you get an E, for no manual transmission. Test without full air brakes and you get an L or a Z.

Watch the letter N. On the endorsement list it means tank vehicle. On the restriction list it means no Class A or B passenger vehicle.

CDL Endorsement FAQs

How many CDL endorsements are there?

Federal rules list five endorsements: T for doubles and triples, P for passenger, N for tank vehicle, H for hazardous materials, and S for school bus. A sixth code, X, shows you hold both tank and hazmat. States can add their own codes if the license explains them.

What is the X endorsement on a CDL?

X is one code that means you hold both the tank vehicle (N) and hazardous materials (H) endorsements. You need both to haul placarded hazardous liquids or gases in a tank.

What endorsements are required for a Class A CDL?

None by default. A Class A CDL alone covers combination vehicles. You add an endorsement only when you pull doubles or triples, haul a tank, haul placarded hazmat, or carry passengers.

Which CDL endorsements need a skills test?

Only passenger (P) and school bus (S). The others take a knowledge test. Hazmat (H) also needs a TSA security threat assessment before the state can issue it.

Which endorsements can you get on a CDL permit?

Only three: passenger (P), school bus (S), and tank vehicle (N). With N on a permit, you may drive only an empty tank vehicle that has been purged of any hazmat residue.

Do you need an endorsement to haul cars with Accelerated?

Accelerated’s posted requirements do not list an endorsement. We require 3 years of CDL‑A driving and 1 year of verifiable 9‑car experience, and a TWIC is useful but not required to apply.

Sources

1. 49 CFR 383.93, endorsements and endorsement tests
2. 49 CFR 383.153, endorsement and restriction codes
3. 49 CFR 383.5, definitions
4. 49 CFR 383.141, hazmat endorsement threat assessment
5. 49 CFR 380.609, entry‑level driver training
6. FMCSA, CDL classes, endorsements, and restrictions
7. TSA, Hazardous Materials Endorsement threat assessment