Hazmat Dilemma

I am preparing to take the Hazmat test. Already had my background & fingerprints clear.

My Roehl recruiter said I don't need that endorsement. So if I don't take the test, does the background clearance expire? I would take the test not to lose the $86 I paid lol.

Helpful responses would be appreciated. I am a newbie w/nothing but questions. Thanks.

Karen

I would get your HazMat regardless of Roehl requiring it or not. You may not work there forever. I understand that lots of loads qualify as HazMat that you may never think of. For example. Certain quantities of laundry bleach or household cleaners going to a Grocery Store. If you have studied the High Road, the HM test is a piece of cake. Go and get it

I would get your HazMat regardless of Roehl requiring it or not. You may not work there forever. I understand that lots of loads qualify as HazMat that you may never think of. For example. Certain quantities of laundry bleach or household cleaners going to a Grocery Store. If you have studied the High Road, the HM test is a piece of cake. Go and get it

Tractor Man:

That's what I was thinking & I have been studying the High Road Hazmat like crazy.

Thank you.

Karen

Something to note though - HazMat's have to be renewed every 4 years - most license 6-8 years. The BG clearance should be good for the 4 years the HM is.

So you're going to have to hit your states DMV every 4 to renew. If you choose to just drop the HM, then your license "should revert" to the normal renewal cycle.

As Tractor Man noted - while you may not need it at your current job, it will enhance your ability to accept loads at subsequent ones. Also good to note, since you've been studying already, might as well get it out of the way while you're in a "testing mood", and since you ALREADY PAID FOR THE PRINTS/BG.

I used the High Road site to drill just HM when it came time to renew - breezed through it.

Rick

Something to note though - HazMat's have to be renewed every 4 years - most license 6-8 years. The BG clearance should be good for the 4 years the HM is.

I recently earned my Hazmat by studying the High Road like crazy and supplementing that study with a review of Pennsylvania's CDL Manual. When I finally passed the test, as well as the background investigation, I learned that my Hazmat would be good for the duration of my driver's license - two years! Then, when I renew my license in 2018, everything will be in Synch: My driver's license, background investigation, and Hazmat endorsement will be good for four years.

In States where licenses are good for longer periods, being in synch will happen every time the anniversary date of the license renewal falls on the renewal date for the Hazmat.

But, Karen, don't let that be a deterrent for obtaining your Hazmat! Go for it!

Steve & Rick:

Yeah, I'm gonna take the Hazmat test tomorrow. I invested in my background check & it's my last week of unemployment. If I don't do it now, I'll regret it.

Thanks so much.

Karen

Also, just because the recruiter says you dont need it at Roehl doesnt mean you wont use it. By having it, you may get HAZMAT loads that others cant with no endorsement. Usually those loads have extra pay associated with them for HAZMAT.

Even though they dont require it, they may still have HAZMAT loads. It makes you that much more valuable to them if you can take loads others cant.

Steve & Rick:

Yeah, I'm gonna take the Hazmat test tomorrow. I invested in my background check & it's my last week of unemployment. If I don't do it now, I'll regret it.

Thanks so much.

Karen

I would get the hazmat. Riehl doesn't get many hazmat loads but it is worth an extra 20 bucks if you happen to get a hazmat load

I showed up at GA DDS bright & early today. First I was told that I couldn't take Hazmat cause I just have a CDL permit. She asked her supervisor who told her how to "trick the computer system" so I could test. That's what I'm talking about.

Took the test & passed it!!! It won't show up on my CDL till i (hopefully) get a permanent one. I also won't pay the testing fee till then. Don't know how other states are, but In GA you keep a paper CDL permit till u pass the driving test.

Thanks everyone for the great advice. My questions have only just begun. I start trucking school Mon.

My next stop is $1 short stack pancakes from IHOP for St. Patrick's Day. Just have to wear green

Take care everyone.

Karen

I showed up at GA DDS bright & early today. First I was told that I couldn't take Hazmat cause I just have a CDL permit. She asked her supervisor who told her how to "trick the computer system" so I could test. That's what I'm talking about.

Took the test & passed it!!! It won't show up on my CDL till i (hopefully) get a permanent one. I also won't pay the testing fee till then. Don't know how other states are, but In GA you keep a paper CDL permit till u pass the driving test.

Thanks everyone for the great advice. My questions have only just begun. I start trucking school Mon.

My next stop is $1 short stack pancakes from IHOP for St. Patrick's Day. Just have to wear green

Take care everyone.

Karen

In other words they decided to do their job. You can most definitely get all the endorsements including hazmat with a learners permit. Its stays on file until you get your CDL. Otherwise what are you supposed to do? Get your cdl and then go back for another cdl with the endorsements? Sadly most DMV employees are illiterate on the rules of hazmat, but just do what you did, be polite, be firm, ask for a supervisor etc.