Endorsements and restrictions
Endorsements add privileges
- N, tank vehicles. A written test. Worth having because many dry van loads include liquid totes.
- H, hazardous materials. A written test, required training, and a TSA background check with fingerprints. You generally must be 21 to haul placarded loads.
- X. Tank and hazmat combined.
- T, doubles and triples. A written test. Common in less-than-truckload work.
- P, passenger and S, school bus. Written tests, required training and a skills test in that type of vehicle.
Restrictions take privileges away
- E, no manual transmission. You get this if you test in an automatic. Many fleets run automatics now, but some jobs still need a manual.
- L, no air brakes. You get this if you fail the air brakes test or test in a vehicle without full air brakes. It rules out most trucks.
- O, no tractor-trailer. You get this if you test in a combination without a fifth-wheel connection.
Ask your school what vehicle you will test in, and make sure it will not leave a restriction on your license.