Adding the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsement to your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) opens more career opportunities and can boost your pay. In New Hampshire, this endorsement lets you handle cargo deemed hazardous by the U.S. Government while navigating some of the state’s most challenging (but scenic) routes. From the steep climbs of the White Mountains and the winding I-93 highway to the narrow roads in rural regions, driving here requires skill, and transporting hazardous materials adds to the complexity. As such, the endorsement process is multi-leveled. More about that in a moment.
In the Granite State, hazardous materials include explosives, flammable liquids, corrosives, toxic chemicals, gasses, and radioactive materials. Employers such as BAE Systems in Nashua (defense and aerospace), Sig Sauer Inc. in Newington (firearms and explosive primers), and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon (biohazardous and radiological substances) rely on drivers with this endorsement. There is significant demand for HazMat-endorsed drivers!
To get started, you must ensure that all Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements have been fulfilled. Next, you must complete a TSA fingerprinting and background check. While waiting for clearance (which can take weeks), prepare for the DMV HazMat Knowledge Test, which covers federal rules, safe handling, packaging, quantity limits, and transport configurations. New Hampshire’s exam has 30 questions, and you’ll need a score of at least 80% to pass (New Hampshire CDL Handbook 2026).