Tennessee Hazmat Endorsement ELDT Requirements 2026
FMCSA-registered hazmat training for TN CDL drivers, accepted at Tennessee Driver Services. $20, under 2 hours, submitted to the federal registry within 24 hours.
Adding a hazmat endorsement in TN? Tennessee requires all first-time applicants to complete FMCSA-registered ELDT before the knowledge test. DLA Academy's hazmat ELDT is accepted at Tennessee Driver Services and costs $20 — the lowest price available. Under 2 hours, submitted to the FMCSA registry within 24 hours. Full cost breakdown →
The Tennessee Hazmat Process — Step by Step
Tennessee sits at the crossroads of I-24, I-40 and I-65 — one of the busiest freight corridors in the country. Memphis is a national logistics hub, Nashville and Chattanooga move constant distribution freight, and hazmat-endorsed drivers stay in demand across the state.
Here's the full process, in the order that gets you endorsed fastest.
DLA Academy's FMCSA-registered hazmat course, under 2 hours on any device. Submitted to the FMCSA registry within 24 hours — or the same business day with the $15 same-day upgrade.
Book your TSA hazmat background check through IdentoGO the day you finish ELDT. It runs 30–60 days and is the longest clock in the process — starting it late is what turns six weeks into four months.
Once your ELDT shows in the registry, visit a Tennessee Driver Services centre. They verify your ELDT through the registry before testing. Reach Driver Services on 615-253-5221.
30 to 60 days. TSA notifies Tennessee directly when you clear — nothing for you to chase.
Passed test plus TSA clearance, and the H endorsement goes on your Tennessee CDL. Total: 6–10 weeks from ELDT to endorsement in hand.
Book fingerprinting the same day you finish ELDT
The TSA background check runs completely independently of your Tennessee knowledge test, and it's the only slow part at 30–60 days. Book IdentoGO the moment you finish ELDT, then take your test while TSA processes.
Do it the other way round — test first, fingerprints later — and you've added two months for nothing.
The Tennessee Hazmat Test
The test covers federal hazmat regulations, materials identification, placarding rules and thresholds, the Hazardous Materials Table, shipping papers, the segregation table, and emergency response. Question counts follow the federal model — confirm the current format with Driver Services before you test.
What It Costs in Tennessee
| Item | Cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| DLA Academy hazmat ELDT | $20 | DLA Academy |
| TSA Security Threat Assessment | $85.25 | TSA / IdentoGO |
| Knowledge test & endorsement fees | Set by the state | TN Driver Services |
Tennessee fees are set by the state and change periodically — confirm current amounts before you go. TSA and state fees are paid to those agencies, not to us. Cost breakdown by state →
Tennessee Hazmat ELDT — $20 Flat
FMCSA-registered · Accepted in Tennessee · Submitted to the registry in 24 hrs · Under 2 hours
Hauling Fuel or Chemicals in TN? You Need the X
If you're running fuel around Memphis, chemicals through Chattanooga, or tank work along the Nashville distribution corridor, hazmat alone isn't enough. Tank vehicles need the tanker (N) endorsement too — and holding both shows as the X endorsement.
What Tennessee Hazmat ELDT Covers
- Hazardous materials regulations and classification
- Placarding thresholds, marking and labelling
- Loading, unloading and cargo segregation
- Emergency response procedures and the ERG
- Driver responsibilities under FMCSA hazmat rules
- Hours of service for hazmat loads
- Pre-trip inspection for hazmat vehicles
- Every topic required by Appendix A to Part 380
Getting Your Class A Too?
First-time Class A applicants adding hazmat need both courses. Fuel Hauler CDL A covers Class A ELDT, hazmat ELDT and tanker practice questions in one purchase.