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South Dakota HazMat Endorsement Guide with ELDT Training

South Dakota HazMat Endorsement Steps

  1. NEW REQUIREMENT: Pass a South Dakota ELDT HazMat Course available here
  2. Undergo a TSA background check
  3. Complete HazMat application through South Dakota DPS or TSA
  4. Complete a medical screening
  5. Pass the South Dakota DPS written exam
  6. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening

We have put together an online guide to simplify the steps you need to take to obtain your South Dakota HazMat Endorsement in . This free step-by-step hazardous materials endorsement includes all requirements that need to be met to get your South Dakota Hazardous Materials Endorsement AND meet the new ELDT mandate rules in . If you are looking to get your HazMat endorsement in South Dakota after February 7th, 2022, this guide is for you! We'll even show you how to access a course with sample South Dakota HazMat test questions and answers.

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If you have been reading a "how to" article on getting a South Dakota HazMat (H) endorsement written before 2022, it is probably now WRONG!

Unless you've been following the news closely in the trucking industry regarding Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, the steps you're about to take to get a South Dakota HazMat endorsement might be incorrect. Specifically, there is likely to be one extremely important step that is missing or just flat-out not right. Of course, there would be nothing worse than thinking you're prepared to test and heading to your DPS or DOR offices only to be turned away!

The good news is that you have come to the right place!  We are here to give you the CORRECT steps on How to Get a South Dakota Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement in .

What is a HazMat Endorsement?

To start with the basics. You, a professional CDL driver, need a South Dakota HazMat endorsement to haul hazardous materials in your freight. These loads carry hazardous substances that can have adverse effects on you and the environment. Thus, they require a special endorsement to be added to your South Dakota CDL in order to transport them. Additionally, a driver with a hazardous materials endorsement is subject to specific responsibilities beyond the standard requirements set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) of a standard CDL driver without a HazMat endorsement.

HazMat Driver Additional Responsibilities Include:

  • Maintaining Shipping Papers

  • Placarding and Marking the Vehicle

  • Loading and Unloading

  • Ensuring Compatibility Requirements

  • Blocking and Bracing

  • Completing Incident & Accident Reports

  • Complying to a Security Plan

  • Employee Training - HazMat Theory

The hazardous materials endorsement on a South Dakota CDL means the driver has passed the mandatory training and tests to transport all classes of hazardous materials. The driver must keep a copy of the HazMat table in their truck to properly categorize types of loads on all paperwork and comply with Hazardous Materials Requirements (HMR).

Types/Classes of Hazardous Materials Include:

  • Class 1 – Explosives

  • Class 2 – Gases

  • Class 3 – Flammable Liquid

  • Class 4 – Flammable Solids

  • Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides

  • Class 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances

  • Class 7 – Radioactive Material

  • Class 8 – Corrosives

  • Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

    Environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants

The FMCSA conducts over 154,000 annual roadside inspections each year to ensure safety guidelines are met while transporting the materials. Carrying a HazMat endorsement comes with increased responsibilities, including a thorough understanding of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to avoid violations. The new HazMat Theory training regulation has been mandated to ensure that all drivers are trained and meet consistent safety standards and training to transport hazardous materials.

NEW: HazMat Theory Requirement & ELDT Mandate

As part of the new ELDT requirements that went into effect on February 7, 2022, all drivers seeking a South Dakota HazMat endorsement are required to complete a Hazardous Materials theory training program BEFORE testing at a local licensing agency.

The program must be provided by a company/entity on the official Training Provider Registry and will fulfill the necessary theory instruction needed to take the knowledge test as part of the Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. As part of the ELDT requirements, this training is now required before taking the written test for the HazMat endorsement at the South Dakota DPS or DOR.

Prior to February 7, 2022 these were the steps to obtain a South Dakota HazMat endorsement:

  1. Undergo a required Federal Security Threat Assessment (well-known as TSA: background check)
  2. Fill out the "Hazardous Materials Endorsement" application through the South Dakota DMV or TSA, depending on which is required in your state
  3. Complete a medical screening
  4. Take and pass the DPS/DOR written exam (varies by state)
  5. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person

After February 7, 2022, these are the steps to obtain a South Dakota HazMat endorsement:

  1. Pass a HazMat theory knowledge exam
  2. Undergo a required Federal Security Threat Assessment (well-known as TSA: background check)
  3. Fill out the "Hazardous Materials Endorsement" application through the DPS or TSA, depending on which is required in your state
  4. Complete a medical screening
  5. Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)
  6. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person
  7. Wait for TSA to send an official notice of completion. Once the state receives a copy, you will then obtain your hazmat endorsement.

Before you begin these steps you need to have held at least one of the following:

  • Commercial learners permit and/or a temporary license
  • Employment Authorization Document to earn a hazardous material endorsement
  • A valid South Dakota CDL

C1 Truck Driver Training, a school on the official Training Provider Registry, offers a South Dakota Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement theory training online course for $99 per individual or for a group rate to businesses. This will help you meet the ELDT requirement and includes sample South Dakota HazMat Endorsement test questions and answers. 

C1 Truck Driver Training will automatically transmit results to the Training Provider Registry upon completion of the program. Once these results are accepted, the driver will be permitted to take the required knowledge test for obtaining a HazMat endorsement at a local South Dakota licensing office.

South Dakota HazMat Theory Online Training Reviews

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Mustafa G.

"Very user friendly and informative! I enjoyed the course and it was well worth what I spent. Keep up the good work!

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Maria L.

"The course was great! I found it very detailed and easy to understand. The quick quizzes after each module were helpful."

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Kenneth H.

"The training was well put together. I was able to complete it in a decent amount of time, and I got my endorsement. I’d recommend this training to others."

Don't Get Turned Away at the South Dakota DPS or DOR!

Please note that outdated information is out there, and anyone seeking a South Dakota HazMat endorsement will be turned away from the DPS if the individual has not completed the new HazMat theory training program requirement.

Purchase ELDT South Dakota HazMat Course Now!

* Course not valid for the state of Washington