Ohio CDL / HazMat Process

[jimby82]

My wife and I are in the process of obtaining our CDL tempory permits here in Ohio. We are also wanting to get out HazMat endorsements. The Ohio BMV and the TSA websites do not really set out the process for someone who is getting their CDL for the first time.

Has anyone recently went through this process? Do we take the written portion of the CDL tests along with the other written portions? Do we need to first obtain our full CDLs then apply for the endorsement? We realize we have to be fingerprinted and apply through the TSA (hazprints) website. Can this be done simultaneously or do we need to wait until after receiving our full CDLs?

Just wondering if anyone had recently weaved their way through this maze here in Ohio? We are getting our class "B" CDLs; neither of us has ever held a CDL before.

Our recruiter suggested calling the BMV, but, they are not open today Just trying to get a head start on things.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RoadKing06]

Go to BMV take test for temporary permit. When you take the written test tell them you want the Hazmat test also. All is done in one sitting. Make an appointment with Trainco CDL School in Perrysburg. It is a one day class that cost $350, if I remember right. You then make an appointment to take driving test with Trainco's testing center. Once you pass their test you take the results to the BMV and they will issue a new CDL License for a few.
The class is held in Michigan, the test center is in the Perrysburg area.
Hope this helps.

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[dabluzman1]

Go to BMV take test for temporary permit. When you take the written test tell them you want the Hazmat test also. All is done in one sitting. Make an appointment with Trainco CDL School in Perrysburg. It is a one day class that cost $350, if I remember right. You then make an appointment to take driving test with Trainco's testing center. Once you pass their test you take the results to the BMV and they will issue a new CDL License for a few.
The class is held in Michigan, the test center is in the Perrysburg area.
Hope this helps.

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The TSA will let you know when you can take your Hazmat Test,
AFTER finger printing and a background check.
Here is a check list to get the endorsement:
1
Check your citizenship eligibility. Hazmat license certifications are only given to natural and naturalized American citizens. In order to prove this, you will need a passport, a birth certificate or a naturalized citizen card (if you immigrated from a foreign country).

2
Check your criminal background history, if applicable. There are some crimes that will prohibit you from operating with hazardous materials. These crimes include: treason, espionage, sedition and terrorism.

3
Visit your local Registry of Motor Vehicles. You must submit to an eye exam, a mental aptitude test and a general intelligence test. You must be deemed physically, emotionally and intellectually fit to be certified for a Hazmat license.

4
Fill out the application for certification at your local Registry of Motor Vehicles. You must already carry a CDL. You will also need to submit a fingerprint sample and consent to an FBI background test. This test will determine what threats, if any, you pose to National Transportation Security or National Security.

5
Pick up your Hazmat certified CDL license from the Registry of Motor Vehicles when approved. The process may take some time. A background check for these certifications is extensive. After the U.S. Patriot Act was passed, the guidelines for approving licenses became far more stringent.



Read more: How to Get a Hazmat License | eHow.com How to Get a Hazmat License | eHow.com

 

[jimby82]

Go to BMV take test for temporary permit. When you take the written test tell them you want the Hazmat test also. All is done in one sitting. Make an appointment with Trainco CDL School in Perrysburg. It is a one day class that cost $350, if I remember right. You then make an appointment to take driving test with Trainco's testing center. Once you pass their test you take the results to the BMV and they will issue a new CDL License for a few.
The class is held in Michigan, the test center is in the Perrysburg area.
Hope this helps.

Posted with my Droid EO Forum App

Ok, an update:

As of yesterday, I now have my Class B CDL with the HazMat endorsement.

The process I followed here in Ohio:

1. Take and pass the written CDL tests including the one for the HazMat endorsement.
2. Get your temporary CDL Permit from the BMV. (Cost $42.00)
3. Sign up for the Hazardous Material Endorsement Threat Assessment Program through the TSA/HazPrints website. This gets you registered for the TSA background check. Cost is $89.25 and can be paid online at the same time you register.
   • I ran into a slight problem when I tried to register for the program. I have never held a CDL, and the wording on the registration form asks for your current CDL license. (Just a little confused) A very nice lady from the TSA cleared this up for me. You simply use your current drivers license number as your CDL license number. (At least you can do that here in Ohio) Apparently, your license number never changes once you get your CDL here in Ohio.
4. Find a location to be fingerprinted for the background check. You can do this right on the above website. Make sure you have paid the fee before showing up to be fingerprinted. They will only take a money order at the fingerprinting location if you have not paid in advance.
5. Take and pass Pre-trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control Skills and On Road Driving portions of the CDL test.
   • Make sure you take your drivers license and your temporary CDL permit with your. You cannot take the driving portions of the test without them.
   • I followed the advice of RoadKing06 and Layoutshooter and took the one day Class B class through Trainco. Helped me quite a bit with how to do the Pre-Trip properly (at least how to pass the test) - (The class cost me $385, and includes the truck rental, fuel and CDL testing fees when you take the driving tests through Trainco - well worth it. I passed the tests, after all)
6. Wait till your approval letter arrives from the TSA before getting your license. If you do not, you will have to go back and have the HazMat endorsement put on your license at a latter date! (and at an additional cost!)
7. Get that shiny, new Class B CDL at your local BMV! (Cost - $42.00)

 

[cheri1122]

That's an excellent post for newbies: clear, to the point, and fair warning of why the advice always includes having plenty of 'start up' funds - everything to do with trucking is way expensive.
Congratulations, and good luck!
PS That pretrip? You don't want to forget it, now that you've passed the test - doing it will save your money on down the road, and maybe your life.

 

[jimby82]

Thank you!

I figure about $600 for me alone to get the Class B CDL with HazMat. That includes all the BMV, TSA, Class and testing fees, and gas to and from the class and testing sites.

Throw in the cost of the Passport ($140) and the DOT physical ($20 co-pay on our insurance) plus gas to and from, right about $775. That's just to get "qualified" to drive! X2, as my wife is going through the same process. Haven't even been to the accountant yet (appointment is set up) or talked to the lawyer (again, appointment set up) to set up the business structure. We do have a business plan, although it is still a "work in progress".

Start up funds are essential. Cost of doing business.

Very good point on the Pre-Trip. I know when I drove looooonnng ago, I always made it a point to thoroughly check out the truck before driving. Amazing how things can just "break" on a truck at the wrong time.