CDL Endorsement Programs at Southwest Truck Driver Training

Endorsements are certifications added to your commercial driver's license (CDL), allowing you to drive specialized commercial motor vehicles and haul different types of goods. You'll need to pass certain tests to earn endorsements and must renew them every time you renew your CDL. Some endorsements, like HAZMAT, require more frequent renewal.

You can obtain as many endorsements as you like. Adding endorsements to your CDL may lead to more job opportunities and a higher salary.

We offer the following endorsement programs at our school:

HAZMAT (H) Endorsement

Offered in these Southwest Truck Driver Training locations:

• Phoenix (Theory)
• Tucson (Theory)
• North Las Vegas (Theory)

The H or HAZMAT endorsement permits drivers to haul dangerous or toxic substances in amounts requiring placarding, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, agricultural pesticides, household petroleum-based products, explosives, and radioactive materials.

Having a HAZMAT endorsement may diversify your career choices. You'll be able to work with a greater variety of companies—like chemical manufacturers, metal producers, and petroleum processers. HAZMAT trucking jobs include working as a fuel truck driver, hazardous waste shipper, and radioactive waste shipper.

Training covers the kind of hazardous materials you'll carry, HAZMAT driver duties, how to transport hazardous substances safely, federal and state regulations when hauling, loading, and unloading, and security and safety procedures.

You may be able to increase your earning potential with an H endorsement. This is because employers are often on the lookout for HAZMAT drivers and may offer more competitive wages for these skilled positions. HAZMAT drivers may also experience greater freedom in their work due to the skills and knowledge they obtain with an H endorsement.

Learn more about the HAZMAT endorsement
 

Passenger (P) Endorsement

Offered in these Southwest Truck Driver Training locations:

• Phoenix (Theory and Behind-the-Wheel - Public Road and Range)
• Tucson (Theory and Behind-the-Wheel - Public Road and Range)
• North Las Vegas (Theory and Behind-the-Wheel - Public Road and Range)

CDL drivers wanting to transport 16 passengers or more (including the driver), need to obtain a passenger, or P, endorsement.

Drivers learn pre- and post-trip vehicle inspection, procedures for vehicle loading and starting a trip, road safety, prohibited practices, and managing specific equipment. People are the main focus of the work, so drivers also train on how to keep passengers safe.

You can operate various vehicles with a P endorsement, including city buses, general paratransit vehicles, airport shuttles, tour buses, farm labor vehicles, and segmented buses.

Learn more about the Passenger endorsement

School Bus (S) Endorsement

Offered in these Southwest Truck Driver Training locations:

• Phoenix (Theory and Behind-the-Wheel - Public Road and Range)

A school bus or S endorsement is required if you wish to operate a school bus. You have to obtain a P endorsement first to qualify for an S endorsement.

Training covers emergency procedures, the use of mirrors, understanding dangers where children may be hit by a car, railroad-highway grade crossings, anti-lock brakes, and safety considerations of school buses. This job's primary focus is children, so you'll learn about child safety, student management, and any issues that may arise when transporting students.

With an S endorsement, you can work as a school bus driver. However, since you are required to obtain a P endorsement as well to drive a school bus, you'll also have the ability to operate any passenger vehicle.