T and N Endorsements: What Are The Differences?

Commercial Driver’s License basically allows drivers to operate a specific vehicle. Thus, if you will need to gain extra specialties in the future, you can do so through CDL endorsements. A commercial driver’s license endorsement serves as an indication that you have passed and fully completed all the training, tests, and requirements to be able to operate your chosen specific type of vehicle.

Before you can acquire your desired Tendorsement, keep in mind that every endorsement differs by state. And earning it is simple as passing any other exam. However, other tests such as the Hazardous Materials Endorsement test may be more challenging. Aside from passing the designated written tests, applicant drivers must undergo certain evaluations that may include background checking and fingerprint scanning.

There are typically 6 different types of license endorsements but in this article, we will just focus on two specific types – T and N endorsements.

What is a T and N endorsement on a license?

 

What is a T endorsement?

A T CDL endorsement code means Towing of Double or Triple Trailers. This endorsement is basically required if the vehicle that you are driving needs to tow more than one trailer or that it requires a Class A commercial driver’s license.

Principally, a standard driver’s license only permits the operation of single-trailer vehicles. Thus, if the applicant passes this endorsement code, he will now be given the right to tow not only a single vehicle but two or more which gives him an extra opportunity to get towing jobs.

What is an N endorsement?

An N CDL endorsement code is required if you want to drive a Liquid Bulk Cargo or a Tank Vehicle. This endorsement is designed to haul liquids from cargo tanks with a capacity of 119 gallons or a portable tank with a capacity of more than 1,000 gallons. Also, this endorsement is required if the vehicle that you are driving needs a Class A and Class B commercial driver’s license.

A standard driver’s license can only transport dry goods. But with an N endorsement, you are allowed to transport liquid gases including hazardous materials. Thus, this endorsement code is required for Class C vehicles as well which are used to carry HazMats (including both chemical liquids and gases).

CDL Endorsement Code N allows you to learn the basics of tanker vehicle safety during handling, loading, transport, and in addressing certain circumstances that may occur.

In short, T and N endorsement on a license definitely extend your career as a truck driver. However, consider carefully which vehicle you intend to drive.

Read more >> Is N endorsement CDL worth obtaining?

Endorsement codes and restrictions

CDL restrictions basically prohibit the operation of specific types of vehicles. These codes are placed on the license.

• Restriction E

This restriction code constrains drivers from operating manual transmission vehicles. Basically, when a vehicle is tested and run as a manual transmission, this restriction code will be placed.

• Restriction L

This restriction code constrains driving any vehicle that has a full air brake system. If the driver has failed the given knowledge tests, was not able to properly check the brake system, or was not able to identify properly the components of a brake system, this restriction code will be placed.

• Restriction M

This restriction code only allows drivers to operate Class B and Class C vehicles. This specifies school buses and passenger-carrying vehicles. If the driver that has a Class A license has obtained endorsements P and S (for passenger vehicles and school buses) in a vehicle registered under Class B, this restriction code will be placed.

• Restriction N

This restriction code indicates that drivers that have a Class C CDL are the ones who can only operate a passenger-carrying vehicle or school bus. If the driver that has a Class B license has obtained endorsements P and S (for passenger vehicles and school buses) in a vehicle registered under Class C, this restriction code will be placed.

• Restriction O

This restriction code constrains drivers from operating vehicles with a fifth-wheel hitch under the Class A license type. This restriction code is issued when the driver takes a non-fifth wheel vehicle exam which is basically performed in a Class A vehicle.

• Restriction V

This restriction code is issued to drivers that have a medical condition. This may include health variances related to diabetes, seizure, hearing, and visual impairments.

If the state is informed by FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) that the driver was issued with a medical variance in his driving record, a restriction code of “V” is indicated on the license record.

• Restriction Z

This restriction code constrains drivers from driving any commercial vehicle that is fully equipped with air brakes. Thus, this restriction code is issued if the driver is not able to pass or take the test regarding hydraulic brake systems.

 

Which endorsements should you get?

• If you aspire to operate double and triple trailers, you need to get a T endorsement code.
• If you aspire to operate passenger-carrying vehicles, you need to get a P endorsement code.
• If you aspire to operate tank vehicles, you need to get an N endorsement code.
• If you aspire to transport hazardous materials, you need to get an H endorsement code.
• If you aspire to operate double and triple trailers, you need to get a T endorsement code.
• If you aspire to drive a tank vehicle and be able to transport hazardous materials as well, you need to get an X endorsement code.
• If you aspire to operate a school bus, you need to get an S endorsement code.

What sort of test will you have to take T or N endorsement?

Just like any other process, T and N endorsement codes have assessments.

A T endorsement code would only require you to complete a written knowledge test to be authorized to drive double and triple trailers. Usually, the test consists of 20 multiple choice questions or True / False that need at least an 80% passing rate (16 correct answers).

On the other hand, an N endorsement code would require you to complete a written knowledge test to be able to drive tank vehicles. Usually, the test consists of 20 multiple choice questions that need at least an 80% passing rate (16 correct answers).

So, now you’ve got the necessary information about T and N endorsement. It’s time to practice! 

Let’s take the FREE CDL practice test now to earn T and N endorsements much more easily!

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