Tanker CDL Practice Test

Why are tank vehicles harder to handle than other CMVs?

• A. High center of gravity and liquid surge
• B. Heavy weight only
• C. Long length
• D. Wide tires

Why is a tank vehicle's center of gravity higher than other vehicles?

• A. Liquid weight rides high in the tank
• B. Driver sits higher
• C. Engine is bigger
• D. Wheels are taller

What is "outage" for liquid loading?

• A. Empty space left for liquid expansion due to heat
• B. Tank leak
• C. Power loss
• D. Truck out of service

What is "surge"?

• A. Forward and backward movement of liquid in a partially loaded tank
• B. Power surge
• C. Brake surge
• D. Tire surge

What are "baffles" in a tank?

• A. Bulkheads with holes to slow forward/backward surge
• B. Brake parts
• C. Engine parts
• D. Steering parts

What is a "smooth-bore" tank?

• A. Tank with no baffles
• B. Tank with extra baffles
• C. Tank made of stainless
• D. Tank for solids

Why should you take curves and stop at intersections more carefully with a tanker?

• A. Surge and high CG can cause loss of control
• B. Engine is weak
• C. Trailer is short
• D. Brakes are weaker

Tank vehicles with what capacity require an N endorsement?

• A. Tanks ≥119 gal individually or ≥1,000 gal aggregate
• B. Any tank
• C. Tanks ≥50 gal
• D. Tanks ≥500 gal only

Tank vehicles carrying hazardous materials in placardable amounts also need:

• A. Both N and H endorsements (X)
• B. Only H
• C. Only N
• D. No additional endorsement

When inspecting a tank vehicle, what should you check that other vehicles do not have?

• A. Tank manhole covers, vents, valves, and connections
• B. Tires only
• C. Engine oil only
• D. Lights only

Why must tank manhole covers be properly closed?

• A. Open covers can leak product or cause vacuum issues
• B. For looks
• C. For weight balance
• D. They can fall off

Which lane is best for tank vehicles?

• A. Right lane on most highways
• B. Left lane
• C. Middle lane
• D. Any lane

How do you control surge?

• A. Slow inputs, gradual braking, anticipate stops
• B. Hard braking
• C. Quick steering
• D. Speed up

Empty tanks may surge as much as loaded tanks because:

• A. Residual liquid still moves
• B. Air vibrates
• C. Engine surges
• D. Brake fluid moves

What is "bulk packaging"?

• A. Tanks larger than 119 gal/882 lbs
• B. Single bottles
• C. Drums
• D. Boxes

How should you start a tank vehicle on a slope?

• A. Use parking brake to prevent rollback while engaging clutch
• B. Hold with foot brake only
• C. Roll back first
• D. Disengage trailer brake

When approaching a turn in a tank vehicle, you should:

• A. Slow down well before the turn
• B. Brake in the turn
• C. Speed up to stabilize
• D. Coast in neutral

What is "high center of gravity"?

• A. Mass located higher above the road, increasing rollover risk
• B. Tall driver
• C. High clearance
• D. Tall tires

What is the danger of overfilling tanks?

• A. Liquid expansion can cause overpressure and leaks
• B. Tank rust
• C. Brake fade
• D. Tire blowout

When loading a tank, you should:

• A. Calculate outage based on the liquid and temperature change
• B. Fill to the top
• C. Half fill always
• D. Quarter fill

What is a "compartmented tank"?

• A. Tank divided into sections, possibly carrying different liquids
• B. Tank with no top
• C. Tank with one outlet
• D. Tank with bafffles only

When loading compartmented tanks, balance loads to:

• A. Avoid axle overweight and handling problems
• B. Save fuel
• C. Speed loading
• D. Balance fuel use

What is the purpose of vapor recovery systems on petroleum tanks?

• A. Capture vapors during loading/unloading to reduce emissions
• B. Cool the load
• C. Heat the load
• D. Drain the load

Which is true about tank brakes?

• A. Often air-over-hydraulic or full air, must be inspected before each trip
• B. Always hydraulic
• C. No brakes on tank
• D. Trailer brake only

You should not drive a tank vehicle if:

• A. Tank manhole covers are open or vents are blocked
• B. Tires are new
• C. Brakes are tested
• D. Cab is clean

What is "slosh"?

• A. Side-to-side motion of liquid in a tank
• B. Front-back motion
• C. Brake fluid leak
• D. Tire spray

Why is gentle steering important in tankers?

• A. Sharp inputs can cause rollover due to sloshing
• B. Steering is harder
• C. Power steering is weak
• D. Tires wear faster

What is the proper procedure for unloading a tanker?

• A. Set parking brake, chock wheels, follow site procedures
• B. Unload while moving
• C. Skip parking brake
• D. No chocks needed

Why might you need bonding cables when transferring flammable liquids?

• A. To prevent static electricity buildup that could ignite vapors
• B. To charge batteries
• C. For cooling
• D. For weight

What is "loading rack"?

• A. Facility where tanks are loaded with product
• B. Tank ladder
• C. Cargo bed
• D. Driver workstation

How can you tell tank pressure is excessive?

• A. Pressure gauge in red zone or relief valve venting
• B. Tank vibrates
• C. Engine overheats
• D. Brakes drag

What is the safe procedure if you smell vapor leaks?

• A. Stop, secure area, do not create ignition sources, call emergency response
• B. Open windows and continue
• C. Drive faster
• D. Smoke a cigarette to test

Tank vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings if:

• A. Carrying placardable hazmat
• B. Carrying water
• C. Carrying milk
• D. Carrying any liquid

Are food-grade tanks usually baffled?

• A. No, due to sanitation
• B. Yes
• C. Sometimes only
• D. Only insulated ones

What is a "smooth bore tanker driver" expected to do?

• A. Increase following distance and slow well in advance
• B. Drive faster
• C. Use trailer brake only
• D. Brake harder

Why are tank vehicles particularly susceptible to rollover in curves?

• A. High CG plus liquid surge
• B. Wide tires
• C. Heavy fuel tank
• D. Tall driver

What is the proper way to brake a tanker for a stop?

• A. Smooth, progressive, with extra distance
• B. Hard, late
• C. Trailer brake only
• D. Pump rapidly

What is "dead loading"?

• A. Loading dry or solid product
• B. Loading liquid
• C. Loading nothing
• D. Loading at night

What does "dome cover" mean?

• A. Manhole-cover assembly with vent
• B. Trailer roof
• C. Engine cover
• D. Tarp cover

Why are emergency air valves important on tanks?

• A. Provide pressure release in emergency, prevent overpressure
• B. Drain liquid
• C. Heat liquid
• D. Cool liquid

What is a hot work permit?

• A. Authorization for welding/cutting near tank that may have residual flammable vapors
• B. Driver overtime form
• C. Loading permit
• D. Tax form

What is "purging" a tank?

• A. Removing residual product or vapors before maintenance
• B. Filling a tank
• C. Cleaning brakes
• D. Refueling

How are most tanks loaded?

• A. From the top using a hatch, or bottom loading via valves
• B. Through the rear only
• C. Through the front only
• D. By siphoning

What is the danger of unbalanced compartmented loads?

• A. Axle overload, handling problems, rollover
• B. Fuel waste only
• C. Slow speed
• D. No danger

What is "rollover" in tank vehicles often caused by?

• A. Speed in turns and lane changes
• B. Light winds
• C. Cool weather
• D. Smooth pavement

What should you do if your tank vehicle starts to roll?

• A. It is often too late once roll begins; prevent by slowing in turns
• B. Brake hard
• C. Steer sharply
• D. Lean opposite

What is "tank truck" inspection ASME stamp?

• A. Indicates the tank meets ASME code standards
• B. A weight limit
• C. A maintenance schedule
• D. A fuel type

What is "MC-306" or "DOT-406"?

• A. Specifications for non-pressure tank trailers (gasoline, etc.)
• B. A gasoline blend
• C. A vehicle weight class
• D. A type of placard

What is "MC-307" or "DOT-407"?

• A. Specifications for low-pressure chemical tanks
• B. A type of tractor
• C. A type of trailer brake
• D. A driver classification

What is "MC-331"?

• A. Spec for high-pressure cargo tanks (LPG, propane)
• B. A road sign
• C. A trailer length
• D. A type of driver

What is "MC-338"?

• A. Spec for cryogenic liquid cargo tanks
• B. A liquid type
• C. A driver hours rule
• D. An axle config

What is "ullage"?

• A. Empty space above the liquid in a tank
• B. Tank residue
• C. Tank size
• D. Brake stroke

When unloading a hazmat tank, the driver must:

• A. Be present and attentive throughout unloading
• B. Leave the site
• C. Sleep nearby
• D. Drive away then return

What is "PIH" in tanker context?

• A. Poison Inhalation Hazard with stricter rules
• B. Pump In Hose
• C. Pressure In Hose
• D. Permit In Hand

When loading tanks, weight is distributed by:

• A. Axle group ratings and overall GVWR
• B. Eyeball
• C. Pumping until full
• D. Ignoring scales

How do you handle a slipping clutch on a tanker?

• A. Have it inspected; do not continue heavy loads
• B. Continue normally
• C. Increase RPM
• D. Drag with brake

Tankers should generally avoid:

• A. Quick lane changes and emergency steering
• B. Slow turns
• C. Rest stops
• D. Highways

What is "safe haven" for parked hazmat tanks?

• A. DOT-approved location for hazmat parking
• B. Any rest area
• C. Highway shoulder
• D. Driver home

Why is a tank inspection diagram important?

• A. Documents leak/repair history of the tank
• B. Shows weight only
• C. Shows speed
• D. Shows fuel

Which is the safer way to descend a grade with a tanker?

• A. Use lower gear and snub braking
• B. Coast in neutral
• C. Constant brake pressure
• D. Trailer brake only

When delivering fuel to a station, the driver should:

• A. Check tank levels, ground the truck, follow loading rack rules
• B. Hose without checking
• C. Skip grounding
• D. Smoke nearby

When may you transport flammable liquids in violation of DOT specs?

• A. Never
• B. Sometimes with permit
• C. For short distances
• D. In emergencies only

What is "static electricity" risk during loading?

• A. Spark could ignite flammable vapors
• B. Battery drain
• C. Brake fade
• D. Engine stall

Why should you secure your hazmat tank when parked?

• A. Theft of hazmat is a security risk
• B. Wind protection
• C. Weather damage
• D. Style