CDL Tanker Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main hazard of driving a liquid tanker that is only partially filled?
- Increased fuel economy
- Liquid surge that can shove the truck (Correct answer)
- Better braking on hills
- Reduced tire wear
Correct answer: Liquid surge that can shove the truck
A partially filled tank allows the liquid to surge back and forth, which can push the vehicle in the direction the wave moves.
Question 2: Why do tank vehicles have a high center of gravity?
- The frame is reinforced with steel
- Much of the weight is carried high off the road (Correct answer)
- Tankers always run overloaded
- The axles are spaced wide apart
Correct answer: Much of the weight is carried high off the road
Liquid loads sit high in the tank, raising the center of gravity and increasing rollover risk.
Question 3: When should you take a curve in a tanker?
- Faster than the posted speed
- At the posted curve speed
- Well below the posted speed (Correct answer)
- Exactly at the posted speed
Correct answer: Well below the posted speed
Because of the high center of gravity and liquid surge, you should slow well below posted curve speeds.
Question 4: What does 'outage' refer to when loading a tanker?
- A power failure at the terminal
- Empty space left for liquid expansion (Correct answer)
- A leak in the tank shell
- An overdue inspection
Correct answer: Empty space left for liquid expansion
Outage is the room left in a tank so liquid can expand as temperature rises without overpressuring the tank.
Question 5: Baffled tanks have bulkheads that control which type of liquid movement?
- Side-to-side surge
- Forward-and-back surge (Correct answer)
- Vertical sloshing
- Rotational spin
Correct answer: Forward-and-back surge
Baffles reduce forward-and-back surge but do little to control side-to-side movement.
Question 6: Why are smooth bore (unbaffled) tanks often used for food products?
- They are cheaper to build
- Sanitation rules make baffled interiors hard to clean (Correct answer)
- They carry more weight
- They resist surge better
Correct answer: Sanitation rules make baffled interiors hard to clean
Smooth bore tanks have no internal baffles, making them easier to clean for sanitary food loads.
Question 7: How should you brake when driving a tanker to avoid surge problems?
- Slam the brakes hard once
- Brake smoothly and increase following distance (Correct answer)
- Pump the brakes rapidly
- Avoid braking on grades
Correct answer: Brake smoothly and increase following distance
Smooth, gradual braking and extra following distance help manage liquid surge and stopping distance.
CDL Tanker Practice Test 2
What is the main hazard of driving a liquid tanker that is only partially filled?