CDL Tanker Practice Test 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What endorsement is required to operate a commercial tank vehicle?
- H endorsement
- N (tanker) endorsement (Correct answer)
- P endorsement
- S endorsement
Correct answer: N (tanker) endorsement
The N endorsement is required to drive vehicles designed to haul liquids or gases in bulk.
Question 2: If you are hauling hazardous materials in a tanker, what additional endorsement do you need?
- P endorsement
- X (combined HazMat and tanker) (Correct answer)
- S endorsement
- T endorsement
Correct answer: X (combined HazMat and tanker)
An X endorsement combines HazMat and tanker authority for hauling hazardous liquids or gases in bulk.
Question 3: When loading a tanker, how should you distribute the weight?
- All weight on the rear axle
- Pay attention to legal axle weight limits (Correct answer)
- All weight on the front axle
- Weight distribution does not matter
Correct answer: Pay attention to legal axle weight limits
You must check that the load does not exceed legal weight limits on any individual axle.
Question 4: Why must you check the manhole covers and vents before driving a tanker?
- To verify the fuel level
- To make sure they are closed and not leaking (Correct answer)
- To check tire pressure
- To confirm the load weight
Correct answer: To make sure they are closed and not leaking
Leaking manhole covers or vents can spill product and create hazards, so they must be secure before driving.
Question 5: What special problem do tankers face when stopping in an emergency?
- Faster stops than other trucks
- Liquid surge can push the truck after the brakes are applied (Correct answer)
- No effect from the load
- Improved traction
Correct answer: Liquid surge can push the truck after the brakes are applied
Even after braking, surging liquid can keep pushing the tanker forward, extending the stopping action.
Question 6: How does a high center of gravity affect tanker driving?
- Makes the truck easier to roll over (Correct answer)
- Improves braking
- Lowers fuel use
- Has no effect on handling
Correct answer: Makes the truck easier to roll over
A high center of gravity makes tank vehicles much more prone to rollover, especially in turns.
Question 7: What is the safest way to recover if a tanker starts to skid?
- Brake harder immediately
- Steer sharply in the opposite direction
- Ease off the accelerator and steer gently (Correct answer)
- Accelerate through the skid
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer gently
Easing off the throttle and making gentle steering corrections helps regain control without worsening surge.
CDL Tanker Practice Test 3
What endorsement is required to operate a commercial tank vehicle?