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CDL tanker vehicles practice test

For the N endorsement: liquids and gases in bulk. 70 practice questions written from the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0), each with the manual section it comes from.

25 questions
  1. Question 1A tank vehicle endorsement is required when a tank or tanks have an individual rated capacity of more than how many gallons?

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    B: 119 gallons. The tank endorsement covers tanks that each hold more than 119 gallons (rated) when the tanks together are rated at 1,000 gallons or more (49 CFR 383.5). Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 1.1 Commercial Driver License Tests (Endorsements: Tank Vehicle), page 1-2.

  2. Question 2When inspecting any tank vehicle, what is the most important item to check?

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    B: Leaks. Leaks are the top inspection item on any tanker. Look under and all around the vehicle for any sign of leaking. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.1.1 Leaks, page 8-1.

  3. Question 3What does a high center of gravity mean for a tank vehicle?

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    C: Much of the load's weight is carried high off the road, making it top-heavy and easy to roll over. A high center of gravity means much of the load's weight is carried high off the road, making the vehicle top-heavy and easy to roll over. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity, page 8-1.

  4. Question 4Tests have shown that tankers can turn over at what speed on curves?

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    D: At the speed limits posted for curves. Tests have shown tankers can turn over at the speed limits posted for curves, so take curves and ramps well below the posted speeds. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity, page 8-1.

  5. Question 5To control surge, when should you start braking for a stop, and how much following distance should you keep?

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    A: Brake far in advance and increase your following distance. To limit surge, begin braking well before the stop and leave extra following distance. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.3.2 Controlling Surge, page 8-2.

  6. Question 6You must make a quick stop in a tanker to avoid a crash. Which braking method does the manual tell you to use?

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    B: Controlled or stab braking. If you must stop quickly to avoid a crash, use controlled or stab braking, and remember that steering quickly while braking can roll the vehicle over. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.3.2 Controlling Surge, page 8-2.

  7. Question 7A portable tank holds 1,000 gallons or more. Where must its identification number appear?

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    D: On each side and each end. For portable tanks and other bulk packages of 1,000 gallons or more, the ID number goes on both sides and both ends. Smaller ones need it on two opposite sides. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 9.5.1 Markings, page 9-13.

  8. Question 8For a tank endorsement to be required, the aggregate rated capacity of the tanks must be at least how much?

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    C: 1,000 gallons. The tank endorsement covers tanks with an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more (and individual capacity over 119 gallons). Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 1.1 Commercial Driver License Tests (Endorsements: Tank Vehicle), page 1-2.

  9. Question 9When checking the intake, discharge and cut-off valves on a tank vehicle, what should you make sure of?

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    D: That they are in the correct position before loading, unloading or moving the vehicle. Inspect the intake, discharge and cut-off valves, and confirm each is set correctly before you load, unload or move the vehicle. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.1.1 Leaks, page 8-1.

  10. Question 10What causes liquid surge?

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    B: Movement of the liquid in partially filled tanks. Surge is the sloshing of liquid in a tank that is only partly full. It can badly affect how the vehicle handles. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.2.2 Danger of Surge, page 8-1.

  11. Question 11How fast should you take highway curves and on-ramp or off-ramp curves in a liquid tanker?

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    A: Well below the posted speed. Because tankers can roll over at posted curve speeds, take highway curves and ramp curves well below the posted speeds. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity, page 8-1.

  12. Question 12What following-distance rule does the manual give for speeds below 40 mph?

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    A: At least one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length. Below 40 mph, allow one second per 10 feet of vehicle length. Above 40 mph, add one more second. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 2.7.1 Space Ahead, page 2-16.

  13. Question 13What happens if you steer quickly while braking hard in a tank vehicle?

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    C: The vehicle may roll over. The manual warns that if you steer quickly while braking, your tank vehicle may roll over. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.3.2 Controlling Surge, page 8-2.

  14. Question 14Does the liquid or gas in a tank have to be a hazardous material for the tank endorsement to be required?

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    A: No, the liquid or gas does not have to be hazardous. Hazardous or not, liquid and gas cargo in tanks of the covered size requires the tank endorsement. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction), page 8-1.

  15. Question 15Where on pipes, connections and hoses are leaks most likely to show up?

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    A: Around joints. Check pipes, connections and hoses for leaks, especially around joints. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.1.1 Leaks, page 8-1.

  16. Question 16You stop a partially loaded tanker on an icy road. What can the surging liquid do?

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    C: Push the stopped truck forward, possibly out into an intersection. When the wave hits the end of the tank it pushes the truck in the direction the wave is moving; on ice it can shove a stopped truck out into an intersection. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.2.2 Danger of Surge, page 8-2.

  17. Question 17How should you handle a curve in a tank vehicle?

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    C: Slow down before the curve, then accelerate slightly through it. Do your slowing before the curve and then accelerate slightly through it. A posted curve speed can be too fast for a tanker. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.3.3 Curves, page 8-2.

  18. Question 18How does controlled braking work?

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    D: Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels, keeping steering movements very small. With controlled braking you brake as hard as you can without locking the wheels and keep steering movements very small; if the wheels lock, release and reapply as soon as you can. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 2.17.2 How to Stop Quickly and Safely, page 2-34.

  19. Question 19When does a Class C vehicle require a tank endorsement?

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    D: When it carries hazardous materials in liquid or gas form in tanks of the rated size. A tank endorsement is required for Class C vehicles when they transport hazardous materials in liquid or gas form in tanks of the described rated capacity. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction), page 8-1.

  20. Question 20What should you check on a tank's manhole covers and vents?

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    B: That the covers have gaskets and close correctly, and the vents are clear. Make sure manhole covers have gaskets and close correctly, and keep the vents clear so they work correctly. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.1.1 Leaks, page 8-1.

  21. Question 21What do baffles in a liquid tank do?

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    A: Help control forward-and-back surge, but side-to-side surge can still occur. Baffles are bulkheads with holes that let liquid flow through; they help control forward and backward surge, but side-to-side surge can still happen and can cause a rollover. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks, page 8-2.

  22. Question 22On a wet road, by about how much should you reduce your speed?

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    D: About one-third. Reduce speed by about one-third on a wet road (for example, from 55 to about 35 mph); on packed snow reduce it by half or more. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 2.6.2 Matching Speed to the Road Surface, page 2-14.

  23. Question 23How does stab braking work?

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    A: Apply the brakes all the way, release when the wheels lock, and reapply fully once the wheels start rolling. With stab braking you apply the brakes all the way, release when the wheels lock up, and apply them fully again as soon as the wheels start rolling. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 2.17.2 How to Stop Quickly and Safely, page 2-34.

  24. Question 24Does it matter whether the tank is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle?

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    A: No, the endorsement applies to tanks permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis. The tank endorsement applies whether the tank is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction), page 8-1.

  25. Question 25Which of these is special purpose equipment you should make sure works on a tank vehicle that has it?

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    C: Grounding and bonding cables. If the vehicle has them, make sure vapor recovery kits, grounding and bonding cables, emergency shut-off systems and a built-in fire extinguisher work. Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0): 8.1.2 Check Special Purpose Equipment, page 8-1.

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Our own questions, written from the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual (AAMVA model CDL manual, Version 4.0), official manual, and checked against it.