CDL Tanker Endorsement Examination

Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Tanker Endorsement Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which type of cargo is most affected by surge in a tanker?
• Dry bulk
• Liquids
• Solid materials
• Packaged goods
• Liquids

Liquids can move inside the tank, causing surge, which affects vehicle stability and braking.

• What is the primary hazard of driving a tanker with liquid cargo?
• Reduced fuel efficiency 1 / 4

• Cargo theft
• Weight shift and rollovers
• Tire wear
• Weight shift and rollovers

Liquid cargo moves during turns, braking, and acceleration, increasing the risk of rollovers.

• What type of tank is most likely to have baffles?
• Dry bulk tank
• Open-top tank
• Liquid tank
• Flatbed
• Liquid tank

Baffles are internal barriers used to reduce liquid surge and improve stability.

• What is a key inspection point before hauling liquids?
• Tire tread depth only
• Tank wall integrity and valves
• Headlights
• License plate
• Tank wall integrity and valves

Inspecting the tank, baffles, and valves ensures safe containment of the liquid cargo. 2 / 4

5. When filling a tanker, you should:

• Fill quickly to save time
• Avoid overfilling
• Only fill at night
• Leave the top open
• Avoid overfilling

Overfilling can lead to spills and increase the risk of liquid surge.

• Which driving technique reduces the risk of liquid surge?
• Sharp turns
• Smooth acceleration and braking
• Speeding on curves
• Tailgating
• Smooth acceleration and braking

Gentle driving reduces sudden movement of liquid inside the tank.

• What is “surge”?
• Electrical failure
• Rapid movement of liquid inside a tank
• Engine overheating
• Tire blowout
• Rapid movement of liquid inside a tank

Surge is the sloshing of liquid cargo that affects vehicle handling.

• Which type of cargo does NOT usually require a tanker endorsement?
• Fuel 3 / 4

• Water
• Gravel
• Liquid chemicals
• Gravel

Gravel is solid cargo and does not involve liquid surge risks.

• How should you position your hands when steering a tanker?
• One hand at the top
• Both hands on the wheel, usually 9 and 3 o’clock
• Hands off when coasting
• One hand at the bottom
• Both hands on the wheel, usually 9 and 3 o’clock

Maintains maximum control, important for vehicles with shifting liquid cargo.

• Which factor increases the risk of rollover for a tanker?
• Low tire pressure
• Sudden steering or braking
• Smooth roads
• Tail lights
• Sudden steering or braking

Abrupt movements cause liquid to shift rapidly, increasing rollover risk.

• How does a baffle help a liquid tanker?
• Makes the tank lighter
• / 4