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Practice for your Tanker CDL exam with questions based on the official South Dakota CDL handbook
How do baffles in baffled tanks contribute to managing liquid movement?
Baffles in tanks help stop the liquid from sloshing too much forward and backward. This makes it easier to control the truck when it's moving.
When filling up a tanker with 3 or 4 valves at its bottom, how should you position the valves?
When filling up a tanker with 3 or 4 bottom valves, make sure those valves are tightly shut. This prevents any spills or leaks while loading.
When filling up and emptying tanks with bulkheads, the driver needs to ensure the weight is evenly distributed.
TRUE. When filling or emptying tanks with dividers, it's important for drivers to make sure the weight is spread out evenly. This helps keep the truck stable and safe on the road.
On all tank vehicles the most important item to check is for:
When checking tank vehicles, the most crucial thing to look for is leaks. This is because leaks can lead to loss of liquids, potentially causing accidents or environmental harm. Always ensure the tank is secure and leak-free to keep both you and the environment safe.
When driving, it's important to pay attention to the speed limits for curves and understand that...
The correct answer is "All of the above."
A tank endorsement is required for certain vehicles that transport what?
Federal regulations say a tank endorsement is needed to operate a tank vehicle that requires a CDL. A tank vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle carrying bulk liquid or gas in one or more tanks that are permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle (49 CFR 383.5; 49 CFR 383.93).
Which statement best characterizes baffled tanks?
Baffled tanks are designed with special walls inside that have holes. These walls let liquids move through to smaller sections within the tank. This helps keep the liquid more stable and prevents it from moving around too much.
Why is it important to be aware of the required outage for the liquids you transport?
Heavier liquids expand less, so they can often be filled to the top without risking overflow. Knowing each liquid’s expansion needs helps prevent spills and ensures safe, efficient transportation.
During loading, what should be the position of the tankers' manhole covers and vent covers?
When loading a tanker, make sure the manhole covers and vent covers are properly closed. This keeps everything safe and secure.
What do you call the walls inside a tanker that have holes at both the top and bottom?
The correct answer is baffles. These are like walls inside a tanker truck's tank with holes on the top and bottom. They help keep the liquid from moving around too much when the truck is turning or stopping, making the drive safer.
Stop valves in a cargo tank...
Stop valves in a cargo tank are special parts that automatically close if there's an emergency to prevent spills.
You’re driving at night with clear visibility and need to switch your headlights from high beams to low beams. You should reduce your speed so you can stop within what distance?
At night, regardless of the type of vehicle, you must travel slowly enough to be able to stop within the area illuminated by your headlights, because you cannot anticipate hazards beyond what your lights reveal. Low beams typically light only about 250 feet ahead. For example, a vehicle with air brakes traveling 45 mph may need up to about 346 feet to stop, meaning that at 45 mph on low beams you may not be able to stop in time for something you can see.
You should inspect the intake, discharge, and cut-off valves before driving, loading, or unloading the vehicle ___.
Before driving, loading, or unloading your vehicle, you should check the intake, discharge, and cut-off valves to make sure they are in the right position. This helps prevent any problems during your trip.
Which of these facts is correct about how to steer in an emergency when driving a tanker?
When you need to steer quickly in a tanker, don't hit the brakes because it can lead to a skid or rollover. Quick and controlled steering is the way to prevent a crash without making things worse.
What should you inspect the tank's body or shell for?
When inspecting a tank's body or shell, you should look for any dents and leaks. Dents can weaken the tank's structure, and leaks can cause the contents to escape, which might be dangerous or lead to waste. Checking for these issues helps ensure the tank is safe and in good condition.
A smooth bore tank is ___.
A smooth bore tank is a special kind of tank used to hold liquids. It's different because it doesn't have inside barriers, known as baffles, that usually help to keep the liquid from moving around too much.
In what situations should you exercise extra caution when driving a smooth bore tanker combination?
When driving a smooth tank truck, be very careful when starting or stopping. This is because the liquid inside can move a lot, making it hard to control the truck.
Which of the following statements about tanker vehicles are true?
Tank vehicles have a high center of gravity, usually about five or six feet above the ground. This makes tankers top-heavy and more likely to roll over than other vehicles. Tests show a tank vehicle can roll over even when traveling at the posted speed limit for a curve. To take a curve safely, slow to well below the posted limit.
Before loading, unloading, or driving a tanker, what precautionary steps should you take?
Before you do anything with a tanker, like loading, unloading, or driving it, you need to carefully check the vehicle to make sure everything is in good condition and safe to use.
Empty trucks:
Empty trucks might take longer to stop than trucks full of stuff.
The Tanker endorsement test is required in South Dakota for drivers who operate tank vehicles used to transport liquids or gases in bulk. It covers safe loading, unloading, surge effects, and driving techniques specific to tanker operations.
The Tanker test is part of the CDL written exam administered by the South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles. You must pass this test along with the other required written tests to receive your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) in South Dakota.
Our practice questions are built from the official South Dakota CDL handbook and federal FMCSA regulations. Each question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the material, not just memorize answers.
