California CDL Tanker Vehicles Endorsement Test cheat sheet

Walk around the tank shell and look for leaks, drips, wet spots, cracks, dents, and corrosion; a leaking tank must not be loaded.

Check the cargo tank test markings: leakage test at least annually, pressure test at least every 5 years, and every 2 years for certain high-pressure tanks such as MC 331.

Inspect manhole and dome covers, gaskets, and latches; a flattened, cracked, or missing gasket lets liquid or vapor escape in transit.

Check hoses and couplings for soft spots, bulges, cracks, worn threads, and leaks; close valves and cap unused outlets before moving.

Test emergency shutoff valves and remote controls; they must operate freely and be clearly marked for use in an emergency.

Confirm vents and pressure-relief valves are unobstructed and their seals are intact; never plug, cap, or restrict a vent.

Inspect baffles or surge plates through inspection openings if equipped; cracked, loose, or missing baffles increase surge and rollover risk.

Verify the grounding and bonding cable is present, the clamps are clean, and the cable reaches the loading rack connection point.

Confirm required placards, shipping papers, fire extinguisher, and spill-control equipment are aboard and accessible.

A loaded tank has a high center of gravity, so it rolls over at lower cornering force; reduce speed before entering a curve.

Liquid surge pushes the vehicle during acceleration, braking, and turning; start and stop smoothly and increase following distance.

Baffles divide the tank and reduce surge but do not eliminate it; an unbaffled or partly filled tank demands even smoother control.

Outage (ullage) is the empty space above the liquid; it allows thermal expansion, and overfilling can force liquid out through vents.

Liquid weight formula: gallons × weight per gallon; gasoline is about 6.3 lb/gal, diesel about 7.1 lb/gal, and water 8.34 lb/gal.

Distribute liquid weight so the steer, drive, and trailer axles each stay within rating; an overloaded axle reduces steering and braking control.

Shift to a lower gear before a downgrade and use engine braking; continuous service-brake use can cause brake fade.

A loaded tanker needs a longer stopping distance than a dry van; brake earlier and avoid sudden stops that cause forward surge.

Curve rule: slow to a safe speed before the curve, hold steady through it, and accelerate gently after; hard braking in a curve can cause rollover.

Following distance: below 40 mph allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length; above 40 mph add one extra second.

If brakes fail on a downgrade, steer into the escape ramp, keep the vehicle straight, and stay in the vehicle until it stops.

Skid recovery: release the brakes to restore rolling traction, steer in the direction you want to go, and avoid overcorrecting.

Stop before railroad tracks when carrying hazardous materials or when required, look both ways, and cross without shifting gears.

When water is present, reduce speed; if steering feels light from hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking.

Right turns: swing wide enough to clear the curb, but check mirrors so the rear wheels do not off-track into another lane or object.

On a downgrade, select a lower gear before the grade and use short brake snubs rather than continuous pressure to avoid fade.

Parking a tank vehicle: set the parking brakes, chock wheels on a grade, and do not leave a hazardous load unattended.

Hazard classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidizers, 6 toxic substances, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, 9 miscellaneous.

Placard Table 1 materials for any amount; examples include Division 2.3, Division 4.3, Division 6.1 PG I, and radioactive materials.

Placard Table 2 materials at 1,001 pounds or more aggregate gross weight; examples include gasoline, diesel fuel, and many flammable liquids.

Shipping papers must be within the driver's reach, kept in a pouch, and show proper shipping name, hazard class, ID number, and quantity.

Use the Emergency Response Guidebook: find the 4-digit ID number, then use the guide page for isolation distance, protective clothing, and response.

Before loading a flammable liquid, bond the tank to the loading rack and ground the tank to prevent static sparks from igniting vapors.

Do not load incompatible materials together; check the segregation table and keep oxidizers away from flammables and combustible materials.

Secure portable tanks, cylinders, and drums against shifting; close valves and cap outlets before the vehicle moves.

A tanker endorsement is required for tank vehicles with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more; verify the license endorsements and vehicle rating.