Georgia CDL Tanker Test study plan
Georgia CDL Tanker Test · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Tanker vehicle inspection and pre-trip checks
List and explain the purpose of the five key tank vehicle pre-trip inspection items: tank shell, baffles, valves, hoses, and emergency shutoffs.
Identify the location and function of the emergency shutoff valve on a tanker and describe how to test it during a pre-trip inspection.
Describe how to check for leaks, cracks, and corrosion on the tank exterior and fittings.
Explain the difference between internal and external valves and their role in surge control.
Your checkpoint
Create a one-page pre-trip inspection checklist for a tank vehicle, covering at least 10 specific items with pass/fail criteria.
Tanker vehicle inspection and pre-trip checks
Demonstrate the correct sequence for inspecting a tank vehicle’s braking system, including slack adjusters and air lines.
Explain how to verify that baffles are intact and properly positioned, and describe the consequences of missing or damaged baffles.
Identify the required paperwork and placarding for hazardous materials tanker loads.
Describe how to inspect hoses and couplings for wear, leaks, and proper connection.
Your checkpoint
Write a 10-question self-quiz (with answer key) on tank vehicle inspection, focusing on common failure points and safety checks.
Driving tank vehicles: surge, slack load, and load shift control
Define surge and slack load, and explain how they affect vehicle handling.
Describe how liquid movement in a partially filled tank can cause load shift and affect steering and braking.
Explain the purpose of baffles and how they reduce surge, including the difference between baffled and unbaffled tanks.
Identify the risks of driving with a high center of gravity and how to adjust driving techniques accordingly.
Your checkpoint
Create a diagram (hand-drawn or digital) showing surge forces in a partially filled tank during acceleration, braking, and turning, with annotations explaining the forces.
Driving tank vehicles: surge, slack load, and load shift control & Vehicle stability, rollover prevention, and safe speeds on curves
Explain how to adjust speed and steering inputs to minimize surge and load shift on curves and during lane changes.
Describe the relationship between vehicle speed, curve radius, and rollover risk for tank vehicles.
List three techniques for smooth braking and acceleration to reduce liquid movement.
Identify the warning signs of an impending rollover and the corrective actions a driver should take.
Your checkpoint
Pass a 20-question practice test on surge, slack load, and rollover prevention with a score of 80% or higher.
Vehicle stability, rollover prevention, and safe speeds on curves
Calculate the maximum safe speed for a given curve based on the vehicle’s center of gravity and load, using a simplified formula.
Describe how to properly use mirrors and reference points to maintain lane position on curves.
Explain the effects of road slope, camber, and surface conditions on tank vehicle stability.
List the steps to take if a tank vehicle begins to skid on a curve.
Your checkpoint
Write a short guide (200–300 words) on safe speed selection for curves with tank vehicles, including a worked example of speed calculation.
Special tank vehicle handling: braking, skids, and emergencies
Explain the correct braking technique for tank vehicles to prevent skids and jackknifing, including the use of engine brakes and stab braking.
Describe how to recover from a rear-wheel skid and a front-wheel skid in a tank vehicle.
Identify the steps to take in an emergency stop with a tanker, including communication with dispatch and emergency responders.
List the actions to take if a tank vehicle’s load shifts unexpectedly during transit.
Your checkpoint
Create a flowchart for emergency response to a tank vehicle skid or load shift, including decision points and actions.
Tanker vehicle inspection and pre-trip checks & Special tank vehicle handling: braking, skids, and emergencies
Review and refine the pre-trip inspection checklist to include emergency equipment and communication devices.
Explain how to conduct a post-incident inspection of a tank vehicle after a skid or emergency stop.
Describe the procedure for reporting and documenting inspection findings and incidents.
Identify the key differences between routine pre-trip and emergency post-trip inspections.
Your checkpoint
Update the pre-trip checklist from Week 1 to include at least five emergency-related items, and write a brief explanation for each addition.
Driving tank vehicles: surge, slack load, and load shift control & Vehicle stability, rollover prevention, and safe speeds on curves & Special tank vehicle handling: braking, skids, and emergencies
Integrate knowledge from all domains by completing a full-length practice exam (50 questions) under timed conditions.
Review incorrect answers and create flashcards for weak areas.
Summarize the top 10 safety rules for tank vehicle operation in your own words.
Develop a personal mnemonic or memory aid for pre-trip inspection steps.
Your checkpoint
Score at least 85% on a comprehensive 50-question practice test covering all four domains, and submit a list of five key takeaways.
Milestones
Week 4: Achieve 80% or higher on a 20-question practice test covering Domains 2 and 3, with particular attention to surge control and rollover prevention.
Week 6: Complete the emergency response flowchart and explain it verbally to a study partner or record a 5-minute self-explanation.
Week 8: Score 85% or higher on a comprehensive 50-question practice test covering all domains, with no domain below 75%.