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NJ CDL Tanker study materials
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NJ CDL Tanker practice questions

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Question 1Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Before loading a tanker, you must confirm the tank has been properly cleaned and purged. Which document or record is the primary evidence you check for this?

  1. The vehicle registration certificate
  2. The driver's hours-of-service log
  3. The previous shipper's bill of lading
  4. The tank's most recent cleaning and purging record Correct answer.

Explanation

A tanker must be verified clean and free of vapors from the prior product before loading a new one. The cleaning and purging record documents what was done and is the evidence a loader relies on. The bill of lading covers the last shipment, not the cleaning status.

Question 2Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

How full should a liquid cargo tank generally be loaded to allow for expansion?

  1. About 50 percent full
  2. Only enough to cover the bottom outlet
  3. Completely full to the top of the tank
  4. To a level that leaves enough outage space for the liquid and expected conditions Correct answer.

Explanation

Liquid expands as it warms, so tanks are loaded to leave an outage (ullage) space at the top. The required space depends on the particular liquid and conditions; there is no single loading percentage that applies to all liquid cargo tanks. Filling completely can cause liquid to overflow or damage the tank.

Question 3Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

What is the purpose of baffles inside a tanker's cargo tank?

  1. To heat the product during transport
  2. To slow the movement of liquid and reduce surge forces Correct answer.
  3. To filter contaminants out of the product
  4. To increase the total volume the tank can carry

Explanation

Baffles are internal partitions that break up the flow of liquid. They reduce the front-to-back surge that shifts weight and affects steering and braking. They do not increase capacity, heat, or filter the product.

Question 4Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker with smooth, unbaffled tanks is most at risk of which handling problem?

  1. Improved cornering stability
  2. Increased liquid surge that pushes the vehicle Correct answer.
  3. Faster acceleration
  4. Reduced braking distance

Explanation

Unbaffled tanks let the liquid move freely, creating a strong surge that can push the truck forward when stopping and side to side in turns. This surge makes the vehicle harder to control. It does not shorten stopping distance or improve stability.

Question 5Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

When driving a tanker, why should you begin braking earlier than in a comparable dry van?

  1. Tankers have smaller brakes than dry vans
  2. Tankers are required to travel at lower speeds
  3. The cargo tank blocks the rear brakes
  4. Liquid surge and higher center of gravity lengthen stopping needs Correct answer.

Explanation

The moving liquid and the tank's high center of gravity make a tanker slower to stop and more prone to rollover. Drivers should brake earlier and more gently. Brake size and cargo-tank placement do not explain the difference.

Question 6Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

What is the correct way to check the tightness of a cargo tank's dome cover before moving?

  1. Tape it shut with duct tape
  2. Leave it loose so vapors can vent while driving
  3. Confirm it is seated and secured per the manufacturer's instructions Correct answer.
  4. Check it only after reaching highway speed

Explanation

The dome cover must be properly seated and secured so liquid and vapors cannot escape. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for tightening and latching. Leaving it loose or taping it is unsafe and not a proper closure.

Question 7Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Which personal protective equipment is most important when handling hazardous tanker cargo?

  1. A hard hat only
  2. Steel-toe boots only
  3. Sunglasses and a reflective vest
  4. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and appropriate respiratory protection Correct answer.

Explanation

Hazardous liquid cargo can splash or release vapors, so gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection matched to the product are essential. A single item is not enough. Protective gear should match the hazards shown on the shipping papers.

Question 8Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Where should the shipping papers for a tanker carrying hazardous materials be kept while driving?

  1. Mailed to the receiver in advance
  2. Locked in the trailer cargo tank
  3. Left at the shipper's office
  4. Within reach of the driver in the cab Correct answer.

Explanation

Hazardous materials shipping papers must be accessible to the driver and to emergency responders. Keeping them within reach in the cab meets this requirement. They cannot be locked away in the tank or left behind.

Question 9Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker is stopped on a downgrade and the driver must set the parking brake. What additional step helps prevent the vehicle from rolling?

  1. Release the parking brake slightly
  2. Place the transmission in neutral
  3. Turn the steering wheel toward the curb or use wheel chocks Correct answer.
  4. Increase engine idle speed

Explanation

On a grade, pointing the wheels toward the curb or using chocks adds a physical barrier against rolling. Neutral removes engine braking and is unsafe. Releasing the brake or revving the engine does not prevent rolling.

Question 10Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

While driving a partially loaded tanker, you feel the vehicle lurch forward as you brake. What is the best immediate response?

  1. Release and reapply the brakes smoothly while reducing speed gradually Correct answer.
  2. Shift to neutral and coast
  3. Accelerate hard to settle the load
  4. Turn sharply to redistribute the liquid

Explanation

The lurch is liquid surge pushing the vehicle. Smooth, progressive braking and gradual speed reduction keep the surge manageable. Hard acceleration, coasting in neutral, or sharp turns would worsen control.

Question 11Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Why should a tanker driver avoid making sudden lane changes on a curve?

  1. The liquid's movement can shift weight and cause a rollover Correct answer.
  2. It will void the vehicle's insurance
  3. It increases fuel consumption
  4. It causes the tires to overinflate

Explanation

On a curve, liquid shifts to the outside of the turn, raising rollover risk. A sudden lane change compounds the sideways force. Fuel use, insurance, and tire inflation are not the safety reason.

Question 12Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

What is the primary reason for checking the tank's internal valves and emergency shutoffs during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. To verify the tank's paint condition
  2. To test the air conditioning
  3. To check the radio antenna
  4. To confirm they will stop the flow of product if needed Correct answer.

Explanation

Internal valves and emergency shutoffs are safety devices that must close off product flow in an emergency. The pre-trip check confirms they operate correctly. They have nothing to do with paint, antennas, or climate control.

Question 13Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker is being loaded and the driver notices vapors escaping near the dome. What should the driver do first?

  1. Increase the loading rate to finish quickly
  2. Stop the loading operation and correct the source of the leak Correct answer.
  3. Open the dome wider to vent faster
  4. Continue loading and watch the gauge

Explanation

Escaping vapors indicate a leak or improper closure, which is a fire and exposure hazard. Loading must stop until the source is corrected. Continuing, venting wider, or speeding up loading increases the danger.

Question 14Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

When is it acceptable to smoke near a tanker that is loading or unloading flammable product?

  1. Only if the product is diesel
  2. Only during daylight hours
  3. Only when the engine is off
  4. Never within the designated safe distance Correct answer.

Explanation

Flammable vapors can ignite from a spark at a distance, so smoking is never allowed within the required safe area around loading and unloading. Engine status or daylight does not change this. Diesel also produces combustible vapors.

Question 15Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker's high center of gravity most affects which driving situation?

  1. Backing into a wide dock
  2. Idling at a stoplight
  3. Sharp turns and off-ramps Correct answer.
  4. Straight-line cruising on a flat road

Explanation

A high center of gravity makes a tanker prone to rollover when turning, especially on ramps and curves. Straight cruising, idling, and wide-dock backing are less affected by this factor.

Question 16Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Before coupling a tractor to a loaded tanker trailer, what should the driver verify about the landing gear and fifth wheel?

  1. That the landing gear is fully raised and the fifth wheel is greased and locked Correct answer.
  2. That the trailer brakes are released
  3. That the landing gear is on soft ground
  4. That the fifth wheel is unlocked

Explanation

Proper coupling requires the landing gear raised so it clears the road and a greased, locked fifth wheel for a secure connection. Soft ground, an unlocked fifth wheel, or released trailer brakes would create hazards.

Question 17Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

What does the term outage mean when used in tanker loading?

  1. The weight of the empty tank
  2. A power failure at the terminal
  3. The time spent waiting to load
  4. The empty space left at the top of the tank for expansion Correct answer.

Explanation

Outage, also called ullage, is the space intentionally left above the liquid to allow for expansion and to reduce overflow risk. It is not a power failure, a wait time, or the tare weight.

Question 18Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A driver must unload a corrosive product. Which practice best protects against injury?

  1. Use product-specific chemical protection and have emergency wash available Correct answer.
  2. Wear ordinary work gloves and work quickly
  3. Rely on the wind to carry vapors away
  4. Open all fittings at once to speed draining

Explanation

Corrosives can cause severe burns, so protection matched to the product and emergency washing facilities are essential. Working quickly, relying on wind, or opening everything at once increases exposure risk.

Question 19Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

During a pre-trip inspection of a tanker, you find a discharge hose with a deep cut through its outer layer. What is the correct action?

  1. Remove the hose from service until repaired or replaced Correct answer.
  2. Use it only for short trips
  3. Wrap it with tape and proceed
  4. Reverse the hose ends and continue

Explanation

A deep cut compromises hose integrity and risks a rupture that could release product. The hose must be taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Taping, short trips, or reversing ends do not restore safety.

Question 20Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Why must a tanker driver know the flashpoint of the product being carried?

  1. It indicates how easily the product's vapors can ignite Correct answer.
  2. It sets the tire pressure
  3. It decides the number of axles required
  4. It determines the maximum highway speed

Explanation

Flashpoint is the temperature at which a liquid gives off ignitable vapors. Knowing it tells the driver how readily the product can catch fire and what precautions are needed. It does not set speed, tire pressure, or axle count.

Question 21Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker with compartments is loaded unevenly, with the front compartments full and the rear nearly empty. What handling effect should the driver expect?

  1. Reduced risk of liquid surge
  2. Improved traction on the drive axles
  3. A shift in weight distribution that can affect steering and braking balance Correct answer.
  4. No change in handling because total weight is the same

Explanation

How weight is distributed among compartments changes the load on each axle, affecting steering and braking balance. Total weight alone does not tell the whole story. Uneven loading does not improve traction or reduce surge.

Question 22Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A driver is deciding whether to top off a compartment on a hot day before a long trip. What is the safest reasoning?

  1. Leave adequate outage because the product will expand as it warms Correct answer.
  2. Fill until product reaches the dome cover
  3. Top off fully so no space is wasted
  4. Fill only the rear compartment to the top

Explanation

Warm product expands during the trip, so adequate outage must be left to prevent overflow and pressure buildup. Topping off fully or filling to the dome cover risks overflow. Filling only one compartment to the top still creates expansion risk there.

Question 23Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Two drivers debate braking on a downgrade with a partially loaded unbaffled tanker. Which approach best controls surge and speed?

  1. Ride the brakes continuously at high speed
  2. Brake hard only at the bottom of the grade
  3. Coast in neutral to save fuel
  4. Select a lower gear and use steady, moderate braking to control speed Correct answer.

Explanation

A lower gear provides engine braking, and steady moderate braking keeps the liquid from surging violently. Riding brakes at high speed overheats them, coasting removes control, and braking only at the bottom is too late.

Question 24Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A shipper offers a tanker load, but the previous product was a toxic material and the cleaning record is missing. What is the safest decision?

  1. Load it and note the missing record on the bill of lading
  2. Refuse to load until proper cleaning and documentation are confirmed Correct answer.
  3. Load a small test amount to check for residue
  4. Accept the load and rely on the odor test

Explanation

Without a cleaning record, there is no proof the tank is free of toxic residue, which risks contaminating the new product and exposing workers. Loading must wait until cleaning and documentation are confirmed. Odor tests and small test loads are not adequate safeguards.

Question 25Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker's emergency shutoff is tested and fails to close fully. How should the driver treat this before departure?

  1. As an out-of-service condition that must be corrected before moving Correct answer.
  2. As fine because the internal valve is a backup
  3. As a minor issue that can be fixed at the next terminal
  4. As acceptable if the load is only partially full

Explanation

An emergency shutoff that will not close fully cannot stop product flow in an emergency, so the vehicle should be placed out of service until it is repaired. Partial loads and backup valves do not excuse a failed safety device. Deferring repair to a later terminal leaves the hazard in place.

Question 26Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

What is the primary reason a tanker's center of gravity is higher than a typical dry van's?

  1. The trailer frame is built from heavier steel than a dry van's frame
  2. The cargo is carried in a tank that sits above the frame and holds a dense liquid mass Correct answer.
  3. The tractor's fifth wheel is mounted farther forward than on a dry van
  4. The tanker runs on larger tires that raise the whole vehicle

Explanation

A tanker's cargo is a dense liquid held in a cylindrical tank mounted above the trailer frame, so the combined mass sits well above the road compared with a box trailer whose cargo rests near the floor. That raised mass is what makes a tanker more prone to rollover in turns and evasive maneuvers.

Question 27Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker is only partly full and the liquid has room to move. What is the correct term for liquid that can shift forward, back, and side to side inside the tank?

  1. Vapor pressure
  2. Surge Correct answer.
  3. Outage
  4. Weight transfer

Explanation

Surge is the movement of liquid inside a partly filled tank as the vehicle accelerates, brakes, or turns. The free surface lets the product run to one end or side, which shifts weight onto axles or tires and changes steering and braking response.

Question 28Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Why are baffles installed inside many cargo tanks?

  1. To keep the product warm during cold weather
  2. To increase the total volume the tank can legally carry
  3. To allow the tank to be cleaned without removing the dome cover
  4. To divide the tank into compartments that slow the front-to-back movement of liquid Correct answer.

Explanation

Baffles are internal walls with openings that break the tank into smaller sections, so liquid cannot rush the full length of the tank at once. This reduces the forward and backward surge that pushes a truck through stops and starts.

Question 29Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check about a tanker's emergency shutoff valves?

  1. That each one is painted a bright color
  2. That each one is tagged with the shipping date
  3. That each one operates freely and closes fully when tripped Correct answer.
  4. That each one is locked in the open position

Explanation

Emergency shutoffs must be able to stop the flow of product in an emergency, so the inspection verifies they move freely and seat fully when actuated. A valve that sticks or fails to close completely defeats the purpose of the safety system and must be repaired before the vehicle is dispatched.

Question 30Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

What is the purpose of the outage (ullage) space left in a cargo tank?

  1. To make the tank lighter so it can carry more product by weight
  2. To provide a place to store hose couplings during transport
  3. To leave room for the product to expand as temperature rises Correct answer.
  4. To allow the driver to sample the product from the top

Explanation

Liquid expands as it warms, and a tank filled completely to the top could be overpressured or forced to leak as the product grows. Leaving outage space gives the liquid room to expand safely during the trip.

Question 31Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Which document must accompany a tanker carrying a hazardous material and be within reach while you are at the wheel?

  1. The shipping papers describing the material Correct answer.
  2. The tank manufacturer's warranty card
  3. The previous driver's trip log
  4. The terminal's cleaning schedule

Explanation

Hazardous materials shipments must travel with shipping papers that identify the material, and the driver must keep them accessible in the cab so they can be produced for enforcement or emergency responders. The other documents do not describe the hazard of the load.

Question 32Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Before loading a tanker with a flammable product, what should the driver confirm about the loading area?

  1. That the area is hosed down with water to keep the pavement cool
  2. That all dome covers are left fully open during the entire transfer
  3. That the engine is left running to power the transfer pump
  4. That bonding and grounding cables are connected to dissipate static electricity Correct answer.

Explanation

Flammable liquids can ignite from static electricity generated by product flowing through hoses and pipes, so the truck and the loading facility must be bonded and grounded to equalize potential. Connecting the grounding cable before transfer begins is a standard safeguard at flammable loading racks.

Question 33Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

What does the hazardous materials endorsement on a CDL allow a driver to do?

  1. Drive double and triple trailers on the interstate
  2. Haul oversized loads without an escort
  3. Drive a vehicle carrying placarded amounts of hazardous materials Correct answer.
  4. Operate a tanker without any additional endorsement

Explanation

The hazardous materials endorsement authorizes operation of vehicles that require placarding for hazardous materials. Tank vehicles and multi-trailer combinations are covered by separate endorsements, so the hazmat endorsement alone does not authorize them.

Question 34Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

You are driving a tanker with a partial load and must stop at a red light on a slight downhill. What technique best limits the forward surge when you brake?

  1. Shift to neutral and coast while applying the brakes
  2. Wait until the last moment and brake firmly to shorten the stop
  3. Brake early and smoothly with steady pressure so the liquid moves gradually Correct answer.
  4. Pump the brakes rapidly to break up the liquid motion

Explanation

Smooth, early braking lets the liquid build speed gradually and reduces how hard it slams forward against the front of the tank. Late or abrupt braking sends a wave of product forward that can push the truck into the intersection and upset steering.

Question 35Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker is entering a freeway ramp posted well below the mainline speed, and the tank is about half full. What is the safest action?

  1. Slow to the posted ramp speed before the curve and hold a steady speed through it Correct answer.
  2. Maintain mainline speed and let the ramp banking carry the truck through
  3. Accelerate through the curve to keep the liquid pressed to the rear
  4. Brake hard in the middle of the curve if the truck feels light

Explanation

A partly loaded tank has a high center of gravity and moving liquid, so the rollover threshold in a curve is much lower than for a rigid load. Reducing speed before the curve and holding it steady keeps lateral force low and avoids the sudden weight shifts that trigger rollover.

Question 36Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

You are hauling an unbaffled tank that is about one-quarter full. How does this load behave compared with a full tank of the same product?

  1. The truck corners better because the load is lighter
  2. The liquid stays put because there is less mass to move
  3. The stopping distance shortens because the tank is emptier
  4. The liquid moves more freely and produces stronger surge forces Correct answer.

Explanation

In a partly filled unbaffled tank the liquid has a large free surface and can run the length of the tank, producing strong surge forces that a full tank cannot generate. The lighter weight does not offset the loss of control caused by that moving mass.

Question 37Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker's forward compartment is full and its rear compartment is empty. How will this load most likely affect handling?

  1. The truck will track straighter because the weight is concentrated forward
  2. The rear axle will carry most of the weight and traction will improve
  3. The front axle will be heavily loaded and steering will feel different from an evenly loaded tank Correct answer.
  4. The brakes will apply more evenly because the load is divided

Explanation

Concentrating product in the forward compartment puts more weight on the steering axle and less on the drive axles, which changes steering feel and reduces drive traction. Loads should be distributed so axle weights stay within limits and handling stays predictable.

Question 38Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A driver is about to descend a long grade with a partly loaded tanker. Which approach best controls speed and surge?

  1. Coast in neutral and use the brakes only when speed builds too high
  2. Stay in a high gear and control speed with continuous hard braking
  3. Descend at the posted limit and brake only if the truck exceeds it
  4. Select a low gear before the grade and use engine braking with light, steady brake applications Correct answer.

Explanation

Choosing a low gear before the descent lets engine braking hold the truck back and keeps service brakes cool for when they are needed. Light, steady applications avoid the abrupt deceleration that sends liquid surging forward in a partial load.

Question 39Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

What is the main hazard of driving a tanker through a sweeping turn too fast with a full load?

  1. The brakes will automatically lock on the outer wheels
  2. The product will boil and raise tank pressure
  3. The high center of gravity and lateral force can cause a rollover Correct answer.
  4. The tank will empty through the vent during the turn

Explanation

A loaded tank carries its weight high above the road, so cornering force acting at that height produces a strong overturning moment. Exceeding a safe speed in a turn can put the truck on its side even though the tires have not lost traction.

Question 40Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker is stopped on a downhill grade and the driver sets the parking brake. What additional step helps keep the vehicle from rolling?

  1. Turn the front wheels straight ahead and release the parking brake slightly
  2. Place the transmission in a high gear to reduce engine braking
  3. Leave the transmission in neutral so the brakes work alone
  4. Place the transmission in the lowest gear and turn the front wheels toward the curb Correct answer.

Explanation

Chocking the vehicle with engine compression in the lowest gear adds holding force beyond the parking brake, and turning the wheels toward the curb gives the vehicle a curb to catch if it does roll. Neutral or a high gear removes that extra resistance.

Question 41Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker must be backed into a tight dock. What is the best practice given the vehicle's handling characteristics?

  1. Rely on the mirrors alone and keep the windows closed
  2. Back quickly to spend less time in the blind area
  3. Back with the dome covers open to reduce tank pressure
  4. Use a spotter and back slowly, watching for liquid surge as you change direction Correct answer.

Explanation

A tanker has large blind areas and its liquid shifts when the truck changes direction, so a spotter and slow movement are essential. Sudden stops or steering changes during backing can shift the load and cause a loss of control or a dock strike.

Question 42Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

You are inspecting a tanker and find that a discharge hose has a deep cut through its outer layer, exposing reinforcement. What should you do?

  1. Use the hose only for nonhazardous products
  2. Remove the hose from service and have it replaced before hauling product Correct answer.
  3. Wrap the cut with tape and continue the trip
  4. Shorten the hose past the cut and reuse it

Explanation

A cut that exposes reinforcement compromises the hose's strength and its ability to contain product under pressure, so it must be taken out of service. Taping or downgrading the hose does not restore its integrity and risks a release during transfer.

Question 43Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A shipper offers a tanker load, but the previous product was a toxic material and the cleaning record is missing. What is the safest response?

  1. Accept the load and note the missing record on the bill of lading
  2. Accept the load if the new product is also hazardous
  3. Refuse the load until the tank's prior contents and cleaning are documented Correct answer.
  4. Accept the load and rinse the tank at the destination

Explanation

Without a cleaning record the driver cannot know what residue remains or whether the tank is compatible with the new product, and residual toxic material can contaminate the load or endanger the driver. The load should not be accepted until the prior contents and cleaning are documented.

Question 44Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A driver tests a tanker's emergency shutoff and it fails to close fully. How should the driver treat this before departure?

  1. As a minor issue to log and report at the end of the trip
  2. As acceptable if the route avoids tunnels
  3. As an out-of-service condition that must be repaired before the vehicle moves Correct answer.
  4. As acceptable if the tank is only partly loaded

Explanation

An emergency shutoff that will not close fully cannot stop product flow in an emergency, so the vehicle is not safe to dispatch. The defect must be repaired and the valve retested before the tanker leaves.

Question 45Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Why does a tanker's stopping distance increase when the tank is only partly full?

  1. The brakes are physically smaller on tankers than on dry vans
  2. The engine idle speed rises when the tank is light
  3. The tires carry less weight and therefore grip less
  4. The liquid surges forward and adds force that the brakes must overcome Correct answer.

Explanation

When the driver brakes, liquid in a partial load runs forward and its momentum pushes the truck ahead, so the brakes must absorb both the vehicle's momentum and the moving product's energy. The result is a longer stop than the same truck would need with a rigid load.

Question 46Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A driver plans to top off a compartment on a hot day before a long trip. What is the safest reasoning?

  1. Leave the required outage space so the product can expand without overpressuring the tank Correct answer.
  2. Fill completely and loosen the dome cover to relieve pressure
  3. Fill the compartment completely so no vapor space exists to feed a fire
  4. Fill only to the bottom of the dome so the cover seals tightly

Explanation

Product expands as it warms, and filling a compartment to the top on a hot day can lead to overpressure, leakage, or product being forced out. The outage space is required to absorb that expansion during the trip.

Question 47Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A driver must unload a corrosive product. Which combination of practices best protects against injury?

  1. Wear the required chemical protective equipment and stand clear of hose connections during pressurization Correct answer.
  2. Wear a hard hat and stay in the cab with the engine running
  3. Wear leather work gloves and stand next to the hose connection to watch for leaks
  4. Wear safety glasses only and keep the dome cover open during transfer

Explanation

Corrosives can burn skin and eyes, so the required chemical protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection must be worn, and the driver should stay clear of connections that could spray or fail under pressure. Leather gloves and safety glasses alone do not resist corrosives.

Question 48Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

Two drivers discuss how to brake a partly loaded unbaffled tanker on a long descent. Which approach best controls both surge and brake temperature?

  1. Use the trailer hand valve to brake the trailer harder than the tractor
  2. Keep the service brakes applied firmly and continuously to hold a constant speed
  3. Select a low gear before the grade, brake gently and steadily, and let engine braking carry most of the load Correct answer.
  4. Descend in a high gear and use the brakes in short, hard jabs

Explanation

Engine braking in a low gear holds speed without heating the service brakes, and gentle steady applications avoid the sharp deceleration that sends liquid surging forward. Continuous firm braking overheats the brakes and hard jabs amplify surge.

Question 49Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A tanker is loaded with a product whose flashpoint is well below the expected ambient temperature. What does this mean for the driver's precautions?

  1. The product can give off ignitable vapor at normal temperatures, so ignition sources must be strictly controlled Correct answer.
  2. The product is safe because it will not burn without a direct flame
  3. The product can be handled without grounding because vapor is too heavy to ignite
  4. The product only poses a risk when the tank is nearly empty

Explanation

A flashpoint below ambient temperature means the liquid releases enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture at ordinary conditions, so the driver must keep flames, sparks, and hot surfaces away and follow grounding and bonding procedures. Waiting for a visible flame or assuming the tank must be empty misunderstands the hazard.

Question 50Tanker vehicle inspection and driving

A driver notices the tanker beginning to lean in a curve and feels the steering go light. What is the best immediate response?

  1. Ease off the accelerator smoothly and avoid any sudden steering or braking input Correct answer.
  2. Brake firmly to slow the truck before the curve tightens
  3. Accelerate to pull the truck through the curve
  4. Steer harder into the curve to bring the truck back on line

Explanation

A light steering feel and body lean in a curve signal that the truck is approaching its rollover threshold, so the driver should reduce lateral force gradually by easing off the throttle without abrupt steering or braking. Hard braking or added steering input can tip the vehicle.