New York CDL: Tanker Vehicles Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is The posted speed for a curve may be too fast for a tank vehicle.

Tank vehicles have a high center of gravity. Much of a loaded tanker's weight is carried five or six feet above the ground. This makes a tanker top-heavy, which makes it more prone to rollovers than other types of vehicles. Tests have shown that a tank vehicle can roll over at the speed limits posted for curves. The safest way to take a curve in a tanker is to slow down well below the posted speed limit before you enter the curve.

Not quite. The answer is may exceed legal weight limits.

A full tank of dense liquid (such as some acids) may exceed legal weight limits. For this reason, you may not be able to completely fill the tank with a dense liquid.

Not quite. The answer is Wet roads can double the stopping distance at any speed.

To control surge, know the stopping distance of your vehicle and brake far in advance of a stop whenever possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle's stopping distance on wet roads will be about double its stopping distance on dry roads.

Not quite. The answer is your vehicle may jackknife.

If your drive wheels are skidding, it's likely because you applied the brakes too hard and locked the drive wheels. A drive-wheel skid can let the trailer push the tractor sideways, causing a sudden jackknife. To recover from this type of skid, the first thing to do is stop braking. The drive wheels will unlock and start to roll again.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

When deciding how much liquid you can load on your tank vehicle, you must consider the weight of the liquid, the amount of space to allocate for the liquid to expand as it heats up (called outage), and all legal weight limits on your vehicle. A full tank of a dense liquid may exceed the legal weight limits, so you can only fill the tanks partially with such a liquid.

Not quite. The answer is MC-331

MC-331 cargo tanks carry gases that are liquefied under relatively high pressure (maximum allowable pressure of 100–500 psi). The cargo tank has a circular cross section and rounded ends. These tanks are commonly used to carry such gases as propane and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Not quite. The answer is You should avoid backing whenever you can.

Backing up a large vehicle is always dangerous, even with a helper. Try to avoid backing up as much as possible.

Not quite. The answer is with holes that let liquid flow through.

Tank baffles are bulkheads with holes through which the liquid can flow, but with less force than in tanks without such baffles. These baffles significantly reduce forward-and-backward surge but not side-to-side surge, so the risk of surge causing a rollover remains.

Not quite. The answer is roll over.

Baffled tanks can control back-and-forth surge but not side-to-side surge. During sudden steering changes, side-to-side surge can cause your tanker to roll over. Avoid such sudden moves when possible.

Not quite. The answer is There will be less front-to-back surge than in a smooth bore tank.

Bulkheads divide a tank into several smaller tanks. This will reduce forward-and-backward surge, making it less likely that surge will push your vehicle forward when you try to stop. However, when loading and unloading the smaller tanks, be sure to pay attention to weight distribution.

Not quite. The answer is the front or the rear

Bulkheads help separate the load. When loading such tanks, distribute the weight evenly. Avoid putting too much weight on the front or the rear of the vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is Your brakes may fail because of water freezing.

Your air tanks hold a mixture of water and compressor oil. If left inside to collect at the bottom, the water may freeze and cause brake failure.

Not quite. The answer is the type of liquid.

Different liquids expand at different rates as the temperature increases. In science, the percentage increase of expansion for a given change in temperature is called the coefficient of thermal expansion. This value depends on the type of liquid. You need to find out the likely percentage increase for the type of liquid you'll be hauling, and allow enough room (called outage) for the expansion to take place.

Not quite. The answer is 5 mph slower.

On a steep downgrade, don't keep applying your brakes continuously because this might cause them to fade (become less effective). Instead, apply your brakes sparingly as a supplement to engine braking. Select a "safe" speed. Let your vehicle reach this speed. Brake gently until you are going 5 mph slower. Then let your speed increase back to the "safe" speed. Keep varying your speed up and down this way. This technique is known as snub braking or snubbing.

Not quite. The answer is Always

Escape ramps are designed with soft gravel, upgrades, or both, to slow down vehicles that experience brake failure on a downgrade. Regardless of the type of CMV you're driving, if your brakes have failed, head for one of these escape ramps, which can save lives, equipment, and cargo.

Not quite. The answer is Slow to a safe speed before entering, then accelerate slightly through the curve.

The posted speed for a curve may be safe for cars but not for tankers because of their relatively high center of gravity. Tests have shown that a tanker can roll over on a curve when traveling at the posted speed. The safest way to take a curve in a tanker is to slow down before the curve and then accelerate slightly through the curve. Braking in a curve risks a skid.

Not quite. The answer is on slippery roads.

When you're coming to a stop, the liquid in the tanks tends to surge forward. If you're on a slippery surface, the surge may shove your truck forward into another vehicle or an intersection. Learn how your tanker handles in such situations.

Not quite. The answer is bulkheads with holes that let the liquid flow through.

Baffled tanks have bulkheads with holes through which the liquid can flow but with less force than in a tank without such bulkheads.

Not quite. The answer is be within 25 feet of the tank.

The person in charge of loading and unloading a cargo tank must be sure a qualified person is always watching. This person watching the loading or unloading must be alert, have a clear view of the cargo tank, be within 25 feet of the tank, know of the hazards of the materials involved, know the procedures to follow in an emergency, be authorized to move the cargo tank and able to do so.

Not quite. The answer is Inspect the vehicle.

Before loading, unloading, or driving a tanker, you must inspect the vehicle. This makes sure that the vehicle is safe to carry liquids or gases and is safe to drive. Tank vehicles have special items that you need to check. Study the vehicle's operator manual to learn how to inspect your tank vehicle.