Vermont CDL: Tanker Vehicles Practice Test

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 starting or stopping.

Smooth bore tanks lack baffles or bulkheads to reduce forward-and-backward surge. When you start from a stopped position, the liquid will surge backward, pushing your vehicle backward. When you try to stop, the liquid will surge forward, pushing your vehicle farther forward. Perform such actions slowly and carefully.

Not quite. The answer is are bulk containers that are not permanently attached to a vehicle.

A portable tank is bulk packaging that is not permanently attached to a vehicle. The tank is loaded or unloaded while it is off the vehicle. Then the tank is put on the vehicle for transportation. Hence, the portable tank must show the owner or lessee's name. "Bulk packaging" means that the tank's capacity is more than 450 L (119 gallons) of liquid, or more than 454 kg (1,000 pounds) of gas. Some portable tanks have a capacity of 25,000 L (6,600 gallons).

Not quite. The answer is the distance you can see ahead.

No matter what type of motor vehicle you are driving at night (even a passenger car), you must drive at a speed that lets you stop within the range of your headlights. (In the dark, you have no way of knowing what lies beyond the reach of your headlights.) With low beams, you can see ahead only about 250 feet. Yet if you're driving a vehicle with air brakes at 45 mph, your vehicle's stopping distance may be as long as 346 feet. Hence, with low beams at 45 mph, you will not be able to brake in time to avoid a hazard that you see.

Not quite. The answer is There will be less front-to-back surge than there is in a tanker without baffles.

Baffled tanks have bulkheads with holes to reduce forward-and-backward surge. This will reduce the chance that forward surge will push your vehicle dangerously forward when you're slowing or stopping. However, these bulkheads don't significantly reduce side-to-side surge, so rollovers can still occur.

Not quite. The answer is Environment

The S.T.A.M.P.E.D. acronym is widely used to assist you in obtaining the correct hoses and fittings for your needs. S: the required size of the hose; T: the temperatures to which the hose will be subjected; A: the application (use) to which the hose will be put; M: the types of material (liquid, gas, etc.) that will have to flow through the hose; P: the maximum working pressure of the hose; E: the required fittings at the ends of the hose; D: the date at which the hose must be delivered to you.

Not quite. The answer is Much of the tanker's weight is high up off the ground.

An object with a high center of gravity is top-heavy; much of its weight is high off the ground. Top-heavy objects are more prone to toppling over. Loaded tankers tend to have a high center of gravity because the tanks are so tall. This makes liquid tankers more prone to rolling over. Tests have shown that tankers can roll over on curves even at the speeds posted. On curves, slow down well below the posted speeds.

Not quite. The answer is some liquids expand more than others when they get warm.

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 how much outage you will need to allow for the type of liquid you'll be hauling.

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 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 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 Upshift.

If your hydraulic brakes fail while you're driving, try pumping the brake pedal to build up enough hydraulic pressure to stop your vehicle. If this fails, downshift to use engine braking and apply the parking brake. Release the parking brake before you lock the wheels. If all else fails, look for an escape route. Head for an escape ramp or an open field and let your vehicle slow to a stop.

Not quite. The answer is Keep a steady foot on the brake and don't release the brake too soon.

To control the effects of surge, brake far in advance of a stop. Maintain steady pressure on the brakes and don't release them too soon.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above are true.

Tank vehicles have a high center of gravity, typically 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. To take an upcoming curve safely, slow down well below the posted speed limit.

Not quite. The answer is Before loading it, driving it, or unloading it

You should inspect a tank vehicle before loading it, driving it, or unloading it. This is to ensure that it is safe to carry out these activities and the vehicle can safely hold its liquid or gas contents.

Not quite. The answer is You will continue in a straight line and keep moving forward no matter how you steer.

In a front-wheel skid, the front end of your vehicle tends to travel in a straight line regardless of how you turn the steering wheel. This type of skid is most often caused by driving too fast for the current driving conditions. Therefore, the best way to recover from this type of skid is to just let the vehicle slow down. Steer and brake only gently.

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 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 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.

Not quite. The answer is surging.

When a tank is not completely filled, the liquid has room to move around. It can slosh back and forth or side to side. This is called surging.