Florida CDL Tanker Practice Test

The Florida CDL Tanker test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. You need at least 80% to pass. That's the federal minimum in 49 CFR 383.135 (Florida does not publish its own number).

Last updated Oct 14, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Florida CDL manual on October 14, 2026

Scott Wilder on X | scottwilderhq.com

FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC. It offers free exam-style practice tests built from the official CDL manual. FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.

Florida CDL permit facts

What	What Florida says	Source
Tanker pass mark	At least 80%. This is the federal minimum (49 CFR 383.135); Florida does not publish its own number.	Official page
Test languages	All Florida knowledge and skills tests, including CLP and CDL tests, are given only in English since February 6, 2026. Interpreters and translation are not allowed.	Official page

20 question Tanker practice test

1. What causes liquid surge?
1. A. Worn brake pads
2. B. A completely full tank
3. C. Cold weather
4. D. Movement of liquid in partially filled tanks
Show answer
Answer: D. Movement of liquid in partially filled tanks
The manual says liquid surge results from movement of the liquid in partially filled tanks.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.2 Danger of Surge.
2. A large liquid tank is bolted onto your truck for one job only. Can the endorsement rule still apply?
1. A. No, only permanent tanks count
2. B. Yes, temporary tanks count too
3. C. No, only tanks built by the maker count
4. D. Yes, but only on weekends
Show answer
Answer: B. Yes, temporary tanks count too
The rule covers tanks attached permanently or temporarily to the vehicle or chassis.
From the official CDL manual, section 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction).
3. How full should you load a cargo tank?
1. A. Totally full
2. B. Full only on warm days
3. C. Never totally full
4. D. Full only for light liquids
Show answer
Answer: C. Never totally full
The manual says never load a cargo tank totally full.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.6 Outage.
4. A curve sign shows 45 mph. You drive a tanker. What do tests show?
1. A. A tanker is safe at 10 mph over
2. B. A tanker is safe at the posted speed
3. C. A tanker can turn over at the posted curve speed
4. D. Only empty tankers roll
Show answer
Answer: C. A tanker can turn over at the posted curve speed
Tests have shown that tankers can turn over at the speed limits posted for curves.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity.
5. Which action can make your vehicle skid?
1. A. Driving smoothly
2. B. Over braking
3. C. Steady braking
4. D. Slowing before a curve
Show answer
Answer: B. Over braking
Over steering, over accelerating, or over braking may cause a skid.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.5 Skids.
6. What kind of brake pressure helps control surge?
1. A. A steady pressure
2. B. Pumping on and off
3. C. Very light taps
4. D. Hard then soft
Show answer
Answer: A. A steady pressure
The manual says to keep a steady pressure on the brakes.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.2 Controlling Surge.
7. Which name is sometimes used for an un-baffled tank?
1. A. Bulkhead tank
2. B. Smooth bore tank
3. C. Split tank
4. D. Dry bulk tank
Show answer
Answer: B. Smooth bore tank
Un-baffled tankers are sometimes called "smooth bore" tanks.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks.
8. What problem can a full tank of dense liquid cause?
1. A. It may exceed legal weight limits
2. B. It may freeze
3. C. It may have too much outage
4. D. It may have too much surge
Show answer
Answer: A. It may exceed legal weight limits
A full tank of dense liquid may exceed legal weight limits.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.7 How Much to Load.
9. Why must you keep tank vents clear?
1. A. So the tank looks clean
2. B. So they work correctly
3. C. So the load weighs less
4. D. So the tires stay cool
Show answer
Answer: B. So they work correctly
The manual says to keep the vents clear so they work correctly.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
10. When you check pipes, connections, and hoses for leaks, where should you look especially?
1. A. Around joints
2. B. At the middle of the hose only
3. C. At the tank label
4. D. On the cab roof
Show answer
Answer: A. Around joints
The manual says to check especially around joints.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
11. You are coming to a stop in a loaded tank vehicle. What should you NOT do?
1. A. Brake early
2. B. Leave more space ahead
3. C. Keep steady pressure
4. D. Release the brakes too soon
Show answer
Answer: D. Release the brakes too soon
The manual says not to release the brakes too soon when coming to a stop.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.2 Controlling Surge.
12. What individual tank rated capacity (more than how many gallons) is part of the tank endorsement rule?
1. A. 119 gallons
2. B. 50 gallons
3. C. 500 gallons
4. D. 1000 gallons
Show answer
Answer: A. 119 gallons
The manual says an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons.
From the official CDL manual, section 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction).
13. How do you often load heavy liquids?
1. A. Totally full
2. B. With no outage
3. C. Only on the left side
4. D. Only partly full
Show answer
Answer: D. Only partly full
You may often only partially fill tanks with heavy liquids.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.7 How Much to Load.
14. What do baffles help control in a liquid tank?
1. A. Side-to-side tire wear
2. B. Forward and backward surge
3. C. Liquid temperature
4. D. The weight of the liquid
Show answer
Answer: B. Forward and backward surge
Baffles help control the forward and backward liquid surge.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks.
15. What total (aggregate) rated tank capacity is part of the tank endorsement rule?
1. A. 500 gallons or more
2. B. 750 gallons or more
3. C. 1000 gallons or more
4. D. 2000 gallons or more
Show answer
Answer: C. 1000 gallons or more
The manual says an aggregate rated capacity of 1000 gallons or more.
From the official CDL manual, section 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction).
16. You load several smaller tanks divided by bulkheads. What must you watch?
1. A. Weight distribution
2. B. Tank color
3. C. Tire brand
4. D. Cab size
Show answer
Answer: A. Weight distribution
The manual says the driver must pay attention to weight distribution.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.3 Bulkheads.
17. Which of these helps decide how much liquid you load into a tank?
1. A. The age of the tank
2. B. The color of the liquid
3. C. How much the liquid will expand in transit
Show answer
Answer: C. How much the liquid will expand in transit
The manual lists expansion in transit, liquid weight, and legal weight limits.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.7 How Much to Load.
18. Your tank has baffles. Which kind of surge can still happen?
1. A. Side-to-side surge
2. B. No surge at all
3. C. Only upward surge
4. D. Only forward surge
Show answer
Answer: A. Side-to-side surge
Side-to-side surge can still occur in a baffled tank, and it can cause a roll over.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks.
19. You stop a partly filled tanker on ice at an intersection. What danger does the manual warn of?
1. A. The tank will freeze solid
2. B. The wave can shove the truck into the intersection
3. C. The load will turn to gas
4. D. The brakes will lock forever
Show answer
Answer: B. The wave can shove the truck into the intersection
On a slippery surface, the wave can shove a stopped truck out into an intersection.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.2 Danger of Surge.
20. Tank vehicles come in many types. Where do you learn how to inspect yours?
1. A. On a road sign
2. B. From a friend at the dock
3. C. From the load's shipping paper
4. D. In the vehicle's operator manual
Show answer
Answer: D. In the vehicle's operator manual
The manual says to check the vehicle's operator manual to know how to inspect your tank vehicle.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1 Inspecting Tank Vehicles.

Florida CDL Tanker questions

What score do you need to pass the Florida CDL Tanker test?

You need at least 80% to pass. That is the federal minimum in 49 CFR 383.135. Florida does not publish its own number.

Is the Florida CDL Tanker test the same as other states?

The Tanker test is built on the same federal knowledge standards in every state, so the topics match the CDL manual. Florida uses its own handbook: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/handbooks/englishcdlhandbook.pdf

What languages is the Florida CDL knowledge test offered in?

All Florida knowledge and skills tests, including CLP and CDL tests, are given only in English since February 6, 2026. Interpreters and translation are not allowed.

Sources

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.135
https://www.flhsmv.gov/2026/01/30/flhsmv-announces-driver-license-exams-to-be-administered-in-english-only/
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/handbooks/englishcdlhandbook.pdf
Manual sections used in this test: 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction); 8.1 Inspecting Tank Vehicles; 8.1.1 Leaks; 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity; 8.2.2 Danger of Surge; 8.2.3 Bulkheads; 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks; 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks; 8.2.6 Outage; 8.2.7 How Much to Load; 8.3.2 Controlling Surge; 8.3.5 Skids

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