Michigan CDL Tanker Practice Test

The Michigan CDL Tanker test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State offices) says you need 80% to pass (source).

Last updated Oct 18, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Michigan CDL manual on October 18, 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.

Michigan CDL permit facts

What	What Michigan says	Source
Tanker pass mark	80%	Official page
Tanker test questions	20	Official page
CLP holding period	Drive with a CLP for at least 14 days before the skills test	Official page
Knowledge test retest wait	If you fail a knowledge test, you must wait one day to retake it. There is a one day wait before any later retest too	Official page
Test languages	Michigan's CDL pages do not state the languages for CDL knowledge tests. See notes.	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. Which load is usually carried in an un-baffled tank?
1. A. Gasoline
2. B. Acid
3. C. Milk
4. D. Chemicals
Show answer
Answer: C. Milk
Un-baffled tanks usually carry food products such as milk.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks.
3. What must you know when you haul liquids in bulk?
1. A. The age of the tank
2. B. The color of the liquid
3. C. The outage requirement
4. D. The name of the shipper
Show answer
Answer: C. The outage requirement
The manual says you must know the outage requirement when hauling liquids in bulk.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.6 Outage.
4. What does a tank endorsement let a driver haul?
1. A. Only hazardous materials
2. B. Certain liquids or gases in tanks
3. C. Only dry bulk goods
4. D. Only passengers
Show answer
Answer: B. Certain liquids or gases in tanks
The manual says a tank endorsement is required for certain vehicles that transport liquids or gases.
From the official CDL manual, section 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction).
5. When should you start braking for a stop in a tank vehicle?
1. A. Only after the stop sign
2. B. At the last second
3. C. Far in advance
4. D. Right after the light changes
Show answer
Answer: C. Far in advance
The manual says to brake far in advance of a stop.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.2 Controlling Surge.
6. When should you slow down for a curve in a tank vehicle?
1. A. After the curve
2. B. In the middle of the curve
3. C. Before the curve
4. D. Only on sharp curves
Show answer
Answer: C. Before the curve
The manual says to slow down before curves.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.3 Curves.
7. 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.
8. What may happen if you steer quickly while braking?
1. A. The tank may empty
2. B. Nothing, it is safe
3. C. The brakes may lock forever
4. D. The vehicle may roll over
Show answer
Answer: D. The vehicle may roll over
The manual says that steering quickly while braking may cause the vehicle to roll over.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.2 Controlling Surge.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Which vehicles are especially easy to roll over?
1. A. Liquid tankers
2. B. Empty flatbeds
3. C. Short vans
4. D. Light cars
Show answer
Answer: A. Liquid tankers
The manual says liquid tankers are especially easy to roll over.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity.
12. Do all liquids need the same amount of outage?
1. A. Yes, always the same
2. B. Yes, if the tank is the same size
3. C. No, only milk needs outage
4. D. No, they need different amounts
Show answer
Answer: D. No, they need different amounts
Different liquids expand by different amounts, so they need different amounts of outage.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.6 Outage.
13. What does high center of gravity mean?
1. A. The truck sits very low
2. B. Much of the load's weight is carried high off the road
3. C. The load is light
4. D. The tank is empty
Show answer
Answer: B. Much of the load's weight is carried high off the road
The manual defines it as much of the load's weight carried high up off the road.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity.
14. After you slow down before a curve, what should you do in the curve?
1. A. Brake hard
2. B. Accelerate slightly
3. C. Shift to neutral
4. D. Stop
Show answer
Answer: B. Accelerate slightly
The manual says to accelerate slightly through the curve.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.3 Curves.
15. Why do you inspect a tanker before loading, unloading, or driving?
1. A. To save fuel
2. B. To make sure it is safe to carry the load and safe to drive
3. C. To shorten the trip
4. D. To avoid weigh stations
Show answer
Answer: B. To make sure it is safe to carry the load and safe to drive
The inspection makes sure the vehicle is safe to carry the liquid or gas and safe to drive.
From the official CDL manual, section 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction).
16. 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.
17. Why must you leave room at the top of a liquid tank?
1. A. Liquids get lighter as they move
2. B. Liquids expand as they warm
3. C. Liquids sink as they cool
4. D. Liquids evaporate at once
Show answer
Answer: B. Liquids expand as they warm
Liquids expand as they warm, so you must leave room for the expanding liquid.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.6 Outage.
18. What can side-to-side surge in a baffled tank cause?
1. A. Engine overheating
2. B. A tire blowout
3. C. Brake fade
4. D. A roll over
Show answer
Answer: D. A roll over
The manual says side-to-side surge can cause a roll over.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks.
19. What do bulkheads do in some liquid tanks?
1. A. Hold the hoses
2. B. Heat the liquid
3. C. Close the vents
4. D. Divide the tank into smaller tanks
Show answer
Answer: D. Divide the tank into smaller tanks
The manual says bulkheads divide some liquid tanks into several smaller tanks.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.3 Bulkheads.
20. You are about to move your tanker. What must you check about the valves?
1. A. That they are all removed
2. B. That they are painted
3. C. That they are all fully open
4. D. That they are in the correct position
Show answer
Answer: D. That they are in the correct position
The manual says to make sure the valves are in the correct position before loading, unloading, or moving.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.

Michigan CDL Tanker questions

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

Michigan says you need 80% to pass the Tanker test.

Is the Michigan 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. Michigan uses its own handbook: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/Resources/Forms-and-publications/CDL-Manual/cdlmanual.pdf

What languages is the Michigan CDL knowledge test offered in?

Michigan's CDL pages do not state the languages for CDL knowledge tests. See notes.

Sources

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/cdl-apply
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/Resources/Forms-and-publications/CDL-Manual/cdlmanual.pdf
Manual sections used in this test: 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction); 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; 8.3.2 Controlling Surge; 8.3.3 Curves

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