New York CDL Tanker Practice Test

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

Last updated Oct 15, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the New York CDL manual on October 15, 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.

New York CDL permit facts

What	What New York says	Source
Tanker pass mark	80%	Official page
CLP validity	One year (365 days) for original permits issued on or after December 27, 2022	Official page
Knowledge test retest rule	No limit on how many times you can retake a failed knowledge test, but it is at the discretion of the District Director, Office Manager, County Clerk or Office Supervisor	Official page
Test languages	CDL tests are given in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. The hazmat test is English only. You must read and speak English well enough to talk with people, read road signs, answer officials, fill in reports and take skills tests.	Official page

20 question Tanker practice test

1. What should you look for on the tank's body or shell?
1. A. Fresh paint
2. B. Bird nests
3. C. Dents or leaks
4. D. Mud on the sides
Show answer
Answer: C. Dents or leaks
The manual says to check the tank's body or shell for dents or leaks.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
2. What does a high center of gravity do to a vehicle?
1. A. Makes it use less fuel
2. B. Makes it brake faster
3. C. Makes it harder to tip
4. D. Makes it top-heavy and easy to roll over
Show answer
Answer: D. Makes it top-heavy and easy to roll over
The manual says it makes the vehicle top-heavy and easy to roll over.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity.
3. When does a Class C vehicle need the tank endorsement?
1. A. When it hauls any water
2. B. When it hauls dry hazmat
3. C. Never, Class C is exempt
4. D. When it hauls liquid or gas hazmat in tanks of the described size
Show answer
Answer: D. When it hauls liquid or gas hazmat in tanks of the described size
Class C vehicles need it when carrying hazmat in liquid or gas form in the rated tanks described.
From the official CDL manual, section 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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).
7. 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).
8. Which tank vehicle may take longer to stop?
1. A. A full one
2. B. A half full one
3. C. An empty one
4. D. They all stop in the same distance
Show answer
Answer: C. An empty one
Empty tank vehicles may take longer to stop than full ones.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.4 Stopping Distance.
9. 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).
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Why do sanitation rules forbid baffles in food tanks?
1. A. Baffles make the tank too heavy
2. B. Baffles make the inside of the tank hard to clean
3. C. Baffles cost too much
4. D. Baffles make milk expand
Show answer
Answer: B. Baffles make the inside of the tank hard to clean
Sanitation rules forbid baffles because the inside of the tank is difficult to clean.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks.
13. 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.
14. You are coming to a stop in a half full tanker. What does the liquid do?
1. A. Surges back and forth
2. B. Stays still
3. C. Drains out
4. D. Freezes
Show answer
Answer: A. Surges back and forth
The manual says when coming to a stop, the liquid will surge back and forth.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.2 Danger of Surge.
15. 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.
16. How do wet roads change your normal stopping distance?
1. A. They add a few feet
2. B. They cut it in half
3. C. They do not change it
4. D. They double it
Show answer
Answer: D. They double it
Wet roads double the normal stopping distance.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.4 Stopping Distance.
17. 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.
18. You find a small leak in your tank. The trip is short. What should you do?
1. A. Drive carefully to the stop
2. B. Do not carry the load in the leaking tank
3. C. Drive with the load at low speed
4. D. Add more liquid to cover the leak
Show answer
Answer: B. Do not carry the load in the leaking tank
The manual says not to carry liquids or gases in a leaking tank.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
19. Where should you look for signs of leaking?
1. A. Only inside the cab
2. B. Only on top of the tank
3. C. Under and around the vehicle
4. D. Only at the trailer lights
Show answer
Answer: C. Under and around the vehicle
The manual says to check under and around the vehicle for signs of leaking.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
20. 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).

New York CDL Tanker questions

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

New York says you need 80% to pass the Tanker test.

Is the New York 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. New York uses its own handbook: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/commercial-drivers/new-york-state-commercial-drivers-manual

What languages is the New York CDL knowledge test offered in?

CDL tests are given in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. The hazmat test is English only. You must read and speak English well enough to talk with people, read road signs, answer officials, fill in reports and take skills tests.

Sources

https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/cdl10sec01.pdf
https://dmv.ny.gov/news/dmv-extends-validity-of-commercial-learner-permit
https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/commercial-drivers/get-a-commercial-driver-license-cdl
https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/commercial-drivers/new-york-state-commercial-drivers-manual
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; 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks; 8.2.6 Outage; 8.3.2 Controlling Surge; 8.3.4 Stopping Distance

Tanker practice test in nearby states