North Carolina CDL Tanker Practice Test

The North Carolina CDL Tanker test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), part of NCDOT 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 North Carolina 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.

North Carolina CDL permit facts

What	What North Carolina says	Source
Tanker pass mark	80%	Official page
CLP fee	$25.50 (listed as Learner's Permit in the manual fee list)	Official page
CLP validity	180 days. It can be renewed once, also for 180 days.	Official page
Test languages	The CDL pages do not name the languages for CDL tests and give no English-only rule. For regular license tests NCDMV says tests are offered in different languages and oral tests are available on request, and you can ask for an ASL or language interpreter online.	Official page

20 question Tanker practice test

1. A leaking tank spills liquid on the road. Who may be liable for the clean-up?
1. A. You, the driver
2. B. Only the road crew
3. C. No one
4. D. Only other drivers
Show answer
Answer: A. You, the driver
The manual says you may be liable for the clean-up of any spill.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
2. What is the most important thing to check for on any tank vehicle?
1. A. Leaks
2. B. Tire tread depth
3. C. Mirror shape
4. D. Horn sound
Show answer
Answer: A. Leaks
The manual says leaks are the most important item to check on all tank vehicles.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. What must you do when your vehicle starts to skid?
1. A. Wait for it to stop
2. B. Speed up
3. C. Turn off the lights
4. D. Restore traction to the wheels
Show answer
Answer: D. Restore traction to the wheels
You must take action to restore traction to the wheels.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.5 Skids.
6. 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).
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 braking methods does the manual give for a quick stop to avoid a crash?
1. A. Controlled or stab braking
2. B. Parking brake only
3. C. Engine off
4. D. Horn and release
Show answer
Answer: A. Controlled or stab braking
The manual says to use controlled or stab braking for a quick stop.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.2 Controlling Surge.
9. You are ready to leave. One manhole cover is still open. What should you do?
1. A. Drive slowly and close it later
2. B. Close it before you drive
3. C. Leave it open if the tank is full
4. D. Leave it open if the weather is dry
Show answer
Answer: B. Close it before you drive
The manual says never drive a tank vehicle with open valves or manhole covers.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.2 Check Special Purpose Equipment.
10. 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).
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. An officer finds your tank leaking. What will happen to you?
1. A. A warning only, then you drive on
2. B. You must drive to the next town
3. C. The load is just weighed
4. D. You will be cited and stopped from driving further
Show answer
Answer: D. You will be cited and stopped from driving further
The manual says you will be cited and prevented from driving further.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
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. What is inside an un-baffled tank to slow the liquid?
1. A. Nothing
2. B. One baffle
3. C. Two bulkheads
4. D. A rubber lining
Show answer
Answer: A. Nothing
Un-baffled tanks have nothing inside to slow down the flow of the liquid.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks.

North Carolina CDL Tanker questions

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

North Carolina says you need 80% to pass the Tanker test.

Is the North Carolina 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. North Carolina uses its own handbook: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/commercial-driver-manual.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in North Carolina?

CLP fee: $25.50 (listed as Learner's Permit in the manual fee list).

What languages is the North Carolina CDL knowledge test offered in?

The CDL pages do not name the languages for CDL tests and give no English-only rule. For regular license tests NCDMV says tests are offered in different languages and oral tests are available on request, and you can ask for an ASL or language interpreter online.

Sources

https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/commercial-driver-manual.pdf
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/commercial/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/driver-license-tests.aspx
Manual sections used in this test: 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction); 8.1 Inspecting Tank Vehicles; 8.1.1 Leaks; 8.1.2 Check Special Purpose Equipment; 8.2.3 Bulkheads; 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

Tanker practice test in nearby states