Ohio CDL Tanker Practice Test

The Ohio 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 (Ohio does not publish its own number).

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 Ohio 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.

Ohio CDL permit facts

What	What Ohio says	Source
Tanker pass mark	At least 80%. This is the federal minimum (49 CFR 383.135); Ohio does not publish its own number.	Official page
CLP fee	$31.50 (listed as the CDL temporary permit fee, driver fee included)	Official page
CLP validity	12 months	Official page
Test languages	Drivers must read, speak and write English well enough to talk with the public, understand highway signs and answer official questions. Translation aids are not allowed. The BMV offers the CDL manual in English (HSY 7605) and Spanish (HSY 7606). Tests are taken in person at a driver exam station.	Official page

20 question Tanker practice test

1. What should manhole covers have, and what should they do?
1. A. Locks only, and stay loose
2. B. Paint, and stay open
3. C. Gaskets, and close correctly
4. D. Springs, and open on bumps
Show answer
Answer: C. Gaskets, and close correctly
The manual says covers must have gaskets and close correctly.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.1 Leaks.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. What may happen if the drive or trailer wheels of a tank trailer skid?
1. A. The vehicle may jackknife
2. B. The tank may shrink
3. C. The load gets lighter
4. D. The wheels get more traction
Show answer
Answer: A. The vehicle may jackknife
If the drive wheels or trailer wheels skid, the vehicle may jackknife.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.5 Skids.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. When should you be especially careful in a smooth bore tank?
1. A. When starting and stopping
2. B. Only on straight roads
3. C. Only when parked
4. D. Only in daylight
Show answer
Answer: A. When starting and stopping
The manual says to be extremely cautious, especially when starting and stopping.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks.
17. Which of these is special purpose equipment on a tank vehicle?
1. A. Grounding and bonding cables
2. B. A tire chain bag
3. C. A cargo net
4. D. A sleeper curtain
Show answer
Answer: A. Grounding and bonding cables
Grounding and bonding cables are listed as special purpose equipment to check.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.2 Check Special Purpose Equipment.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.

Ohio CDL Tanker questions

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

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

Is the Ohio 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. Ohio uses its own handbook: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/publicsafety.ohio.gov/HSY7605.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Ohio?

CLP fee: $31.50 (listed as the CDL temporary permit fee, driver fee included).

What languages is the Ohio CDL knowledge test offered in?

Drivers must read, speak and write English well enough to talk with the public, understand highway signs and answer official questions. Translation aids are not allowed. The BMV offers the CDL manual in English (HSY 7605) and Spanish (HSY 7606). Tests are taken in person at a driver exam station.

Sources

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.135
https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/doc-fees.aspx
https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-cdl-classes.aspx
https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/publicsafety.ohio.gov/HSY7605.pdf
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; 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity; 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks; 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks; 8.2.6 Outage; 8.3.3 Curves; 8.3.4 Stopping Distance; 8.3.5 Skids

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