Pennsylvania CDL Tanker Practice Test

The Pennsylvania 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 (Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.

Pennsylvania CDL permit facts

What	What Pennsylvania says	Source
Tanker pass mark	At least 80%. This is the federal minimum (49 CFR 383.135); Pennsylvania does not publish its own number.	Official page
Tanker test questions	20	Official page
CLP fee (photo fee, one permit)	$15.50 photo fee, plus $6.00 for each endorsement or restriction removal (no fee for the school bus endorsement). Add $5 for each additional commercial permit on the fee chart.	Official page
CLP validity	The permit is valid for one year from the date the Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) is issued.	Official page
Test languages	PennDOT offers knowledge tests in multiple languages, in written and audio format. The hazmat knowledge test is English only. The test language list is not published on the pages checked.	Official page

20 question Tanker practice test

1. 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).
2. How strong is forward-and-back surge in an un-baffled tank?
1. A. Only strong when empty
2. B. Very weak
3. C. Not possible
4. D. Very strong
Show answer
Answer: D. Very strong
With nothing to slow the liquid, forward-and-back surge is very strong.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks.
3. 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).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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).
8. 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.
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. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.

Pennsylvania CDL Tanker questions

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

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

Is the Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania uses its own handbook: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-manuals/commercial-drivers-manual/pub223.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Pennsylvania?

CLP fee (photo fee, one permit): $15.50 photo fee, plus $6.00 for each endorsement or restriction removal (no fee for the school bus endorsement). Add $5 for each additional commercial permit on the fee chart..

What languages is the Pennsylvania CDL knowledge test offered in?

PennDOT offers knowledge tests in multiple languages, in written and audio format. The hazmat knowledge test is English only. The test language list is not published on the pages checked.

Sources

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.135
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-fact-sheets/fs-cdl.pdf
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-form/dl-31cd.pdf
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-manuals/commercial-drivers-manual/pub223.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; 8.3.5 Skids

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