Tennessee CDL Tanker Practice Test

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

Last updated Oct 16, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Tennessee CDL manual on October 16, 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.

Tennessee CDL permit facts

What	What Tennessee says	Source
Tanker pass mark	At least 80%. This is the federal minimum (49 CFR 383.135); Tennessee does not publish its own number.	Official page
Class A CLP fee	$14.00 total ($8.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee)	Official page
Class B or C CLP fee	$13.00 total ($7.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee)	Official page
CLP validity	365 days. If you do not convert the CLP to a CDL before it expires, all knowledge and skills tests become null and void.	Official page
Knowledge test retest rule	If you fail a knowledge test, you may retake it the next day. Applicants caught cheating are told by the DSC manager when they may retest.	Official page
Test languages	The manual says you may take a paper test or have the computer read the test to you in English, and to ask the DSC about other testing options. The official sources do not list other test languages or state an English-only rule.	Official page

20 question Tanker practice test

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. What is inside a baffled liquid tank?
1. A. Nothing, the tank is smooth
2. B. Solid walls with no holes
3. C. Bulkheads with holes in them
4. D. A second smaller tank
Show answer
Answer: C. Bulkheads with holes in them
Baffled tanks have bulkheads with holes that let the liquid flow through.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks.
4. 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.
5. A curve sign shows 45 mph. You drive a tanker. What do tests show?
1. A. A tanker is safe at 10 mph over
2. B. A tanker is safe at the posted speed
3. C. A tanker can turn over at the posted curve speed
4. D. Only empty tankers roll
Show answer
Answer: C. A tanker can turn over at the posted curve speed
Tests have shown that tankers can turn over at the speed limits posted for curves.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity.
6. 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.
7. How do you often load heavy liquids?
1. A. Totally full
2. B. With no outage
3. C. Only on the left side
4. D. Only partly full
Show answer
Answer: D. Only partly full
You may often only partially fill tanks with heavy liquids.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.7 How Much to Load.
8. The liquid wave hits the end of the tank. What does it tend to do to the truck?
1. A. Hold it in place
2. B. Pull it the other way
3. C. Push it the way the wave is moving
4. D. Lift the front wheels
Show answer
Answer: C. Push it the way the wave is moving
The manual says the wave tends to push the truck in the direction the wave is moving.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.2 Danger of Surge.
9. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
14. How do you handle required equipment on your tanker?
1. A. Find out what is required, have it, and make sure it works
2. B. Carry it only if you have room
3. C. Carry it only on long trips
4. D. Wait for an officer to ask
Show answer
Answer: A. Find out what is required, have it, and make sure it works
The manual says to find out what you must carry and make sure you have it and that it works.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.3 Special Equipment.
15. Your tank vehicle has special purpose equipment. What must you do?
1. A. Turn it off and seal it
2. B. Leave it unchecked
3. C. Remove it before the trip
4. D. Make sure it works
Show answer
Answer: D. Make sure it works
The manual says that if your vehicle has such equipment, make sure it works.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.1.2 Check Special Purpose Equipment.
16. 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.
17. In a tank vehicle, how should you make turns and lane changes?
1. A. Quickly, to save time
2. B. Smoothly
3. C. Only at high speed
4. D. Without slowing
Show answer
Answer: B. Smoothly
The manual says to make smooth turns and lane changes.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.1 Drive Smoothly.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. Which action can make your vehicle skid?
1. A. Driving smoothly
2. B. Over braking
3. C. Steady braking
4. D. Slowing before a curve
Show answer
Answer: B. Over braking
Over steering, over accelerating, or over braking may cause a skid.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.5 Skids.

Tennessee CDL Tanker questions

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

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

Is the Tennessee 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. Tennessee uses its own handbook: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDL_Manual_May2022.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Tennessee?

Class A CLP fee: $14.00 total ($8.00 per year for 1 year plus $6.00 application fee).

What languages is the Tennessee CDL knowledge test offered in?

The manual says you may take a paper test or have the computer read the test to you in English, and to ask the DSC about other testing options. The official sources do not list other test languages or state an English-only rule.

Sources

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.135
https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/fees.html
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDL_Manual_May2022.pdf
Manual sections used in this test: 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction); 8.1.2 Check Special Purpose Equipment; 8.1.3 Special Equipment; 8.2.1 High Center of Gravity; 8.2.2 Danger of Surge; 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks; 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks; 8.2.7 How Much to Load; 8.3.1 Drive Smoothly; 8.3.2 Controlling Surge; 8.3.3 Curves; 8.3.5 Skids

Tanker practice test in nearby states