Texas CDL Tanker Practice Test

The Texas CDL Tanker test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver License Division says you need 80% to pass (source).

Last updated Oct 7, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Texas CDL manual on October 7, 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.

Texas CDL permit facts

What	What Texas says	Source
Tanker pass mark	80%	Official page
CLP fee	$25 (expires 180 days from issue)	Official page
CLP validity	180 days, or until your Texas driver license expires, whichever is first	Official page
CLP holding period	Hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test	Official page
Knowledge test retest rule	After a failed test, your application stays active for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed attempts, whichever comes first, you must submit a new application, pay fees again and retest	Official page
Test languages	All CDL and CLP knowledge exams are English only since June 1, 2026. Spanish tests are no longer offered and interpreters are not allowed. Skills tests are English only. Drivers who cannot show enough English are not eligible for a Texas CDL or CLP.	Official page

20 question Tanker practice test

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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).
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. When must you inspect a tanker?
1. A. Only after a spill
2. B. Only once a month
3. C. Before loading, unloading, or driving
4. D. Only when the load is hazmat
Show answer
Answer: C. Before loading, unloading, or driving
The manual says to inspect before loading, unloading, or driving a tanker.
From the official CDL manual, section 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction).
13. 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.
14. What kind of brake pressure helps control surge?
1. A. A steady pressure
2. B. Pumping on and off
3. C. Very light taps
4. D. Hard then soft
Show answer
Answer: A. A steady pressure
The manual says to keep a steady pressure on the brakes.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.3.2 Controlling Surge.
15. What problem can a full tank of dense liquid cause?
1. A. It may exceed legal weight limits
2. B. It may freeze
3. C. It may have too much outage
4. D. It may have too much surge
Show answer
Answer: A. It may exceed legal weight limits
A full tank of dense liquid may exceed legal weight limits.
From the official CDL manual, section 8.2.7 How Much to Load.
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. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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).
20. 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.

Texas CDL Tanker questions

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

Texas says you need 80% to pass the Tanker test.

Is the Texas 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. Texas uses its own handbook: https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Texas?

CLP fee: $25 (expires 180 days from issue).

What languages is the Texas CDL knowledge test offered in?

All CDL and CLP knowledge exams are English only since June 1, 2026. Spanish tests are no longer offered and interpreters are not allowed. Skills tests are English only. Drivers who cannot show enough English are not eligible for a Texas CDL or CLP.

Sources

https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-fees
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-do-i-apply-commercial-driver-license
Manual sections used in this test: 8 Tank Vehicles (introduction); 8.1.1 Leaks; 8.2.3 Bulkheads; 8.2.4 Baffled Tanks; 8.2.5 Un-baffled Tanks; 8.2.6 Outage; 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