Correct answer: A – True
Unbaffled tanks, also called smooth-bore tanks, have no internal baffles to slow the liquid’s movement. As a result, forward-and-back surge can be very strong, especially while starting or stopping. Drivers of these vehicles must operate slowly and smoothly to manage the effect of the moving load.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.2.5, “UnBaffled Tanks”
Correct answer: D – All of the above
The California handbook lists liquid weight, legal weight limits, and expansion during transit as loading considerations. It also identifies the temperature of the load as a factor. Dense liquids may exceed legal weight limits before the tank is physically full, while expanding liquids require sufficient outage space.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.2.6, “Outage”, California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.2.7, “How Much to Load?”
Correct answer: C – It may push the vehicle forward and then backward
During hard braking, liquid in a partly filled tank initially surges toward the front. When the wave reaches the tank’s front end, it can push the vehicle forward; as the liquid moves back, it can then push the vehicle backward. This back-and-forth movement can interfere with handling and stopping control.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.2.2, “Danger of Surge”
Correct answer: A – The vehicle has a high center of gravity and a load that can move
Tank vehicles require special handling because much of the load’s weight is carried high above the road and the liquid can move inside the tank. The high center of gravity increases rollover risk, while surge affects braking and steering. Smooth starts, stops, turns, and lane changes are especially important.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.2, “Driving Tank Vehicles”, California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.2.1, “High Center of Gravity”
Correct answer: B – Locking the wheels
Controlled braking requires applying the brakes as hard as possible without locking the wheels. Steering movements should remain very small; if the wheels lock or a larger steering correction becomes necessary, release the brakes and reapply them as soon as possible. Maintaining traction helps preserve directional control during the stop.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 2.17.2, “How to Stop Quickly and Safely”, California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.3.2, “Controlling Surge”
Correct answer: A – A vapor-recovery kit
A vapor-recovery kit is special-purpose equipment associated with tank operations. If installed, it must be checked to make sure it works properly. Other examples include grounding and bonding cables, emergency shutoff systems, and a built-in fire extinguisher; general emergency equipment is addressed separately.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.1.2, “Check Special Purpose Equipment”, California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 8.1.3, “Special Equipment”
