South Dakota Tanker Endorsement Practice Test (SD) 2

5 out of 5 (48 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
As a proud South Dakotan, preparing for your tanker endorsement is a crucial step toward ensuring safety on our roads, from the bustling streets of Sioux Falls to the quiet highways leading to the Black Hills. Our SD CDL tanker endorsement test is designed to give you a thorough understanding of what it takes to operate a tanker vehicle safely and efficiently. This 20-question South Dakota practice permit test covers a variety of topics essential for handling tanker vehicles. From managing the liquid surge that can affect your driving stability to understanding the critical safety procedures required by state and federal regulations, this test is comprehensive and up-to-date. You'll learn about the unique challenges presented by the high center of gravity in tanker vehicles, which makes them more prone to tipping, and the importance of maintaining weight stability. Each question is multiple choice, mirroring the format of the actual DMV driving test practice, and you'll need to answer at least 16 questions correctly to pass. At the end of the South Dakota CDL practice test, you'll receive a detailed summary of your performance. This includes highlighting the questions you answered incorrectly along with the correct answers, providing a valuable learning tool to help you improve. Our CDL tanker practice test is specifically tailored to focus on the endorsement requirements, ensuring that all questions you encounter are directly relevant to the SD DMV practice test. Remember, to obtain your commercial driver's license, you'll also need to pass the general knowledge test. If you're looking to prepare for that as well, we offer a range of general knowledge prep tests on our site. In South Dakota, we pride ourselves on being up-to-date with the latest regulations, and our CDL tanker test reflects this commitment. Updated for 2026, our South Dakota CDL tanker endorsement test ensures you're studying the most current laws and procedures. As you prepare for your endorsement, take a moment to appreciate our local events, like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or the SD State Fair. These moments remind us of the importance of road safety and the vital role tanker drivers play in our community. Get ready to ace your South Dakota CDL practice test and contribute to the safety of our beloved state.
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Sample South Dakota Tanker Test Questions

Question 1

A smooth-bore tank can experience very strong forward-and-back liquid surge.

  1. A TRUE
  2. B FALSE

Correct answer: A – TRUE

South Dakota's CDL manual explains that un-baffled, or smooth-bore, tanks have nothing inside to slow liquid flow. During starts and stops, the cargo can move strongly from front to back and back again. Baffles help control that forward-and-back movement, so it is especially strong in a tank without them.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 8.2.5, “Un-baffled Tanks”

Question 2

Which source provides inspection information specific to a particular tank vehicle?

  1. A The driver's daily log
  2. B A general inspection checklist
  3. C The vehicle's operator manual
  4. D The manufacturer's advertising materials

Correct answer: C – The vehicle's operator manual

Tank vehicles come in different types and sizes, and they have special items that must be checked. The CDL manual directs the driver to consult the vehicle's operator manual to learn how to inspect that tank vehicle. Tank inspections also include components such as valves, pipes, hoses, manhole covers, and vents.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 8.1, “Inspecting Tank Vehicles”

Question 3

Which type of surge is specifically identified as still occurring in a baffled tank?

  1. A Up-and-down surge only
  2. B Side-to-side surge
  3. C Forward-and-back surge only
  4. D No surge can occur

Correct answer: B – Side-to-side surge

Baffled tanks contain bulkheads with openings that allow liquid to flow through. The baffles help control forward-and-back surge, but side-to-side surge can still occur. This sideways movement can contribute to a rollover even when the tank is equipped with baffles.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 8.2.4, “Baffled Tanks”

Question 4

Filling a liquid cargo tank completely is an acceptable way to control surge.

  1. A TRUE
  2. B FALSE

Correct answer: B – FALSE

A liquid cargo tank must not be loaded completely full because the cargo needs room to expand as it warms. That unfilled space is called outage, and different liquids require different amounts of it. A driver hauling liquids in bulk must know the applicable outage requirement.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 8.2.6, “Outage”

Question 5

When a partially filled tank stops, how does liquid surge?

  1. A It moves straight upward
  2. B It moves back and forth
  3. C It flows downward without reversing
  4. D It remains in a fixed circular motion

Correct answer: B – It moves back and forth

Liquid surge results from the movement of cargo in a partially filled tank. When the vehicle comes to a stop, the liquid can move back and forth. When the resulting wave reaches the end of the tank, it can push the vehicle in the direction the wave is traveling and affect handling.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 8.2.2, “Danger of Surge”

Question 6

If a tank vehicle catches fire while traveling, what should the driver do first?

  1. A Stop in traffic and immediately fight the flames
  2. B Get off the road, stop, and park in an open area
  3. C Drive to the nearest service station
  4. D Continue until mechanical help arrives

Correct answer: B – Get off the road, stop, and park in an open area

The first step is to move the vehicle off the road and stop. South Dakota's CDL manual instructs drivers to park in an open area away from buildings, trees, brush, other vehicles, or anything else that could catch fire, and not to enter a service station. After the vehicle is stopped, notify emergency services and report the location.

Source: Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System — § 2.21.3, “Fire Fighting”

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