Texas Tanker Endorsement Practice Test (TX) 2

4.9 out of 5 (469 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Howdy y'all! Welcome to our second Texas tanker endorsement practice test, specially designed for those aiming to ace their tanker endorsement and get ready to haul liquid cargo across the Lone Star State. This 20-question CDL practice test is a valuable tool for anyone with a commercial learner's permit, looking to fine-tune their skills and knowledge. You'll dive into topics such as managing liquid surge, maintaining weight stability, and adhering to crucial safety and regulatory requirements. Texas is known for its sprawling highways and significant trucking industry, so being well-prepared is essential. This Texas CDL tanker practice test is crafted to simulate real-world scenarios you might face on the job. Each permit test question is multiple-choice, and you need at least 16 correct answers to pass. This rigorous preparation ensures you're ready for the challenges unique to tanker endorsement, like handling their high center of gravity, which makes them prone to tipping. Our Texas permit practice test stands out because it's designed with flexibility in mind. There's no time limit, so you can take as much time as you need to work through each question. Whether you're reviewing questions after a day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or squeezing in a quick study session between events at the Texas State Fair, you can take this Texas practice permit test at your own pace. Multiple attempts are allowed, so you can retake the tanker endorsement test as many times as needed until you're confident in your knowledge and ready to move on to the next set of CDL practice tests. This Texas DMV practice test is not just a random collection of permit test questions for 2026. It's been meticulously written and reviewed by professional driving instructors with decades of experience. These experts have helped thousands of drivers obtain their Texas drivers licenses, ensuring that the CDL test questions are relevant and challenging. By the time you're done, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to effectively respond to emergencies, handle spills and leaks, and maintain the stability of your vehicle. So gear up and get started with this Texas tanker endorsement test, knowing that you're preparing with some of the best resources available. Texas needs skilled drivers, and with this test, you're one step closer to joining the ranks of the best in 2026!
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Sample Texas Tanker Test Questions

Question 1

Which statement correctly describes baffles and bulkheads in liquid tanks?

  1. A They are two names for the same tank component
  2. B Baffles form sealed compartments, while bulkheads allow liquid to flow through
  3. C Baffles are bulkheads with openings that allow liquid to pass through
  4. D Baffles prevent side-to-side surge, while bulkheads do not

Correct answer: C – Baffles are bulkheads with openings that allow liquid to pass through

Solid bulkheads divide a liquid tank into separate smaller compartments. Baffles are bulkheads with openings that allow liquid to flow through while helping control forward-and-back surge. They do not prevent side-to-side surge, which can still contribute to a rollover.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 8.2.3, “Bulkheads”; § 8.2.4, “Baffled Tanks”

Question 2

Does an N tank endorsement alone authorize transport of placarded hazardous material in a tank vehicle?

  1. A Yes
  2. B No

Correct answer: B – No

An N endorsement covers tank-vehicle operation; it does not replace the hazardous-materials endorsement required for placarded hazardous cargo. A CDL holder qualified for both is shown with an X endorsement. In Texas, the driver must have that combined qualification before transporting placarded hazardous material in a qualifying tank vehicle.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 1, “CDL Endorsements & Restrictions—Tank Vehicle; Hazardous Materials; Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle”, 49 CFR § 383.93(b)–(c) – Endorsements, 49 CFR § 383.153(a)(9) – Information on the CLP and CDL Documents and Applications

Question 3

Why must a smooth-bore tanker be driven more cautiously than a baffled tanker?

  1. A Its liquid produces less surge during stops
  2. B Its strong forward-and-back liquid surge makes handling more difficult
  3. C Its internal baffles increase the tank's center of gravity
  4. D Its cargo cannot move from side to side

Correct answer: B – Its strong forward-and-back liquid surge makes handling more difficult

A smooth-bore, or un-baffled, tank has no internal structures to slow the liquid's flow. This permits very strong forward-and-back surge, especially while starting or stopping. Drivers must operate these tankers slowly and cautiously to maintain control as the cargo moves.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 8.2.5, “Un-baffled Tanks”

Question 4

A cargo tank is leaking. What is the correct action?

  1. A Continue if the leak is minor
  2. B Continue only when the cargo is non-hazardous
  3. C Do not carry the liquid or gas; doing so is a crime
  4. D Finish the trip if the destination is nearby

Correct answer: C – Do not carry the liquid or gas; doing so is a crime

The Texas handbook directs drivers not to carry liquids or gases in a leaking tank and states that doing so is a crime. A driver may be cited and prevented from continuing the trip and may also be responsible for spill cleanup. Check under and around the vehicle for leakage before operating it.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 8.1.1, “Leaks”

Question 5

Compared with a full tank vehicle, an empty tank vehicle may:

  1. A stop in a shorter distance
  2. B take longer to stop
  3. C have exactly the same stopping distance
  4. D remain easier to control during every stop

Correct answer: B – take longer to stop

An empty tank vehicle is not necessarily easier to stop. The handbook warns that it may take longer to stop than a full one, requiring the driver to allow adequate stopping space for actual conditions. Tank drivers should brake well in advance and increase following distance to help maintain control.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 8.3.2, “Controlling Surge”; § 8.3.4, “Stopping Distance”

Question 6

Before moving a tank vehicle, what must be true of the manhole covers?

  1. A They may remain open during dry weather
  2. B They may remain open while the vehicle is on private property
  3. C They may remain open if secured with straps
  4. D They must be properly closed; never drive with them open

Correct answer: D – They must be properly closed; never drive with them open

Manhole covers must have gaskets and close correctly before the tank vehicle is moved. The handbook instructs drivers never to operate a tank vehicle with open manhole covers or valves. Dry weather, private-property operation, or temporary straps do not make an open cover acceptable.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 8.1.1, “Leaks”; § 8.1.2, “Check Special Purpose Equipment”

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