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CDL · Driving Tank Vehicles

How should you take curves in a tank vehicle?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Slow before entering the curve, well below the posted advisory speed, and maintain steady speed through the curve

  1. A At the posted speed limit, since the limit accounts for tankers
  2. B Slow before entering the curve, well below the posted advisory speed, and maintain steady speed through the curve
  3. C Brake hard in the middle of the curve
  4. D Accelerate through curves to maintain momentum

Why this is the answer

Posted curve advisory speeds are for passenger vehicles, not tank trucks. A tank vehicle should enter a curve substantially below the advisory speed — typically 5-15 mph below depending on the curve sharpness, vehicle load, and product. Slow before entering, then maintain steady speed (or accelerate gently) through the curve. Braking inside a curve transfers weight forward, reduces rear grip, and combined with liquid surge can cause a rollover. Acceleration adds outward force. Entering too fast is the most common cause of tanker rollovers, especially on highway off-ramps where drivers misjudge the curve. The motto: 'slow into the corner, smooth through it.'
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 8.2.4 Curves

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About this topic: Driving Tank Vehicles

Driving a tank vehicle means managing a high centre of gravity and a shifting load: slow for curves well below the posted speed, brake early and smoothly, and never make sudden steering changes. These questions cover the handling rules for liquid loads. This is one of 21 Tanker questions on driving tank vehicles, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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