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CDL · Driving Tank Vehicles

When stopping a tank vehicle, you should:

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

Brake gradually well in advance of the stop to control liquid surge

  1. A Slam the brakes for fastest stops
  2. B Brake gradually well in advance of the stop to control liquid surge
  3. C Accelerate just before stopping
  4. D Use only the parking brake

Why this is the answer

Gradual braking well in advance of the stop is essential in tank vehicles. Late hard braking releases the full forward surge of the liquid, which can: push the vehicle through the intersection even after the brakes are applied; lift the rear axle, reducing braking traction; jackknife the trailer; and, in extreme cases, contribute to a rollover when combined with steering. Look far ahead, identify your stop point early, ease into braking gradually, and complete the stop smoothly. Following distance should be increased substantially over what a non-tank vehicle would need, because the late panic braking that a normal truck might survive is dangerous in a tanker. 'Smooth and early' is the rule.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 8.2.5 Braking Tank Vehicles

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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.

New to this exam? Our CDL exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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