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CDL · Driving Tank Vehicles

What braking technique helps prevent skids and control surge when driving 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

Brake smoothly and gradually, beginning early and leaving extra following distance, because abrupt braking combined with surge can cause skids or push the vehicle forward

  1. A Brake hard at the last moment to stop quickly
  2. B Pump the brakes rapidly on every stop regardless of the system
  3. C Rely only on the trailer brakes to stop
  4. D Brake smoothly and gradually, beginning early and leaving extra following distance, because abrupt braking combined with surge can cause skids or push the vehicle forward

Why this is the answer

Smooth, controlled, early braking is the core skill for tank vehicles. Because liquid surge pushes the truck forward when you brake, and because a high center of gravity reduces stability, sudden hard braking can cause a skid or even contribute to a rollover. The manual recommends increasing your following distance, anticipating stops, and applying the brakes gradually so the liquid does not build a strong forward wave. If the vehicle has antilock brakes, you still brake smoothly; ABS helps you keep steering control during hard braking but is not a substitute for leaving room and slowing early.
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.

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