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CDL · Driving Tank Vehicles

On a wet or icy road, why must a tank vehicle driver be even more cautious than usual?

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

Because reduced traction combines with liquid surge and a high center of gravity, greatly increasing the risk of skidding, jackknifing, or rolling over, so speed and braking must be reduced well below normal

  1. A Only the parking brake matters on wet roads
  2. B Tank tires grip better on ice than other tires
  3. C Wet roads have no effect on tank handling
  4. D Because reduced traction combines with liquid surge and a high center of gravity, greatly increasing the risk of skidding, jackknifing, or rolling over, so speed and braking must be reduced well below normal

Why this is the answer

Slippery surfaces are especially hazardous for tank vehicles because low traction multiplies the existing risks of surge and a high center of gravity. A surge that pushes the rig forward during braking is far more likely to cause a skid when the tires cannot grip, and a skid in a high-center-of-gravity vehicle can become a rollover or jackknife. The driver should slow well below the normal safe speed, increase following distance further, brake gently and early, and avoid any sudden steering or braking. Anticipating stops and turns long in advance is the key to keeping a heavy liquid load under control on wet or icy roads.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 8.2.9 Slick Surfaces with Surge

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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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