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Tanker Practice Question 20

NTanker · Question 20

The right gear before descending a grade with a liquid load is:

• AHighest available
• BA lower gear than you would use empty, to limit speed before surge builds
• CNeutral
• DReverse for the cab

Correct answer: B. A lower gear than you would use empty, to limit speed before surge builds

Why: Liquid load momentum makes downhills more dangerous. Pick a low gear early to manage speed without heavy braking.

How this question fits the Tanker test

Liquid surge can push a vehicle through an intersection or roll it on a curve. The Tanker endorsement specifically addresses how unbaffled and partially full tanks behave differently from rigid loads.

Study technique for this topic

Know the difference between baffled, unbaffled, and compartmented tanks, the safe outage percentage for liquid expansion, and why front-to-back surge is more dangerous than side-to-side surge.

Related Tanker practice questions

• Q8. When loading flammable liquids, you must:
• Q22. A non-baffled tanker should be driven with:
• Q35. When unloading product, the driver must:
• Q48. The 'volume expansion' of a typical liquid hydrocarbon per 10°F warmth is approximately:
• Q61. Carbon monoxide buildup in compartments is a concern when:

Continue your CDL preparation

The Tanker portion of the CDL knowledge exam covers more than this single question. Use this site's full Tanker bank to drill every topic, then test yourself with one of our state-specific practice sets to confirm you are ready for the actual DMV exam in your state. Always check your state's CDL handbook for any local addenda before the test day.

If you are still building your overall CDL foundation, start with the General Knowledge bank — every CDL applicant must pass it — and then work outward to the endorsements you plan to add.