Tank
This endorsement is required to haul any liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks having a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis. To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a test. The test consists of 20 multiple choice questions. Each question has three or four possible answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 16 questions correctly. Test questions come from the North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Driving Safely, Tank Vehicles, Hazardous Materials and Combination Vehicles. The Tank endorsement can be used with the Class A, B or C CDL.
8. To test the trailer service brakes, you should:
To test the trailer service brakes, you should first ensure that the braking system has a normal air pressure level, then release the parking brake. You should then move the vehicle forward slowly and apply the brakes with the hand control. If the trailer service brakes are working properly, you will feel the brakes activate.
9. If you realize you may be running late to your destination, you should:
To avoid engaging in dangerous and aggressive driving behavior, you should relax and accept any delays that arise throughout a trip. To help avoid the stress of arriving late to a destination, plan for likely delays when planning your drive.
10. Belts in the engine compartment should:
When inspecting your vehicle's engine, check the belts for tightness and excessive wear. The amount of "give" that is safe for each belt in a given engine will vary, so learn what is appropriate for your vehicle.
11. Before beginning a trip, you should:
Before a trip, you should ensure that air reaches all air brakes on all trailers by opening up the rear emergency line and service line shut-off valves and listening for escaping air. Close both shut-off valves before beginning to drive.
12. If cargo is leaking, you should:
If you discover a leak in a cargo of hazardous materials, identify the materials in question by using the shipping papers, labels, or package location. Do not touch the leaking material.
13. How much space should be between the upper and lower fifth wheel?
Before a trip, be sure to inspect all couplings. There should be no space between the upper and lower fifth wheel.
14. Most drivers are the least alert:
Fatigue and lack of alertness are major hazards when driving at night. Most people are the least alert at night, especially after midnight.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 North Carolina DMV exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Obtain a North Carolina commercial driver's license (CDL) by passing the required knowledge and skills tests. You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL, but you must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Make sure your driving record is clean and that you have no disqualifying offenses that would prevent you from obtaining a CDL or endorsement.
3. Study the North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual and the Tank Vehicles section of the manual thoroughly to prepare for the written test.
4. Take and pass the Tank Vehicles written test at a North Carolina DMV office. The test will cover topics such as vehicle inspection, loading and unloading, and safe driving practices.
5. Schedule and pass a Tank Vehicles skills test at a third-party testing facility approved by the North Carolina DMV. The skills test will consist of a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Pay the required fee for the Tank endorsement, which is currently $10 for each endorsement period.
7. Receive your new CDL with Tank endorsement from the North Carolina DMV by mail within 20 days after passing the skills test.
Note that you must already have a CDL before applying for a Tank endorsement, and that additional endorsements such as Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or Double/Triple Trailers (T) may also be required depending on your specific job duties.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL, but you must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. CDL Permit: You must have a valid North Carolina commercial driver's license (CDL) permit before you can take the Tank endorsement tests.
3. Clean Driving Record: You must have a clean driving record with no disqualifying offenses that would prevent you from obtaining a CDL or endorsement.
4. Tank Vehicles Section Knowledge Test: You must pass the Tank Vehicles section of the CDL knowledge test, which covers topics such as vehicle inspection, loading and unloading, and safe driving practices.
5. Tank Vehicle Skills Test: You must pass a Tank Vehicle skills test at a third-party testing facility approved by the North Carolina DMV. The skills test will consist of a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Medical Requirements: You must meet the medical requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes passing a physical examination conducted by a medical examiner who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
7. Fee: You must pay the required fee for the Tank endorsement, which is currently $10 for each endorsement period.
Note that additional endorsements such as Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or Double/Triple Trailers (T) may also be required depending on your specific job duties.
To obtain the Tank endorsement, you must complete a training program that covers the following areas:
1. Vehicle Inspection: You must know how to perform a pre-trip inspection of a tank vehicle to ensure it is safe for operation.
2. Loading and Unloading: You must know how to safely load and unload liquid or gaseous materials into and out of the tank vehicle.
3. Driving Techniques: You must know how to operate a tank vehicle safely on the road, including maintaining control of the vehicle, braking, and making turns.
4. Emergency Procedures: You must know how to respond to emergency situations such as leaks, spills, fires, or other incidents that may occur while transporting hazardous materials.
You can obtain this training through a certified CDL school or through a company-sponsored training program. Once you have completed the required training, you can apply for the Tank endorsement and take the required knowledge and skills tests at a North Carolina DMV office.
In addition to the general knowledge test that is required for all CDL applicants, you must also pass the Tank Vehicles section of the CDL knowledge test. This test covers topics such as:
1. Proper methods for loading and unloading cargo
2. Safe driving practices when operating a tank vehicle
3. Inspecting cargo tanks and identifying potential hazards
4. Identifying emergency procedures for responding to spills or leaks
You must also pass a skills test that is specific to operating a tank vehicle. This skills test will evaluate your ability to safely operate a tank vehicle in a variety of situations, such as driving on steep inclines or declines, making turns, and stopping and starting the vehicle.
The skills test will include a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the tank vehicle and respond appropriately to any emergency situations that may arise.
It's important to note that in addition to the Tank endorsement, you may also need other endorsements depending on the type of cargo you will be transporting. For example, if you will be transporting hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement as well.
1. Loading and unloading procedures: This includes proper techniques for loading and unloading cargo into and out of a tank vehicle, as well as how to secure cargo to prevent shifting during transit.
2. Tank vehicle inspection: The test covers how to inspect a tank vehicle for safety, including checking for leaks, ensuring valves and fittings are secured, inspecting hoses, and verifying that emergency equipment is in place.
3. Tank vehicle operation: The test covers topics related to operating a tank vehicle, such as handling the increased weight and sway of the cargo, braking techniques, and maintaining control while driving on hills or curves.
4. Hazardous materials regulations: If you will be transporting hazardous materials in your tank vehicle, you will need to understand federal regulations related to hazardous materials, including proper labeling, placarding, and emergency response procedures.
5. Emergency procedures: The test also covers emergency procedures such as responding to spills or leaks, proper fire extinguisher use, and knowing when to call for emergency assistance.
It's important to note that the Tank endorsement written test is in addition to the general knowledge test that is required for all CDL applicants. You will need to pass both tests in order to obtain your CDL with a Tank endorsement in North Carolina.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will need to perform a pre-trip inspection of the tank vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. This includes checking the tank, hoses, valves, and fittings for leaks or damage.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will need to demonstrate your ability to control the tank vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking. You may also be asked to perform an offset back and/or an alley dock maneuver.
3. On-Road Driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the tank vehicle on public roads and highways. This includes starting and stopping smoothly, accelerating and decelerating appropriately, and maintaining control of the vehicle at all times.
During the skills test, you will be evaluated on your ability to perform these maneuvers safely and effectively. You will also be evaluated on how well you follow all traffic laws and regulations.
It's important to note that the Tank endorsement skills test is in addition to the basic CDL skills test that is required for all CDL applicants. You will need to pass both tests in order to obtain your CDL with a Tank endorsement in North Carolina.
1. Tank vehicle type: If you obtain a CDL with a Tank endorsement, you are only permitted to drive tank vehicles that fall within the category of the endorsement. For example, if you have a Tank endorsement for liquids, you cannot drive a tank vehicle that transports gases.
2. Cargo type: You are only permitted to transport the types of cargo that your Tank endorsement covers. For example, if you have a Tank endorsement for flammable liquids, you cannot transport non-flammable liquids.
3. Endorsement expiration: Your Tank endorsement will expire at the same time as your CDL. You will need to renew your CDL and Tank endorsement on a regular basis.
4. Special training requirements: To transport certain types of hazardous materials, you may need to undergo additional training and certification beyond what is required for your Tank endorsement.
It is important to understand these restrictions and limitations if you hold a CDL with a Tank endorsement in North Carolina. Violating these rules can result in fines, loss of your CDL, or even criminal charges in some cases.
If you are caught transporting liquid or gas materials without a CDL Tank endorsement, you could face fines, penalties, and even the suspension or revocation of your regular CDL. Additionally, if you are transporting hazardous materials without the proper endorsements and safety training, you could be putting yourself and others on the road in danger.
It's always best to make sure you have the proper endorsements and training before operating any commercial motor vehicle that requires special skills or knowledge.
To add the Tank endorsement to your CDL, you must first pass the Tank endorsement knowledge test at a North Carolina DMV office. The test covers topics such as safe driving practices, inspection of tank vehicles, and special precautions for transporting hazardous materials. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as a hazardous materials endorsement or proof of training, depending on the type of cargo you will be transporting.
Once you have passed the knowledge test, you may need to take a skills test to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a tank vehicle. The skills test may involve driving on public roads or in a controlled environment.
After passing the knowledge and skills tests, the Tank endorsement will be added to your existing CDL license, along with any other applicable endorsements you may have.
It's important to note that adding endorsements to your CDL may require additional fees and paperwork. Be sure to check with your local DMV office for specific requirements and instructions.
1. Proper training: Before transporting hazardous materials, drivers must complete a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) training program and pass a written test. The training program covers topics such as identifying hazardous materials, loading and unloading procedures, and emergency response.
2. Proper labeling: Hazardous materials must be properly labeled with the appropriate placards and markings indicating the type of material being transported.
3. Proper packaging: Hazardous materials must be packaged in containers that are designed to withstand the pressure and temperature changes that may occur during transportation.
4. Route planning: Drivers must plan their routes carefully to avoid areas where hazardous materials are prohibited or restricted.
5. Emergency response: Drivers must be prepared to respond to emergencies involving hazardous materials, including spills or leaks. They must have the necessary equipment and training to contain and clean up spills.
6. Reporting requirements: Drivers must report any incidents involving hazardous materials to the appropriate authorities.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even the suspension or revocation of your CDL license. It is important to follow all rules and guidelines for handling hazardous materials with a CDL Tank endorsement to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.