CDL Tanker Endorsement Practice Exam

What could happen if you steer quickly while braking with a tanker?

1. The tanker could jackknife

2. The tanker may roll over

3. The tanker will come to a sudden stop

4. The tanker may skid

The correct answer is: The tanker may roll over

Steering quickly while braking with a tanker can lead to a situation where the vehicle may roll over. This is primarily due to the high center of gravity that tankers possess, which makes them more susceptible to tipping over when abrupt steering changes are made. When a driver brakes hard and then turns the steering wheel quickly, it creates a shift in weight within the tanker and a sudden lateral force that can exceed the vehicle's stability limits. The design of tanker vehicles often includes large amounts of liquid cargo that can surge and shift, further contributing to instability. If the liquid shifts as a result of quick steering, the risk of a rollover increases significantly. Therefore, maintaining a slow and steady approach while both steering and braking is crucial for safety to prevent the tanker from losing its balance and rolling over. Understanding the dynamics of a tanker truck, especially how liquid cargo can affect handling, is essential for safe driving practices. This emphasizes the need to be cautious when making turns or sudden steering maneuvers while braking, especially in a loaded condition.