Tanker Endorsement Study Guide 2026: Is it Hard to Pass?

If you want to haul liquids or gases (like fuel or milk), you need the 'N' endorsement (Tanker). When combined with HazMat, this becomes the 'X' endorsement—one of the highest-paying qualifications in trucking.

But is the tanker endorsement hard to get? Compared to HazMat, the answer is No. The test is shorter (usually 20 questions) and focuses on physics rather than regulations. However, you must understand liquid dynamics to pass.

1. What is Liquid Surge?

Liquid surge is the movement of liquid in a partially filled tank. When you stop, the liquid keeps moving forward and hits the front of the tank, pushing the truck. When you accelerate, it hits the back.

Exam Tip: Surge can push your truck into an intersection even after you've stopped. You must brake far in advance.

2. Baffles vs. Bulkheads

You will definitely see questions about the inside structure of the tank:

• Bulkheads: These are solid walls that divide the tank into smaller compartments. They stop side-to-side surge but do not stop front-to-back surge completely (unless they are separate tanks).
• Baffles: These are walls with holes in them. They slow down the liquid flow to control surge.

3. The Danger of "Smooth Bore" Tanks

A Smooth Bore tank has no baffles inside. Why use them? Because they are easier to clean (often used for milk or food products).

4. What is Outage?

Liquids expand when they get warm. You never fill a tank 100% full. You must leave room for expansion. This empty space is called Outage.

If you don't leave outage space, the liquid could expand and cause the tank to leak or even explode.

Is the Test Hard?

The Tanker test typically has 20-25 questions. You need 80% to pass.

Most drivers find it easier than Air Brakes or HazMat because the concepts (liquid moving around) are easy to visualize. However, the questions about "Baffles" vs "Smooth Bore" trip many people up.