The Tanker (N) endorsement is a knowledge test only — 20 questions, 80% to pass, and no ELDT course required. This prep gives you 42 practice questions covering surge, baffles, rollover risk and tank inspection, with an explanation on every answer. $15, unlimited retakes. Hauling fuel or chemicals? You'll need Hazmat too — together they make the X endorsement.
Most drivers want both
Tanker + Hazmat = the X endorsement
If you're hauling fuel or chemicals in a tank, you need both endorsements — and when you hold Tanker (N) and Hazmat (H) together your license shows a combined X endorsement. That's two separate knowledge tests, and only one of them requires ELDT.
The Tanker Endorsement Test
The N endorsement is a knowledge test only. Here's the format:
| Test |
Questions |
To pass |
ELDT required? |
| Tanker (N) endorsement |
20 |
80% — 16 correct |
No |
| Hazmat (H) endorsement |
30 |
80% — 24 correct |
Yes, plus a TSA check |
Question counts follow the federal model. Confirm the specifics with your state licensing agency.
This prep gives you 42 practice questions — more than twice the length of the real tanker test — so every topic comes up repeatedly before test day.
Good news: there is no ELDT requirement for the Tanker endorsement. The federal ELDT rule covers Class A, Class B, the B-to-A upgrade, and the Hazmat, Passenger and School Bus endorsements only. Tanker and Doubles/Triples are knowledge-test-only — no course required, no registry submission. You just have to pass the test, which is exactly what this is for.
What's Inside
🌊Liquid Surge
Front-to-back and side-to-side surge, what it does to your braking and steering, and why a partially loaded tank is the most dangerous load you can carry.
🛢️Baffled, Unbaffled & Bulkheads
How baffles cut forward and back surge but do nothing for side-to-side, why smooth-bore food-grade tanks are the worst of all, and how bulkheads divide compartments.
⚖️Outage & Weight Distribution
Why you can't always fill a tank to capacity, how expansion and product density change what you can legally load, and balancing weight across compartments.
⚠️High Center of Gravity & Rollover
The single biggest killer in tank work. Why tankers roll at posted curve and ramp speeds, and how far below those you actually need to be.
🛑Braking & Vehicle Control
Braking early and smoothly, what surge does when you stop, skid recovery with a liquid load, and emergency handling.
🔍Tank Inspection & Equipment
Inspecting a tank vehicle, leaks, valves, manhole covers, hoses and emergency shut-off controls, and what makes a tank unsafe to drive.
The Full Path to an X Endorsement
Tanker and Hazmat are two different processes with very different timelines. Here's how they fit together:
1
Hazmat only — complete
Hazmat ELDT ($20). Required by federal law before your state will test you.
2
Hazmat only — start TSA fingerprinting at IdentoGO. This takes
4 to 8 weeks, so begin it the day you finish ELDT.
Full timeline →
3
Study for both knowledge tests ← you are here
4
Pass the Tanker test (20 questions) and the Hazmat test (30 questions) at your licensing office
5
Once TSA clears you, both endorsements are added — and together they show as the X endorsement
The timing that catches people out. You can pass the tanker test tomorrow — there's nothing to complete first. Hazmat takes 6 to 10 weeks because of the TSA background check. If you want the X endorsement, start the Hazmat side immediately and treat tanker as the easy half.
Why 42 Questions Beats a 20-Question Practice Test
A practice test the same length as the real exam gives you a score, not a diagnosis. At more than twice the length, every topic comes up several times — which is what actually finds your gaps before the licensing office does.
💡An explanation on every question
Right or wrong, you find out why immediately. Wrong answers are built from the mistakes drivers actually make, so a miss teaches instead of just costing a point.
🎯Scored by topic
After each attempt you see exactly where you're weak — surge, baffles, rollover — and can retake only the questions you missed. Unlimited attempts, any device.
The other half of the X endorsement
Hazmat DMV Test Prep — $15
100 practice questions including a full 30-question exam simulation. The Hazmat test is longer and harder than tanker — placarding thresholds and the segregation table are where drivers fail.
Add Hazmat Prep
Still need the required course?
Hazmat ELDT + Test Prep — $30
Hazmat is the only half of the X endorsement that requires ELDT. This bundles the federally required course with the 100-question prep and saves $5.
Get Bundle — $30
Tanker Test Prep — $15
42 practice questions · Explanation on every answer · Topic scoring · Unlimited retakes · Any device
42 Questions 4.9 Stars · 390+ Reviews 6,500+ Graduates No ELDT Required
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ELDT for the tanker endorsement?+
No. The federal ELDT rule covers Class A, Class B, the B-to-A upgrade, and the Hazmat, Passenger and School Bus endorsements only. Tanker and Doubles/Triples are knowledge-test-only — no course required and nothing reported to the FMCSA registry. You just need to pass the test.
Full ELDT requirements →
What is the X endorsement?+
X is what appears on your license when you hold both Tanker (N) and Hazmat (H). It's not a separate test — you earn it by passing both. Fuel and chemical haulers need it, and it's one of the better-paying endorsement combinations in the industry.
How many questions are on the real tanker test?+
Most states use a 20-question Tanker endorsement test requiring 80% to pass — 16 of 20 correct. This prep gives you 42 questions so every topic comes up more than once. Confirm the exact format with your state licensing agency.
When do I need a tanker endorsement?+
Generally when you haul liquid or gas in a tank with an individual container over 119 gallons, or 1,000 gallons or more in total. That covers fuel trucks, water trucks, milk haulers, chemical tankers, and vacuum trucks. Rules vary slightly by state — check with your licensing agency.
How long does the X endorsement take to get?+
The tanker half can be done as fast as you can book a test. The Hazmat half takes 6 to 10 weeks because of the TSA background check, which runs 4 to 8 weeks on its own. Start Hazmat first and treat tanker as the quick part.
See the timeline →
Can I retake the practice questions?+
Yes, as many times as you want. After each attempt you see your score by topic so you know what to review, and you can retake just the questions you missed. Access doesn't expire.
Other Courses & Prep
Run a fleet with tankers? If your drivers haul fuel or anything placarded, they need Hazmat ELDT too — and bulk seats include same-day registry submission.
See fleet accounts →
Know other drivers going for their X? Share your link and earn 25% on every course they buy. Free to join, paid weekly.
Join the affiliate program →
Related Resources
