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The tanker endorsement applies to drivers who wish to drive a tank in Class A, B, or C CDL. To add this endorsement to your CLP/CDL, you must pass a knowledge test on the problems posed by large volume liquid cargos. The Iowa CDL tank vehicles test consists of 20 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 16 questions (80%). The IA tanker test covers the following sections of the Iowa CDL Manual: Driving Safely, Combination Vehicles, Tank Vehicles, Hazardous Materials. Take this IA tanker practice test now to prepare for the actual test!
1. When stopping with a tanker, you must be aware that:
a fully loaded vehicle requires a greater stopping distance because it has less traction.
the amount of liquid in the tank has no influence on the stopping distance.
a fully loaded vehicle takes less room to stop than an empty vehicle.
2. Which of the following is true? If a HazMat is a Poison Inhalation Hazard:
the material will have special requirements for shipping papers.
a POISON INHALATION HAZARD placard must be used in addition to other placards.
All of the above.
3. If your brakes fail on a steep mountain downgrade, you should:
decide what to do as soon as you know your brakes do not work.
slow down until your vehicle comes to a complete stop.
stay on the road and keep looking for the next available escape ramp.
4. Which of the following is not a sign of fatigue?
Rubbing eyes
Keeping a steady speed
Frequent blinking
5. Drivers of vehicles transporting HazMat should:
compare the shipping paper to the markings and labels.
ensure that all packages are labeled as flammable materials.
ensure that all relevant placards are carried in the passenger compartment.
6. To keep your vehicle from rolling back when you start, you should:
turn the engine off before you take your foot off the brake.
apply the emergency brake whenever necessary.
partly engage the clutch before you take your foot off the brake.
7. If your placarded trailer has dual tires, you should check the tires:
at the beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is parked.
once every 500 miles.
once every 3 months.
8. You should always adjust your speed to be able to stop within:
50 feet.
the length of your vehicle.
the distance you can see ahead.
9. Fully loaded rigs:
are much more likely to roll over than empty rigs.
are just as likely to roll over as empty rigs.
are less likely to roll over than empty rigs.
10. Retarders:
improve gas mileage.
reduce braking distance.
help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using brakes.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you are under 18, you must follow the Iowa Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program. Here are the three phases of the program and the corresponding ages:

  1. Instruction permit? you must be 14 years old. After holding the permit for six months without traffic violation, you can also apply for a minor school license at 14 ½ years old. This special permit is optional and allows you to drive to school or to school activities within a 50-mile distance from your home.
  2. Intermediate license ? you must be 16 years old and have held an instruction permit for 12 months.
  3. Full license ? you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for 12 months. Alternatively, you can directly obtain a class C driver's license at 18.
You have two options:

  1. You can schedule an appointment to take the exam at a service center. Simply locate the nearest Iowa DMV branch and choose your preferred date and time.
  2. If you are a minor between 14 and 17, you can take the knowledge test at a participating school/agency or at home using an electronic device connected to the internet. Once your parent completes and submits the application to Proctor Knowledge Exam Form, you’ll receive an email with instructions for proceeding. After successfully passing the exam, make an appointment to obtain the permit.

You can schedule an appointment for either option on the Iowa Department of Transportation website.

When applying for a driver’s license for the first time, you must bring the following documents:

  • Proof of identity, date of birth, and lawful status (e.g, U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization). If your legal name differs from your identity document, provide proof of the change, such as a certified marriage certificate, court order documents, or ID card.
  • Proof of Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Two proofs of Iowa residency and current residential address (e.g, Iowa voter registration card, utility bill, credit card statement…). If you are under 18 and unmarried, your parent/guardian must sign the Written Consent form to establish your residence. Additionally, provide a second printed document displaying your current name and current Iowa residential address, such as a report card or medical form.

You can use the online checklist provided by the Iowa DOT to ensure you have all the required documents. 

The DMV written test in Iowa is not exclusively provided in English but is offered in various languages, including Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hmong, Italian, Korean, Laotian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you need an interpreter for a language not provided, you have to schedule an appointment.
To get ready for the DMV written test, start by reading the Iowa Driver License Manual. This manual has all the info you need to study for the exam: traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices. Then, check what you've learned with our free practice tests!

For new drivers in Iowa, various restrictions apply:

Instruction Permit
  • You cannot drive alone and you must be accompanied by a driver education instructor, a licensed parent/guardian, a licensed member of your family who is at least 21, or a licensed adult who is at least 25 (with parental permission if you are a minor).

Minor School License
  • You can't drive alone, except for school activities between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Intermediate License
  • You cannot drive alone between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless a parent/guardian completes a Waiver of Intermediate Driver’s License Hour Restriction form.
  • For the first six months, you cannot transport more than one minor without supervision, except for siblings.

The instruction permit is valid for four years. During this period, complete the 20 hours of supervised driving and after holding the permit for 12 months and maintaining a clean driving record for 6 months, you can apply for the intermediate license.
If you fail your DMV written test in Iowa, you have to wait at least one business day before retaking it. Before trying again, focus on the sections of the manual you have overlooked and consider signing up for DMV Premium to access additional practice tests!

IA CDL Tanker Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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