Tennessee CDL DMV Endorsement Tank 1

You should always exercise caution when driving near a stopped bus. There could be passengers in the vicinity and the bus may either prevent them from seeing you or you from seeing them.

You should never exceed the speed shown on a "Maximum Safe Speed" sign.

It is essential that you are aware of what is happening on all sides of your vehicle at all times. Scan the road ahead and make regular checks of the mirrors on both sides of your vehicle while you are driving.

Always load hazardous materials away from heat sources. Be aware of regulations on explosive or flammable materials that prohibit them from being loaded in cargo spaces with heaters.

A tractor protection valve keeps air in a tractor or truck air brake system should the trailer break away or develop a bad leak. The valve will close automatically if the pressure drops to an unsafe level.

The shipper of hazardous materials is responsible for packaging, marking, and labeling the materials properly. It is a good idea for the driver to ensure the materials are properly labeled.

Increasing your vehicle's speed will increase your vehicle's striking power and braking distance. Doubling your vehicle's speed from 20 to 40 mph will multiply its braking distance by four.

A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest must be signed by hand. The name and EPA registration number of the shippers, carriers, and destination must also appear on the manifest.

In general, a smaller vehicle will be able to come to a complete stop faster than a larger vehicle. Keep this in mind when determining your following distance.

Due to the movement of the liquid in transit and the vehicle's high center of gravity, hauling liquid cargo in a tank vehicle requires special care.

You must sign the previous vehicle inspection report only if defects were noted and certified to have been repaired or not needing to be repaired.

Be sure to check the tightness of the belts in your engine compartment. Loose belts will not turn the water pump and/or fan properly, which can lead the engine overheating.

The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load while keeping the axles in place. Damage to a suspension system can be very dangerous.

The trailer hand valve works the trailer brakes but should only be used when testing them. Using it while driving could create a skid. Never use the trailer hand valve while parking because doing so may release the air pressure from the braking system, releasing the brakes that are holding the vehicle in place.

In vehicles equipped with an automatic tractor protection valve, the valve will pop out if air pressure drops to a level between 20 and 45 psi. When the valve pops out, the protection valve will close, stopping the flow of air.

Driving while fatigued is dangerous. Warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing; repeated yawning or rubbing of the eyes; daydreaming or wandering thoughts; and drifting out of your lane.

It is illegal transport liquids or gases in a leaking tank. Always make sure that intake, discharge, and cut-off valves are in the correct positions before loading, unloading, or moving a tank vehicle.

Except when parking briefly to perform necessary functions for vehicle operation (such as refueling), never park a vehicle carrying Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or building. Never park such a vehicle within five feet of the traveled portion of the road.

Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs should never be used.

Problems to check for when inspecting tires include: air pressure that is too low or too high; using radial and bias-ply tires together; tread depth of less than 4/32 of an inch in major grooves on front tires; and tread depth of less than 2/32 of an inch on all other tires.