In Iowa, all drivers are required to have a Tank (N) endorsement to operate vehicles designed to transport significant quantities of liquid or gaseous materials in tanks. With a tank (N) endorsement, you are allowed to transport liquids or gases in tanks individually rated at 119 gallons or more, or with a combined capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
To obtain such an endorsement on their commercial driver’s license (CDL), all drivers must pass a knowledge test that covers the unique operational procedures associated with these vehicles. After all, you’re responsible for transporting a high volume of potentially dangerous liquids or gases, so it is crucial that you get proper training and master specific aspects such as the dynamics of liquid movement.
Aspiring students who are obtaining a CDL for the first time will also need to pass the standard CDL skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control skills test and a road test. You must pass these tests in a vehicle that is representative of the class of CDL you’re applying for.
There are plenty of online resources that help you prepare for the written exam. While you may already be familiar with the official 2025 CDL manual (https://driving-tests.org/iowa/ia-cdl-handbook/), it’s better to also practice and test the knowledge you have just gained. Our CDL Tanker practice tests are a great place to start since they closely reflect the official exam. Each practice test has 20 questions and is current for December 2025.