The F Endorsement Lets You Drive Tanker Trucks Carrying Liquids or Gases

An F endorsement on your commercial driver's license permits you to operate tank vehicles — trucks with permanently mounted tanks that carry liquids or gases in bulk. Without it, you cannot legally drive a tanker truck, even if you hold a valid CDL in the appropriate class. The F endorsement is specific to the cargo type and vehicle design, not to what is inside the tank.

Tank vehicles handle differently than dry vans or flatbeds because the liquid or gas shifts during acceleration, braking, and turns. This movement changes how the truck responds, making it more prone to rollover and jackknife. The F endorsement test ensures you understand these handling differences and the safety rules that explore to tanker operations.

You need the F endorsement whether you are hauling milk, gasoline, water, propane, or any other liquid or gas in a permanently mounted tank. The endorsement itself does not restrict you to certain cargo — that is controlled by hazmat placarding and separate hazmat endorsement rules. The F endorsement is about the vehicle type, not the contents.

Key Takeaways

  • The F endorsement is required to drive any truck with a permanently mounted tank carrying liquids or gases, regardless of what cargo is inside.
  • You must pass a written test covering tank vehicle handling, weight distribution, and emergency procedures specific to tanker trucks.
  • Tank vehicles require the F endorsement in addition to your base CDL class; you cannot drive them without it, even with a valid CDL.
  • The F endorsement does not cover hazmat cargo — if you haul hazmat materials, you need both the F endorsement and a separate hazmat endorsement.
  • Most states require you to pass the F endorsement test at your state's DMV or licensing office before you can legally operate a tanker truck.

Who Needs an F Endorsement

You need an F endorsement if your job involves driving a tank truck as part of your regular work. This includes drivers for dairy companies, fuel distributors, chemical suppliers, propane delivery services, and water hauling operations. If your employer assigns you to a tanker truck, you must have the F endorsement before you get behind the wheel.

You do not need an F endorsement for small tanks mounted on pickup trucks or utility vehicles, or for trailers you tow behind a tractor unit. The endorsement applies to permanently mounted tanks on the truck itself — the kind that cannot be easily removed or swapped out. If you are unsure whether a specific vehicle requires the endorsement, ask your state's DMV or your employer's safety manager.

Some drivers hold an F endorsement even if they do not currently drive tankers, because it keeps their options open for future jobs. The endorsement stays on your license once you pass the test, and you can use it whenever you need to.

How to Get an F Endorsement

Getting an F endorsement involves three steps: studying the tank vehicle section of your state's CDL manual, passing a written test, and in some states, passing a skills test. The written test covers how liquids and gases move inside a tank, how that movement affects braking and turning, how to inspect a tank vehicle, and emergency procedures.

First, obtain your state's CDL manual from your DMV office or website. The manual includes a section on tank vehicles that explains surge (the forward and backward movement of liquid), slosh (the side-to-side movement), and how both affect vehicle control. Study this section thoroughly — the test questions come directly from the material covered.

Next, schedule your written test at your state's DMV or licensing office. The test is usually 20 to 30 questions, and you typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass. Some states require you to already hold a valid CDL before you can test for the F endorsement; others allow you to test for endorsements at the same time you test for your base CDL.

A few states also require a skills test — a practical driving evaluation in a tank truck — but most states rely on the written test alone. Check with your state's DMV to confirm what is required in your location.

What the F Endorsement Test Covers

The written test focuses on the unique handling characteristics of tank vehicles and the safety rules that explore to them. You will be asked about surge and slosh, load distribution, braking on grades, and how to prevent rollovers. The test also covers pre-trip inspection steps specific to tank vehicles, such as checking for leaks, verifying that baffles are find, and confirming that the tank is properly sealed.

Questions often ask how to respond in emergency situations — for example, what to do if you lose brakes on a downhill grade while driving a tanker, or how to handle a blowout at highway speed. The test assumes you already know general CDL rules and focuses on the tank-specific knowledge you need to operate safely.

You will also see questions about weight limits, axle spacing, and how a partially filled tank affects handling differently than a full tank. A half-full tank is often more dangerous than a full one because the liquid has more room to move, creating stronger surge and slosh forces.

F Endorsement vs. Hazmat Endorsement

The F endorsement and the hazmat endorsement are separate and serve different purposes. The F endorsement certifies that you can safely operate a tank vehicle. The hazmat endorsement certifies that you understand the rules for transporting hazardous materials — chemicals, fuel, explosives, and other regulated cargo.

You can have an F endorsement without a hazmat endorsement and drive a tanker carrying non-hazardous cargo like milk or water. You can also have a hazmat endorsement without an F endorsement and haul hazmat in a dry van or flatbed. However, if you drive a tanker carrying hazmat cargo, you must have both endorsements.

The hazmat endorsement requires a background check and fingerprinting in addition to a written test. The F endorsement does not. If your job involves tanker trucks carrying hazmat, your employer will tell you that you need both endorsements before you start.

Costs and Timeline for Getting an F Endorsement

The cost of an F endorsement test varies by state, typically ranging from $10 to $50 for the written test. Some states charge a flat fee for all endorsement tests; others charge per endorsement. A few states include endorsement testing at no extra cost if you test for them at the same time as your base CDL.

The timeline depends on how quickly you study and schedule your test. Most drivers spend one to two weeks reviewing the tank vehicle section of the CDL manual before testing. Once you schedule your test, you can usually take it within a few days to a week, depending on your local DMV's availability.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it. Most states allow you to test again after a waiting period of one to seven days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt may cost an additional fee.

F Endorsement Restrictions and Renewal

Once you have an F endorsement, it remains valid as long as your CDL is valid. You do not need to renew the endorsement separately or retake the test when you renew your CDL — the endorsement carries forward automatically. However, if your CDL is suspended or revoked, your F endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it.

Some states impose medical restrictions on certain endorsements. For example, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to operate a vehicle safely, your state may restrict or remove your F endorsement even if your base CDL remains valid. Your state's medical examiner can advise you on whether any condition you have affects your endorsement status.

If you move to a different state, you will need to transfer your CDL to that state. Most states recognize F endorsements from other states and will transfer them without requiring you to retake the test, but a few states may require you to pass their own F endorsement test. Contact your new state's DMV before you move to confirm the transfer process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a tanker truck with just a CDL and no F endorsement?

No. Driving a tank vehicle without an F endorsement is illegal and can result in fines, points on your license, and potential criminal charges. Your employer cannot legally assign you to a tanker truck without the endorsement, and you cannot legally accept the assignment.

What happens if I fail the F endorsement test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period set by your state, usually one to seven days. There is no limit to the number of attempts. Each retake may cost an additional fee. Most drivers pass on their second or third attempt after studying the material more thoroughly.

Do I need an F endorsement for a small propane tank on a pickup truck?

It depends on the tank size and how it is mounted. Permanently mounted tanks on commercial vehicles require the F endorsement. Small portable tanks or tanks on non-commercial vehicles may not. Contact your state's DMV or your employer to confirm whether a specific vehicle requires the endorsement.

Can I get an F endorsement if I have a medical condition?

Most medical conditions do not prevent you from getting an F endorsement, but some may. Your state's medical examiner can review your condition and advise you. If you are unsure, contact your DMV before you test.

Does the F endorsement expire?

The F endorsement does not expire separately — it remains valid as long as your CDL is valid. When you renew your CDL, the endorsement renews automatically. If your CDL is suspended or revoked, the endorsement is suspended or revoked with it.