The 43 Endorsement Lets You Haul Liquid Cargo in Tanks

The 43 endorsement on a commercial driver's license permits you to operate a motor vehicle carrying liquid cargo in a tank or tanks. Without it, you cannot legally drive a tanker truck, even if you hold a CDL. The endorsement is specific to the hazard and the container type — it covers non-hazardous liquids like milk, water, or food-grade oils, but not hazardous materials, which require a separate hazmat endorsement.

States issue the 43 endorsement after you pass a written test covering tank vehicle operation, weight distribution, surge dynamics, and safe handling practices. The test focuses on the physics of liquid movement inside a tank and how that affects braking, turning, and stability — knowledge that differs significantly from driving a dry van or flatbed.

If your job involves hauling any liquid cargo in a tank, your employer will require the 43 before you start. Many drivers add it even if they do not currently need it, because it expands the jobs available to them and can increase earning potential.

Key Takeaways

  • The 43 endorsement authorizes you to drive tanker trucks carrying non-hazardous liquids, and most states require it before you can legally operate one.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test specific to tank vehicle operation; the test covers surge, weight shift, and safe braking with liquid cargo.
  • The 43 does not cover hazardous materials — you need a separate hazmat endorsement and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check for those loads.
  • Your state's commercial driver's manual contains the 43 study material, and you can take the test at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing office.
  • Adding the 43 to your CDL takes one test and a fee, typically between $10 and $50 depending on your state.

What You Can and Cannot Haul With a 43 Endorsement

The 43 endorsement covers non-hazardous liquids only. That includes milk, water, juice, cooking oil, and other food-grade or industrial liquids that do not meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) definition of hazardous materials. If the cargo is not classified as hazardous by the DOT, the 43 is sufficient.

You cannot haul gasoline, diesel, propane, or any other flammable or toxic liquid with only a 43. Those loads require a hazmat endorsement in addition to the 43. Some drivers carry both endorsements so they can take a wider range of jobs. A hazmat endorsement requires a TSA background check and a separate written test, and it must be renewed every three years.

Your dispatcher or employer will tell you which endorsements a load requires. If you are unsure whether a liquid is hazardous, ask before you accept the job — driving hazardous cargo without the proper endorsement is a federal violation and can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and loss of your CDL.

How Liquid Surge Affects Tank Vehicle Handling

The 43 test emphasizes liquid surge because it is the primary safety concern when driving a tanker. As you brake, accelerate, or turn, the liquid inside the tank shifts forward, backward, or sideways. That movement changes the weight distribution of your vehicle and can cause loss of traction, jackknifing, or rollover if you do not account for it.

Surge is most dangerous during braking. When you explore the brakes, the liquid continues moving forward inside the tank, shifting weight to the front axle and reducing the braking force on the rear wheels. This can cause your rear wheels to lock up or your front end to dive, making the vehicle harder to control. Smooth, gradual braking reduces surge; hard braking increases it.

The 43 test covers techniques to minimize surge: accelerating and decelerating slowly, taking curves at reduced speed, and avoiding sudden steering inputs. You will also learn how tank design affects surge — a baffled tank (one with internal dividers) reduces surge more than a smooth tank, and a partially full tank surges more than a full one. Understanding these principles is what separates safe tanker operation from dangerous guessing.

Steps to Obtain the 43 Endorsement

First, obtain your state's commercial driver's manual or the tanker section of it. Most states post the manual online through their DMV website, and you can read it for free. Read the section covering tank vehicles and non-hazardous liquid cargo. The material is not lengthy — typically 10 to 15 pages — but it is specific and the test draws directly from it.

Second, study the material and take any practice tests your state offers. Many state DMV websites include sample questions or full practice tests for the 43. Use these to identify weak areas and review those sections again. The test is usually 20 to 30 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.

Third, schedule your test at your local DMV, driver licensing office, or approved testing location. Some states allow you to test on the same day you arrive; others require an appointment. Bring your current CDL, a valid photo ID, and any documents your state requires. Pay the test fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $50.

Fourth, take the written test. You will sit at a computer or paper test station and answer questions about tank vehicle operation, cargo weight, braking, and emergency procedures. If you pass, the examiner will update your CDL record on the spot or within a few business days. Your new CDL with the 43 endorsement will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.

Costs and Timeline for Adding the 43

The cost of the 43 endorsement is low compared to other CDL endorsements. Most states charge between $10 and $50 for the test and endorsement fee. A few states charge slightly more, and some waive the fee if you are renewing your CDL at the same time. Call your state's DMV to confirm the exact fee before you go.

The timeline is short. If you schedule a test appointment, you can usually test within one to two weeks. The written test itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you pass, your record is updated when ready, though your physical CDL card will take two to four weeks to arrive by mail. During that waiting period, you can request a temporary paper permit from the DMV that shows the 43 endorsement and is valid for driving until your new card arrives.

Some employers will pay the test fee or reimburse you after you pass. If your job requires the 43, ask your employer whether they cover the cost. If you are adding it on your own to increase your job options, the fee is a one-time investment that can pay for itself quickly through higher-paying tanker loads.

Renewing and Maintaining Your 43 Endorsement

The 43 endorsement is tied to your CDL and renews on the same schedule. When your CDL expires, you must renew it at your state's DMV. During renewal, you will need to pass the 43 knowledge test again unless your state waives retesting for endorsements during CDL renewal — policies vary by state.

Some states require you to retake the 43 test every time you renew your CDL. Others allow you to renew the endorsement without retesting if you have maintained a clean driving record. A few states offer online renewal for the CDL itself but still require you to test in person for endorsements. Check your state's renewal rules before your CDL expires so you know what to expect.

If your CDL is suspended or revoked, all endorsements, including the 43, are suspended or revoked with it. If you are convicted of certain traffic violations or safety violations while driving a tanker, your 43 endorsement can be suspended independently. Maintain a safe driving record and follow all DOT regulations to keep your endorsement active.

When You Might Not Need the 43 Endorsement

You do not need a 43 if you drive a tanker truck carrying hazardous materials only. In that case, you need a hazmat endorsement but not necessarily a 43. However, most tanker drivers carry both because many jobs involve non-hazardous liquids, and having both endorsements makes you more marketable.

You do not need a 43 if you drive a dry van, flatbed, or any other trailer that does not carry liquid in a tank. You also do not need it if you drive a small vehicle (under the CDL threshold) that carries liquid in a tank — the 43 applies only to commercial motor vehicles that require a CDL.

If you are unsure whether your job requires the 43, ask your employer or dispatcher. They will tell you which endorsements are required for the loads you will haul. It is better to ask than to assume and find yourself unable to accept a load or in violation of federal law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a tanker truck without a 43 endorsement?

No. Operating a tanker carrying liquid cargo without a 43 endorsement is illegal and can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and points against your CDL. Your employer cannot ask you to do this, and you should refuse if they do.

Do I need a 43 if I only haul hazardous liquids?

Technically, no — a hazmat endorsement covers hazardous liquids. However, most tanker drivers carry both the 43 and hazmat because many jobs involve non-hazardous liquids, and the 43 test is quick and inexpensive. Having both makes you more competitive for jobs.

How long does the 43 test take?

The written test usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will answer 20 to 30 questions about tank vehicle operation, surge, braking, and safety. Most people finish in under 20 minutes if they are prepared.

What happens if I fail the 43 test?

You can retake it. Most states allow you to test again the same day or within a few days. Review the material you missed and try again. There is no limit on retakes, though you will pay the test fee each time.

Does the 43 endorsement expire?

The 43 endorsement expires when your CDL expires. You must renew your CDL according to your state's schedule, typically every four to eight years. Some states require you to retake the 43 test during renewal; others do not. Check your state's rules.