Virginia CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Virginia CDL test has 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — 80% — to pass and advance to endorsement tests and the skills test.

0.04% BAC — half the standard adult DUI limit. A DUI conviction in any vehicle triggers CDL disqualification: 1 year for a first offense, lifetime for a second. Virginia's DUI law applies equally to CDL holders in commercial and personal vehicles.

A Virginia CDL is valid for 8 years for drivers ages 21–64. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current. HazMat endorsement requires TSA security clearance renewal every 5 years. Virginia CDL holders must self-certify their medical status category annually.

Virginia issues Class A (combination vehicles, GCWR over 26,001 lbs + towed unit over 10,000 lbs GVWR), Class B (single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR), and Class C (vehicles for 16+ passengers or HazMat placards). Each requires the General Knowledge test, applicable endorsement tests, and a skills test.

Virginia CDL skills tests are conducted at DMV-approved third-party testing sites. You must provide the appropriate commercial vehicle for the class being tested. The test covers pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Visit dmv.virginia.gov for a list of approved CDL testing locations.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your Virginia DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the Virginia DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Virginia CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in Virginia, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.