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  • Updated for December 2024
  • Based on 2024 VA commercial driver's license manual

Free Virginia CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2024

Virginia is a major eastern hub for commercial transport because of its proximity to North Carolina, the Mid-Atlantic states, and Washington, DC. In particular, the Port of Virginia receives a great deal of intermodal containerized shipping from Asia. Three interstate highways are key routes for commercial transport. Interstate 95 passes through Richmond, but it’s frequently heavily congested. Interstate 81 goes through the Shenandoah Valley, which can give truckers some beautiful panoramic views of the Valley area. Interstate 61 connects key cities like Richmond and Charlottesville. However, the section of this highway through the Blue Ridge Mountains is marked by steep grades and winding turns, which can be treacherous for large commercial vehicles in winter.

To drive commercially on any of these roads, you must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). There are three classes of CDLs: Class A (typically for operating large combination vehicles like semi-trucks and tractor-trailers); Class B (typically for large single vehicles, such as large buses and straight trucks); and Class C (for smaller trucks carrying hazardous materials and smaller buses carrying 16 or more occupants, including the driver). No matter which class of CDL you plan to obtain, you must first become proficient at commercial driving. To achieve this, you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), which will allow you to practice supervised commercial driving.

Two of the most important requirements for a CLP are to submit to a medical examination and pass an official knowledge test on the theory of commercial driving. The standard reference work for commercial driving theory is the Virginia Commercial Driver License Manual (Virginia CDL Handbook 2024). However, you may find – as many other aspiring commercial drivers have – that it’s not all that easy to pass the knowledge test just by reading the manual a couple of times. So, you may wish you could get additional help to pass the official test. That’s what we do.

This free Virginia CDL permit practice test is based on the official CDL manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of December, 2024. It contains 50 multiple-choice questions on such topics as cargo management, emergency preparedness, pre-trip inspections, and vehicle components. Unlike the official knowledge test, however, each question on this practice test comes with an available hint and an explanation of the correct answer. If you miss a question, read the explanation of the correct answer carefully so you won’t make that same mistake again. With us, there’s no time limit; take all the time you need to learn and master the material covered by this practice test.

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VA commercial driver's license
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

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Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
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What to expect on the actual VA DMV exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. When driving in very hot weather, how often should you inspect the tires?
  2. What is the definition of gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  3. If the road is covered in ice, which of the following should you do?
  4. Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial motor vehicle requires?
  5. What will help a drunk sober up?
  6. During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for
  7. During your pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, you discover a safety-related problem. What should you do?
  8. In which of the following situations are you most likely to jackknife?
  9. To make a left turn at an intersection, you should
  10. If you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, you must notify your employer within
  11. To transport hazardous materials, you must be at least
  12. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
  13. How can you start moving without rolling backward?
  14. Total stopping distance equals
  15. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  16. How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  17. Starting the engine and inspecting the cab involves each of the following tasks EXCEPT
  18. While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
  19. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  20. For how long will you lose your CDL driving privileges if you are convicted of a second DUI offense in either a CMV or your private vehicle?
  21. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  22. Which of the following might get stuck at a raised railroad crossing?
  23. The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is
  24. If you feel drowsy while driving, what should you do?
  25. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  26. Which of the following is NOT something you should check during a trip?
  27. If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to brake to a stop?
  28. Why should you cover your cargo?
  29. On wet roads, you should reduce your speed by
  30. To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should
  31. Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
  32. An antilock braking system (ABS) will
  33. What is a common cause of tire fires?
  34. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, what should you do?
  35. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
  36. Before transporting a sealed load, you must check
  37. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  38. To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for?
  39. Hazardous materials placards are
  40. How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
  41. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  42. Which of the following is true about using your mirrors?
  43. Which of the following statements about retarders are correct?
  44. Letting the air out of hot tires
  45. How do you test a vehicle's hydraulic brakes for leaks?
  46. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  47. Which of the following is a key steering component?
  48. Which of the following is most likely to cause a vehicle fire?
  49. The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is
  50. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?

FAQs

How do you obtain a CDL in Virginia?

To get a CDL in Virginia, start by obtaining a commercial learner's permit (CLP) after passing the required knowledge tests. You must hold the CLP for at least 30 days before taking the skills test. Complete CDL training (optional but recommended) and pass the skills test. Ensure you meet all age and medical requirements.

How long does CDL training last?

CDL training duration in Virginia varies by program. Full-time courses can last several weeks, while part-time courses may extend over several months, depending on the school and the specific program.

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL?

In Virginia, disqualifications from obtaining a CDL include major traffic violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving, certain criminal convictions, and medical conditions that impair safe driving abilities.

Is CDL school mandatory?

CDL school is not mandatory in Virginia, but it is highly recommended for comprehensive training and preparation for the skills test. Some employers may also require CDL training program completion.

How many times can you fail the CDL permit test?

In Virginia, you can retake the CDL permit test if you fail. However, after failing the test six times, you must complete a training course before trying again.

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