Virginia CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info
Do I Need A Commercial Driver License?
If you live in Virginia and drive a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle, you must have a Virginia Commercial Driver License (CDL).
CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.
What Tests Do I Need To Take?
Don't know which endorsement you need? Just answer this question:
To operate a commercial vehicle in one of the following classifications, you must have a Virginia CDL Endorsement.
CLASS A - This classification applies only to "combination" vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. The holder of a Class A license, which includes any appropriate endorsements, may operate all vehicles included in Class B, C, and D (Operator License).
CLASS B - This class includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle in tow must not exceed 10,000 pounds. Class B licensees, with appropriate endorsements, may drive all vehicles in Class C or D.
CLASS C - Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B above fall under this classification and may drive all vehicles in Class D.
Note: If you wish to operate a school bus designed to carry fewer than 16 occupants (including the driver), you do not need to obtain a commercial driver's license. However, you will need to take the commercial driver and school bus tests to obtain the school bus endorsement on your driver's license. You will be restricted to driving a bus designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers. This restriction will be printed on your license.
Commercial driver's license requirements don't apply to:
- Operators of emergency vehicles, such as firefighters
- Active duty military personnel operating military vehicles
- Operators of farm vehicles when:
- Used by farmers
- Used to move farm goods, supplies or machinery to or from their farm
- Not used as a common or contract motor carrier, and
- Used within 150 miles of the farm
- Operators of vehicles, such as recreational vehicles and rental moving vans, used only for personal use
About the CDL Knowledge Tests
You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. All CDL applicants must take the general knowledge test. The table below will tell you what additional tests you must take, if any.
| Test Name | Take If... |
|---|---|
| Passenger Transport | ...you want to drive a bus |
| Air Brakes | ...your vehicle has air brakes |
| Combination Vehicles | ...you want to drive combination vehicles |
| Hazardous Materials | ...you want to haul hazardous material or waste in amounts which require placarding |
| Tankers | ...you want to haul liquids in bulk |
| Doubles/Triples | ...you want to pull double or triple trailers |
You may take the CDL knowledge exam(s) only once per business day. If you fail any knowledge exam, you must pay a $2 re-examination fee if you retake the exam within 15 days.
Skills Tests
If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. The approximate time required for the three-part skills test is 90 minutes.
- Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.
- Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.
- On-road Test: You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, and single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.
What Are The Other Requirements For A CDL?
You must be at least 18 years of age to hold a CDL. Under federal law, you must be a commercial driver at least 21 years of age to:
- Drive across state lines
- Transport hazardous materials or
- Transport interstate freight (e.g., mail) within the state
If you are under 21 years of age, you may be issued a CDL with an "L" restriction. This restriction indicates that your driving privileges are valid only in Virginia.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require drivers to pass a physical examination once every 2 years. The main physical requirements include good hearing, 20/40 vision with or without glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers must not be colorblind.
What Should I Bring To The Department Of Motor Vehicles?
To apply for a CDL or CDL instruction permit, you must show two proofs of identity (only one primary document if you are under age 19), one proof of legal presence, one proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your complete social security number. All CDL applicants must certify that they are in compliance with the federal or Virginia motor carrier safety regulations or that they do not have to comply with them. Refer to the Code of Federal Regulations for an explanation of these requirements.
What Fees Will I Have To Pay?
Normally your Virginia CDL expires on your birthday when you reach an age that is divisible by five -- 20, 25, 30, 35, etc. Your first license will be valid for three to seven years, depending on your age when the license is issued. The CDL licensing fee is $8.00 per year, so your fee will range from $24.00 to $56.00. Endorsement(s) cost an additional $1.00 per year. A CDL instruction permit costs $3.00.
Where Can I Get More Information?
To download the Virginia CDL Manual: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/index.asp
For federal requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyprogs/cdl.htm
For medical requirements: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.43.htm
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/index.asp
CDL Resources
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CDL Guide State DMVs Truck Driver Schools |
How to get a CDL Ohio CDL Texas CDL |
