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200+ Free Virginia CDL Combination Practice Questions

Pass your Virginia CDL Combination Vehicles Test exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Before driving away after coupling, your final check should include:

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Virginia CDL Combination Exam

80%

Minimum CDL knowledge-test passing score

Virginia DMV CDL Knowledge Exams / 49 CFR §383.135

Section 6-1

Virginia manual section for Class A Combination Vehicle

Virginia DMV CDL Knowledge Exams

26,001 lb

Group A/Class A GCWR threshold when the towed unit is over 10,000 lb GVWR

49 CFR §383.91 / Virginia DMV Apply for CDL or CLP

$3

Virginia CLP fee

Virginia DMV Apply for CDL or CLP

$64

Standard Virginia CDL with no endorsements

Virginia DMV Apply for CDL or CLP

1 year

Virginia CLP validity

Virginia DMV Apply for CDL or CLP

14 days

Minimum CLP hold before CDL skills testing

Virginia DMV Commercial Learner's Permit

Virginia Class A CDL applicants should study Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual Section 6-1: Combination Vehicles, then pass the DMV computer-based combination knowledge exam with at least 80% correct. Focus on fifth wheel and kingpin coupling, tug and visual checks, air/electric lines, landing gear, trailer brakes, off-tracking, rollover, backing, trailer skids, jackknife recovery, and safe speed and space management. Virginia lists a $3 CLP, a one-year nonrenewable CLP, a 14-day CLP holding period before most skills tests, and one CDL knowledge-test attempt per business day.

Sample Virginia CDL Combination Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Virginia CDL Combination exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which Virginia manual section is listed for Class A Combination Vehicle study?
A.Section 6-1: Combination Vehicles
B.Section 2-1: Driving Safely
C.Section 7-1: Doubles and Triples
D.The Virginia school bus supplement
Explanation: Section 6-1: Combination Vehicles
2Virginia DMV says CDL knowledge questions come from what source?
A.Competitor practice-test sites
B.The Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual
C.Carrier company policy only
D.Local road signs only
Explanation: The Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual
3What passing score does Virginia DMV require on CDL knowledge exams?
A.At least 60% correct
B.At least 70% correct
C.At least 80% correct
D.A perfect 100% score
Explanation: At least 80% correct
4What vehicle group generally requires Class A combination knowledge?
A.Only a straight bus
B.Only a motorcycle with a trailer
C.Only a passenger car
D.A qualifying combination vehicle with a heavy towed unit
Explanation: A qualifying combination vehicle with a heavy towed unit
5What is the fifth wheel?
A.The tractor coupling device that receives and locks the trailer kingpin
B.The trailer electrical plug
C.The landing gear gearbox
D.The trailer rear axle set
Explanation: The tractor coupling device that receives and locks the trailer kingpin
6What is the kingpin?
A.The red air supply knob
B.The vertical pin under the trailer apron that locks into the fifth wheel
C.The landing gear crank
D.The trailer ABS lamp
Explanation: The vertical pin under the trailer apron that locks into the fifth wheel
7Before backing under a trailer, the fifth wheel jaws should be:
A.Closed around nothing
B.Removed from the fifth wheel
C.Open and ready to receive the kingpin
D.Blocked with a rag
Explanation: Open and ready to receive the kingpin
8For proper coupling, trailer height should be:
A.So high the kingpin misses the fifth wheel
B.So low the tractor hits the trailer nose
C.Irrelevant if air lines are connected
D.Slightly low so the fifth wheel lifts the trailer as it backs under
Explanation: Slightly low so the fifth wheel lifts the trailer as it backs under
9What is a tug test?
A.A gentle pull against set trailer brakes to check the coupling lock
B.A hard acceleration test on the highway
C.A test of the trailer lights only
D.A landing gear crank test
Explanation: A gentle pull against set trailer brakes to check the coupling lock
10What should follow a successful tug test?
A.Skipping all further checks
B.A visual check that the jaws lock around the kingpin and there is no gap
C.Disconnecting both air lines
D.Raising the trailer off the fifth wheel
Explanation: A visual check that the jaws lock around the kingpin and there is no gap

About the Virginia CDL Combination Exam

The Virginia CDL Combination Vehicles Test is the written knowledge exam for drivers seeking Class A commercial driving privileges for qualifying tractor-trailer and other combination vehicles. Virginia DMV says CDL knowledge questions come from the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual and lists Section 6-1: Combination Vehicles for Class A combination applicants. FMCSA Part 383 supplies the federal Group A vehicle definition, required combination knowledge areas, state-administered testing standards, and 80% minimum passing score. The tested knowledge centers on combination inspection, fifth wheel and kingpin coupling, air and electrical lines, landing gear, trailer brakes, off-tracking, rollover prevention, safe turns, backing, trailer skids, jackknife recovery, speed, and space management.

Assessment

Computer-based multiple-choice CDL knowledge test for Class A combination applicants; Virginia lists Class A Combination Vehicle as Section 6-1: Combination Vehicles, in addition to General Knowledge and any Air Brakes or endorsement exams required for the vehicle.

Time Limit

No separate Virginia DMV time limit is published for the Combination Vehicles knowledge test

Passing Score

80% on Virginia CDL knowledge exams and under 49 CFR §383.135

Exam Fee

$3 Virginia CLP; Virginia DMV does not list a separate Combination Vehicles-only knowledge-test fee (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)

Virginia CDL Combination Exam Content Outline

Core section

Driving Combination Vehicles Safely

Off-tracking, wide turns, trailer swing, rearward amplification, rollover risk, safe speed, following distance, side space, low-clearance crossings, backing, and route planning

Core section

Combination Vehicle Air Brakes

Trailer hand valve, tractor protection valve, trailer air supply control, service and emergency lines, glad hands, crossed-line faults, trailer ABS, air leaks, and trailer brake checks

Core section

Coupling and Uncoupling

Fifth wheel plate and jaws, kingpin, trailer height, high coupling, tug test, visual inspection, air/electrical line connection, landing gear, chocks, and safe release sequence

Core section

Inspecting Combination Vehicles

Coupling area, trailer frame, suspension, tires, wheels, brakes, lights, reflectors, landing gear, cargo doors, load security, and post-coupling final checks

Licensing section

Virginia CDL and FMCSA Rules

Virginia Class A combination requirement, CLP fees and validity, 14-day CLP holding period, ELDT timing, FMCSA Group A rules, and federal 80% passing standard

How to Pass the Virginia CDL Combination Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% on Virginia CDL knowledge exams and under 49 CFR §383.135
  • Assessment: Computer-based multiple-choice CDL knowledge test for Class A combination applicants; Virginia lists Class A Combination Vehicle as Section 6-1: Combination Vehicles, in addition to General Knowledge and any Air Brakes or endorsement exams required for the vehicle.
  • Time limit: No separate Virginia DMV time limit is published for the Combination Vehicles knowledge test
  • Exam fee: $3 Virginia CLP; Virginia DMV does not list a separate Combination Vehicles-only knowledge-test fee

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Virginia CDL Combination Study Tips from Top Performers

1Start with Virginia DMV's CDL Knowledge Exams page and the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual Section 6-1 before drilling practice questions.
2Turn coupling into a checklist: inspect fifth wheel, align, set trailer height, back under, tug test, visual lock check, connect lines, charge air, test brakes, raise landing gear, and remove chocks.
3Memorize red emergency/supply and blue service glad-hand functions, then practice crossed-line, leak, and trailer brake test scenarios.
4Study control risks as cause and effect: speed plus high center of gravity increases rollover, hard braking can lock trailer wheels, and off-tracking makes trailer wheels cut inside turns.
5Confirm Virginia CLP documents, fees, medical certification, ELDT status, one-business-day retest limit, and testing requirements on DMV pages before testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs the Virginia CDL Combination Vehicles test?

Virginia lists Class A Combination Vehicle as a separate CDL knowledge exam area. Drivers seeking Class A privileges for qualifying combinations generally need this test along with General Knowledge and any applicable Air Brakes or endorsement exams.

What score do I need to pass?

Virginia DMV says applicants must answer at least 80% of CDL knowledge questions correctly. Federal CDL rules in 49 CFR §383.135 also require at least 80% correct on knowledge tests.

What should I study for the Virginia combination test?

Virginia DMV points Class A Combination Vehicle applicants to Section 6-1: Combination Vehicles in the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual. Study coupling and uncoupling, combination inspection, trailer air/electric lines, trailer brakes, off-tracking, backing, rollover, skids, jackknife recovery, speed, and space.

How much does the Virginia CLP cost?

Virginia DMV lists a $3 commercial learner's permit. A standard Virginia CDL with no endorsements is listed at $64 for eight years, with endorsements adding $1 per year when applicable.

How long must I hold a Virginia CLP before skills testing?

Virginia DMV says a commercial learner's permit must be held for at least 14 days before getting a CDL, unless an official exception applies.