300+ Free Virginia CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Virginia CDL General Knowledge Exam
80%
Passing Score
Virginia DMV CDL Knowledge Exams / 49 CFR 383.135
30+
Federal Minimum Basic Knowledge Items
49 CFR 383.133
$3
Virginia CLP Fee
Virginia DMV Apply for a CDL or CLP
$64
Standard Virginia CDL With No Endorsements
Virginia DMV Apply for a CDL or CLP
1 year
Virginia CLP Validity
Virginia DMV Apply for a CDL or CLP
14 days
Minimum CLP Hold Before Skills Tests
Virginia DMV Commercial Learner's Permit
18 / 21
Minimum Age Intrastate / Interstate
Virginia DMV Apply for a CDL or CLP
Virginia CDL applicants should study the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual and Virginia Supplement, then pass the computer-based General Knowledge exam with at least 80% correct. Virginia lists a $3 CLP, a $64 standard 8-year CDL with no endorsements, $1 per endorsement per year, a one-year nonrenewable CLP, a 14-day CLP holding period before most skills tests, and one CDL knowledge-test attempt per business day. FMCSA Part 383 supplies the federal knowledge areas and minimum passing standard.
Sample Virginia CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Virginia CDL General Knowledge exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 300+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In Virginia, who must take the CDL General Knowledge exam?
2What score is required to pass the Virginia CDL General Knowledge exam?
3How are Virginia CDL knowledge exams administered?
4How often may a Virginia applicant take CDL knowledge exams?
5What should be your primary study source for the Virginia CDL General Knowledge exam?
6Before a Virginia CLP can be issued, what must the applicant do?
7How long must most Virginia CLP holders wait before taking CDL skills tests?
8How long is a typical Virginia commercial learner's permit valid?
9What is the Virginia fee for a commercial learner's permit listed by DMV?
10What does Virginia DMV list for a standard CDL with no endorsements that is valid for eight years?
About the Virginia CDL General Knowledge Exam
The Virginia CDL General Knowledge test is the base written knowledge exam for Virginia commercial learner permit and commercial driver license applicants. Virginia DMV states that all commercial motor vehicle drivers for Class A, B, and C vehicles must take the General Knowledge exam, that questions come from the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual, and that applicants must answer at least 80% correctly. Virginia administers CDL knowledge exams by computer, allows only one attempt per business day, and lists Section 2-1 Driving Safely, Section 3-1 Transporting Cargo Safely, and the Virginia Supplement as core study material for Class A, B, and C applicants. Federal FMCSA rules require state CDL knowledge tests to measure the 49 CFR 383.111 knowledge areas, use valid and reliable test methods, contain at least 30 basic-knowledge items, and require at least 80% correct.
Questions
30 scored questions
Time Limit
No single published statewide time limit
Passing Score
80%
Exam Fee
$3 CLP; $64 standard 8-year CDL with no endorsements (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)
Virginia CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline
Virginia CDL and CLP Rules
General Knowledge requirement for Class A/B/C, computer-based testing, 80% passing score, once-per-business-day retest rule, CLP supervision, fees, validity, age requirements, and ELDT triggers
Vehicle Inspection
Approach inspection, engine compartment, cab checks, brakes, tires, wheels, steering, suspension, lights, mirrors, emergency equipment, cargo checks, and defect reporting
Basic Control and Speed Management
Backing, turning, off-tracking, shifting, stopping distance, curves, long downgrades, brake fade, escape ramps, and safe speed selection
Seeing, Communication, and Space
Scanning ahead, mirror use, blind spots, signaling, horn use, lane changes, following distance, side space, work zones, clearance, and route restrictions
Adverse Conditions, Emergencies, and Crossings
Night driving, fog, wet roads, hydroplaning, snow and ice, hot weather, crosswinds, tire failure, off-road recovery, emergency braking, skids, warning devices, fires, and railroad crossings
Cargo, Wellness, and Compliance
Cargo securement, weight distribution, blocking and bracing, cargo inspections, fatigue, illness, medication, alcohol and drug rules, FMCSA/state roles, and federal CDL testing standards
How to Pass the Virginia CDL General Knowledge Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 80%
- Exam length: 30 questions
- Time limit: No single published statewide time limit
- Exam fee: $3 CLP; $64 standard 8-year CDL with no endorsements
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 General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to take the Virginia CDL General Knowledge exam?
Virginia DMV states that all commercial motor vehicle drivers for Class A, Class B, and Class C vehicles must take the General Knowledge exam. Additional knowledge tests may be required for air brakes, combination vehicles, and endorsements.
What score do I need to pass the Virginia CDL General Knowledge exam?
Virginia DMV requires at least 80% correct on the General Knowledge exam. Federal CDL rules in 49 CFR 383.135 also use an 80% passing standard for CDL knowledge tests.
How much does a Virginia commercial learner's permit cost?
Virginia DMV lists the commercial learner's permit fee as $3. DMV also lists a standard CDL with no endorsements at $64 for eight years, and endorsements cost an additional $1 per year.
How long is a Virginia CLP valid?
Virginia DMV states that a Virginia commercial learner's permit is valid for one year and cannot be renewed. Applicants must reapply if the CLP expires.
How often can I retake Virginia CDL knowledge exams?
Virginia DMV says CDL knowledge exams may be taken only once per business day. If an applicant uses a cell phone during the exam, the exam is terminated and the applicant must wait until the next day to retest.
What should I study for the Virginia CDL General Knowledge test?
Use the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual and Virginia Supplement. Virginia DMV specifically lists Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, and the Virginia Supplement for Class A, B, and C applicants, and FMCSA Part 383 supplies the federal knowledge areas.