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Virginia · Permit test

Virginia CDL permit test

To drive a commercial vehicle in Virginia you start with a commercial learner's permit (CLP). Every applicant passes the CDL general knowledge exam with at least 80%, plus extra exams for air brakes, combination vehicles or endorsements. You must be 18 to drive within Virginia and 21 to cross state lines. The CLP costs $3, as of October 2026.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

The CDL knowledge exams

  • Everyone takes the general knowledge exam, and you need at least 80% to pass.
  • Add air brakes, combination vehicles (Class A), or the H, N, P, S and T endorsement exams as needed. Skip air brakes and you get a restriction to vehicles without them.
  • Exams are on a computer, once per business day. Using a phone ends the exam.
  • Most come in several languages. The hazmat exam is English only, with no translator or oral version.
  • A pass is good for one year.

Practicing for the CDL test

DMV doesn't post a CDL practice test. Study the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual (DMV 60A) for your class and endorsements, along with the Virginia supplement (DMV 60V). The 20 questions on this site are for the car permit test. Several sites in our study guide have free CDL practice by section, including hazmat.

Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual (PDF) ↗Virginia supplement (PDF) ↗

From CLP to CDL

  1. Meet the normal Virginia license requirements and certify your type of commercial driving for the medical rules.
  2. Pass the knowledge exams and get your CLP ($3, valid one year, not renewable).
  3. Hold the CLP at least 14 days. A licensed CDL driver for that vehicle type must ride with you.
  4. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) if you've never held a CDL. It's required before the Class A or B road skills test and the hazmat exam.
  5. Pass the CDL skills tests. A CDL costs $8 a year, $64 for eight years, plus $1 a year per endorsement.

Who can't apply right now

As of October 2026, Virginia DMV has stopped issuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs, after a federal rule of September 29, 2025, and it has no date to restart. Hazmat endorsements also need a background check and fingerprints ($83).

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewVirginia DMV permit testAppointmentsBooking a Virginia DMV appointmentWhat to bringWhat to bring for a Virginia permit, license or IDOnline testCan you take the Virginia permit test online?Road testThe Virginia DMV road skills testDriver's licenseHow to get a Virginia driver's license45-hour logThe Virginia 45-hour driving logDMV officesVirginia DMV offices and phone numberLost or renewLost, replacing or renewing a Virginia licenseDMV formsVirginia DMV forms for a permit and licenseMotorcycleVirginia motorcycle permit and licenseOther languagesTaking the Virginia permit test in Spanish or another languageRoad signsThe Virginia road signs testRetakesFailed the Virginia permit test? Retake rulesDriver's manualThe Virginia Driver's ManualPractice testVirginia DMV practice testWhere to learnWhere to study for the Virginia permit test
Sources: Virginia DMV and 3 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.