How To Get A CDL In Virginia: A Complete Guidelines

Want to start a career in commercial driving in Virginia? Getting a CDL is the first essential. But how to get a CDL in Virginia? This post gets you covered! In this post, we provide you with A to Z guidelines for obtaining a CDL, from basic requirements to the entire process. Follow these steps, and you can successfully get your Virginia CDL and hit the road. Scroll down for more!

What are the requirements for a Virginia CDL?

To be eligible for a CDL in Virginia, you must fulfill the following minimum requirements:

• Age: The applicant has to be at least 18 years old. However, if you are below 21, you will get only a “K” restriction, allowing only in-state driving and with no hazardous materials.
  License: You must have a valid driver’s license.
• Documents: Proof of identity, legal presence in the U.S., social security number verification, and two Virginia residency documents.
• Medical requirements: You must fulfill certain medical and physical requirements such as vision 20/40 or better in each eye, and no high blood pressure or heart condition. You can be required to obtain a Medical Examnier’s Certificate – MEC depending on vehicle type and endorsements.
• Commercial Learner’s Permit – CLP: You must have this permit at least 14 days before taking the road skills test.
• Training: Entry-Level Driver Training for first-time applicants of Class A or B CDL.
• Pass the skills test
• Driving record: No major offenses such as DUIs and reckless driving.

To learn more detailed requirements, you can read our post on Virginia CDL requirements.

How to get a CDL in Virginia

Have all Virginia requirements ready? Start your journey to get a Virginia CDL by following our detailed guidelines here:

Step 1. Apply for your CDL at a Virginia DMV

First, visit a local DMV to submit your CDL application. Make sure you have all the required documents on hand. Bring the original documents or certified copies since the Virginia DMV does not accept photocopies of any documents. Before you apply, make sure you meet the requirements for age and health to obtain a CDL, avoiding any delays in the process.

Step 2. Determine vehicle operation

Next, you must decide whether you will drive interstate – across state lines or intrastate – within Virginia. Your decision determines whether you are required to undergo the DOT physical, specifically:

• Non-excepted drivers: Those driving interstate and have to take the DOT medical exam. This examination involves a medical check for both vision and hearing and overall health. At the end of the test, you will be provided with a Medical Examiner’s Certification (MEC).
• Excepted drivers: Those driving intrastate and do not need a DOT medical exam.

Step 2. Take CDL written tests

To move forward with your CDL, the next step is passing the written test(s). You must pass the written knowledge tests based on the CDL class you want to drive and any endorsement you wish to add. Here are the major written CDL tests:

General knowledge test

This test is required for all commercial drivers. There are around 50 multiple-choice questions on road safety, defensive driving, vehicle control, basic vehicle checks, and hazards. To achieve the passing score, you must get an 80% mark.

Endorsement test

If you want to add endorsement to your CDL, you are required to take endorsement tests depending on the type of vehicle you will be handling, as follows:

Each test covers special skills or knowledge related to the endorsement, such as special driving practices or hazardous cargo or tank vehicle stability.

Air brake test

This test is required if your vehicle is equipped with an air brake system. This test has 25 questions about the operation of air brakes, identification of system faults, and the use of emergency procedures. You must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly to pass.

Combination vehicles test

This test is necessary if you intend on driving tractor-trailers, or any other type of combination vehicle. You will encounter 20 questions on coupling and uncoupling, rollover hazards, and safe manipulation of multi-unit vehicles. You must get an 80% score to pass this test.

After passing all required tests, you will be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit, CLP to practice driving a commercial vehicle under supervision.

Note: Get the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. Remember that the CLP is valid for 180 days. Upon expiration for over 30 days, you must take the test again.

Take Virginia CDL practice tests

Step 3. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training

Next, you must undergo the ELDT program if this is your first time CDL application. You will take the classroom and behind-the-wheel training provided by an FMCSA-approved training provider.

Note: Remember to complete the ELDT program before taking the skills test.

Step 4. Pass the CDL skills test

Passing the required CDL skills test shows that you can operate commercial vehicles safely. Here are a series of skills tests you must take to get a Virginia CDL:

Pre-trip inspection

This section shows your ability to recognize any problems before driving. You will take a vehicle inspection to make sure the vehicle is in a safe operating condition. The important parts you should check are:

• Brakes: You identify components of the brake system and explain their function
• Light and signals: You turn on all lights and check to make sure they all can be seen and work properly
• Tires and mirrors: You check the tire air pressure, tread, and proper positioning of the mirrors.

Basic vehicle control

This test is taken in an enclosed area to test your ability to maneuver the vehicle in a confined controlled environment. You will be required to demonstrate the following:

• Straight line backing: The backward movement in a straight line between cones or marked boundaries
• Offset backing: The backing in a slight offset to position the vehicle to enter a parking space
• Parallel parking: To be able to park vehicles within marked boundaries

These exercises simulate daily situations such as loading or unloading zones and test your precision and control within tight spaces.

On-road driving

This section is on public roads where you can prove that you are capable of handling real traffic conditions. In this section, you will be tested on:

• Traffic merging and land changing: To merge into the traffic and change lanes safely
• Turns and intersections: Proper execution of left and tight turns, observing blind spots.
• Following distance and speed control Keeping proper distance from the other vehicles, maintaining the speed limit, and changing speed according to weather conditions or road conditions.
• Traffic signs and signals compliance: Following and acting a all signs, signals, and road markings.

This practical over-the-road scenario proves your readiness for various conditions of traffic and your following driving laws which are the crucial bases for safe driving.

Step 5. Obtain your Virginia CDL

If you have successfully passed both written and skills tests, submit your CDL application to your nearest DMV with all necessary documentation and test results. Once the application has been received and processed, your CDL will be mailed to you. Please make sure that you provide the correct email address for the DMV to avoid delays in getting your CDL.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get your CDL in Virginia?

It generally takes you 3-6 weeks to get a Virginia CDL, depending on how quickly you can prepare all necessary documents and pass all the required tests.

To learn more about the estimated time for each step to get a Virginia CDL, you can check our post on “How long does it take to get a CDL in Virginia”.

2. What is the best way to get a CDL in Virginia?

By following the steps above, getting a CDL in Virginia is extremely easy. If you want to ensure your chances of success, you can enroll in a certified driving school to conduct training, since their curricula will also meet the standards within the state. Professional training can make your driving better and get you well-prepared for tests and regulations.

3. How hard is it to get a CDL in Virginia?

Obtaining a CDL in Virginia requires a great deal of both study and practice driving. Both the written knowledge and skills tests may be grueling if not properly prepared. But don’t too worry. Most certainly it is passable with the serious training and practice.

4. What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Virginia?

You can be banned from getting a CDL in Virginia for several violations. These included but are not limited to:

• DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or committing a felony while operating any commercial vehicle
• Serious traffic violations such as reckless driving or excessive speeding
• Violating an out-of-service order
• Crossing the railroad-highway grade

To learn more detailed violations and times of disqualifications, you can read our post on Virginia CDL disqualifications.

5. Can I get a CDL in Virginia without going to school?

Yes, you can get a CDL without attending a truck driving school. However, your process will be much easier if you have a reliable roadmap and instructions. Therefore, CDL Prep provides you with 100% online materials and practice tests to get you ready without taking any courses in driving schools. Give it a try and you will definitely love it.

6. How hard is it to get a CDL in Virginia?

Obtaining a CDL in Virginia requires a great deal of both study and practice driving. Both the written knowledge and skills tests may be grueling if not properly prepared. But don’t too worry. Most certainly it is passable with the serious training and practice.

7. How much does it cost to get a Virginia CDL?

The cost of a Virginia is based on the type of license and endorsements you apply for. According to the Virginia DMV, some common fees are:

• $64 for a standard CDL that is valid for 8 years
• $3 for a CLP
• $1 per year for each added endorsement

Refer to our post on How much a CDL in Virginia costs for a more detailed fee breakdown.

Final thought

Now you have an answer to the question “How to get a CDL in Virginia?” If you properly prepare for all requirements head-on, and follow our step-by-step guide, you can move through the process with smoothness and efficiency. Remember to utilize your free practice tests on CDL Prep to be well-prepared. Good luck on your journey to get your CDL and become a commercial driver in Virginia!