virginia
CDL Practice Test

Use this site as a guide to help you prepare for the CDL test in Virginia. Questions on our CDL knowledge exams come from sections of the Virginia DMV CDL manual. You can take these practice test questions as many times as you like, as the site is free to use. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is a 50-minute time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 40

Vehicle handling can become unsafe if the weight is not properly balanced. Hard steering can be caused by:

under loaded front axles

too much weight on the steering axles

high center of gravity

too little weight on the driving axles

2 / 40

The trailer height is correct for connecting a converter dolly to a second or third trailer when:

all answers listed

the kingpin is over the fifth wheel

the center of the kingpin is past the locking jaw

the trailer will rise slightly when the converter dolly is backed underneath it

3 / 40

The main reason you should pull the dolly out from under a trailer before disconnecting it from the trailer in front is:

removing the dolly before uncoupling is not the correct procedure

to provide additional lateral stabilization to the front trailer

it is possible that the dolly tow bar could fly up making it difficult to re-couple

so the rear-trailer's air brake system will stay charged and keep the trailer wheels locked to prevent rolling

4 / 40

How many different hazard classes are there?

5 / 40

If you must stop on the shoulder of the road, you should place warning devices at all of the following places except...

on the other side of a divided highway

about 100 feet behind your vehicle

about 100 feet in front of your vehicle

within 10 feet of the front or rear corners

6 / 40

If you park the trailer at an angle to the tractor when uncoupling:

you will have more space to maneuver in the lot

you won't have to take as many steps around the vehicle

damage could occur to the landing gear

the process will be faster and easier

7 / 40

A vehicle placarded for Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives:

May be left unattended in a safe haven.

May never be parked on private property.

May never be left unattended under any condition.

May not be parked on the cosignee's property.

8 / 40

How should the hand valve be used?

only in conjuction with the foot brake

to test the trailer brakes

when the trailer is fully loaded down

only in emergency situations

9 / 40

Select the purpose of fanning air brakes:

it cools them down

it decreases the braking power

it increases the air pressure

lower air pressure

10 / 40

How do you check the power steering fluid?

Via the power steering fluid dipstick.

Via indicator light on the dashboard.

Undo the oil fill cap and check the level.

By looking through the reservoir sight glass.

11 / 40

For Division 1.1 or 1.2 Explosives A, should the floor liner required be stainless steel?

Any type of floor liner is sufficient

Yes

Never use a floor liner for any explosive class

12 / 40

You should be in the proper gear before going down a hill because:

it builds up the air pressure in the air tanks

brakes may fail or fade from excessive heat due to relying on them too much and not using the engine brake effect

it helps control your speed better

water may build up in the air tanks if you do not rely on the engine brake

13 / 40

What is incorrect concerning disruptive passengers?

It may be safer to wait and discharge the disruptive passenger at the next scheduled stop or a well-lighted area where there are other people.

Don't discharge such riders where it would be unsafe for them.

You must remove the disruptive passenger immediately for the safety of the others.

You must ensure the disurptive rider's safety as well as that of others.

14 / 40

Which of the following materials would be an acceptable floor liner for moving Division 1.1 or 1.2 materials?

Stainless steel

Non-ferrous metal

Carbon steel

All of these answers are correct

15 / 40

Your vehicle is going down a long hill and your brakes begin to fail. What should you do?

look for an escape ramp or an escape route

downshift

put the gears in neutral

pump the brake pedal

16 / 40

How should the trailer be lined up when preparing to back the tractor up?

about 12 degrees to the right

about 12 degrees to the left

directly behind the trailer

directly in front of the trailer

17 / 40

Why is understanding the loading and unloading procedures so critical?

Because only high school students understand how to cross the road.

Because many students are killed while getting on and off a school bus each year.

Because school district officials have the authority to conduct surprise quizzes and you must know the correct answers to keep your job.

Because motorists ignore students walking to school.

18 / 40

Cylinders containing compressed gases may only be loaded onto a vehicle without a flat floor or platform if the cylinders are:

In boxes that will keep them from turning over.

All of these answers are correct.

Loaded into racks attached to the vehicle.

Loaded in an upright or horizontal position.

19 / 40

You should line up_____when getting ready to back under the trailer.

directly in front of the trailer

about 12 degrees to the left of the trailer

for the kingpin to activate on the driver's side first

above 12 degrees to the right of the trailer

20 / 40

If you have riders on board, you must never refuel:

At any time.

With any window open.

In a closed building.

Unless on a scenic tour bus.

21 / 40

Select the correct setup for shut-off valves:

the front shut-off valves are closed and the rear trailer valves are open

the front and back shut-off valves are closed

the front and back shut-off valves are open

the rear shut-off valves are closed and the front trailer valves are open

22 / 40

Why is the proper adjustment and use of all mirrors so vital to the safe operation of the school bus?

In order to observe the danger zones around the bus and look for the students, traffic, and other objects in this area.

In order to clear up blind spots around the bus.

In order to see if small vehicles are driving in the bus blind spots.

In order to observe the danger zones around the bus.

23 / 40

At a railroad crossing, the bus is required to stop at the stop line. If there is no clearly marked stop line, what is the required minimum and maximum stopping distance?

No closer than 10 feet and no further than 40 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 10 feet and no further than 60 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 15 feet and no further than 50 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

No closer than 15 feet and no further than 30 feet, where you have the best view of the tracks.

24 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable type of marking for hazardous materials?

Identification number

Descriptive name in roman print

Un marks

Name in italics

25 / 40

The two main things to look ahead for while driving are _____.

traffic and road conditions

bridges and tunnels

fire and flooding

truck stops and police

26 / 40

What are spring brakes?

they are large springs that are held closed by air pressure if the air pressure is increased the brakes are applied

none of the answers listed

they are powerful springs that are restrained by air pressure when the air pressure is removed, the brakes are applied

they are big springs with air pressure in them if the air pressure decreases, the brakes are applied

27 / 40

Which of the following must be closed while the bus is in motion?

Windows

Both hatches

Emergency windows

Roof vents

28 / 40

Which of the following about the front tires on a commercial bus is true?

Can be regrooved or recapped as long as they have 4/32 tread depth.

Can be recapped, but never regrooved.

Must not have recapped or regrooved tires.

Must not be recapped, but can be regrooved.

29 / 40

A tractor should not be backed under a trailer until the whole air system is:

is between 40 and 60 psi

at a normal pressure

is at half of the maximum pressure

is between 50 and 80 psi

30 / 40

What is always required before loading, driving, or unloading a tanker?

Registration of driving plan

An inspection

Clean the vehicle

Shift into park

31 / 40

You must first______to supply air to the trailer.

turn off the engine so you can hear the brakes

cross the air lines to check for the presence of leaks

pull out the tractor protection valve

push in the tractor protection valve

32 / 40

To maintain alertness during the trip, drivers should:

schedule trips during the daytime hours

all of these answers are correct

get 8-9 hours of sleep

avoid medications that cause drowsiness

33 / 40

What is most likely to occur when driving a tanker truck and the front wheels begin to skid?

The surge will disconnect the tank from the truck.

Nothing will occur.

The tank will roll over.

No matter how you steer, you will continue in a straight line.

34 / 40

Select the statement of what you should not do if you are required to drive through flowing water or deep puddles.

drive at a high speed

quickly turn the steering wheel side to side

shift into a lower gear

increase engine rpm

35 / 40

This component should be checked that it is solid, securely bolted to the tracture frame, and clear of objects.

The catwalk

The fifth wheel

The locking kingpin

The platform

36 / 40

Select the definition of "off-tracking."

it is when the rear wheels of the vehicle follow a different path way than that of the front wheels

it is when the trailer wheels go in a different direction from the front wheels

none of the answers listed

it is wheen the rear wheel skid and the front wheels maintain a straight path

37 / 40

What gauge on the dashboard indicates electrical system charging rate?

The power gauge

The ammeter/voltmeter

The coolant pressure gauge

The air gauge

38 / 40

What will occur if you cross the connect the air lines?

the tractor will not be able to move

nothing will occur, it'll funciton as normal

there will not be air going to the trailer brakes

the tractor brakes will lock up

39 / 40

To prevent a roll over a driver can 1) keep the cargo as low to the ground as possible and 2) _____.

take turns slowly

drive while intoxicated

have the brakes properly adjusted

have the fifth wheel's free play as tight as possible

40 / 40

Do converter dollies have spring brakes?

yes

none of the answers listed

some do

Your score is

The average score is 65%

5/5 - (1 vote)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A virginia Commercial Drivers License

To be eligible for a CDL in Virginia, applicants must meet the following age eligibility requirements.

Be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle intrastate (within Virginia only).
Be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle interstate (outside of Virginia).

Virginia CDL applicants must be certified that they are medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle and pass a vision test. Applicants are required to submit the following documents.

(Form 649-F) Medical Examiner Report
(Form DL-8) Commercial Driver’s License Self-Certification (This form must be completed by a FMCSA-approved medical examiner.

Interstate non-excepted (drivers who do not work for the state or federal governments) must meet federal DOT requirements. Intrastate non-excepted drivers must meet the state requirements.

Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled are not eligible for a CDL in Virginia. Applicants can be disqualified for having multiple licenses.

Virginia CDL Endorsements

H – Hazmat Vehicles
N – Tank Vehicles
P – Passenger Vehicles
S – School Bus
T – Double or Triple Trailer
X – Combination Tank Vehicles and Hazmat Vehicles

Hit the Open Road

virginia CDL License Test Tips

All Virginia CDL applicants must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. To pass the Virginia test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The Virginia skills test can be taken 14 days after applicants pass the knowledge test if applicants have never applied for a CDL before and they pass a state-approved driver education program. It includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and on-road driving. Applicants must pass each section.

Military veterans and current military members can apply to have the skills exam waived if they meet the requirements. To qualify for a waiver, applicants must:

Be an active member of the military.
Possess a valid Virginia driver’s license.
Have operate a commercial vehicle as part of their military duties.
Have been recently discharged from the military.

Additional Information

Information on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administers CDL license testing and regulations in Virginia. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#whatiscdl.asp

Phone: 804.497.7100

Additional Virginia CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access Virginia CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of Virginia.

virginia CDL Practice Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A virginia Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

virginia CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Additional Virginia CDL Helpful Links

virginia
CDL Practice Test