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

Your bus is disabled. With riders aboard, the bus may be towed or pushed to a safe place only:

By a 27,000 lbs gvwr or larger tow truck.

If getting off the bus would be more risky for the riders.

If the distance is less than 500 yards.

By another bus with its four-way flashers on.

2 / 40

There must not be more than_____for engine compartment belts.

3/4 inch of play at the center of the belt

1/2 inch of play at the end of the belts

1/4 inch of play at the ends of the belt

1/2 inch of play at the center of the belt

3 / 40

Which hazard classes must you NEVER smoke, or perform any activity involving fire, within 25 feet of?

Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4

Class 4 only

Class 2 only

Class 1 only

4 / 40

Tires should should be replaced:

all of these answers are correct

if the tread depth on your front tires is less than 4/32 deep

when the tread separates

when there are broken valve stems

5 / 40

Which trailer is more likely to roll over when pulling 3 trailers?

the second trailer

the tractor

the first trailer

the last trailer

6 / 40

Why do air brakes take longer to stop than hydraulic brakes?

none of the answers listed

the lines are hotter

it takes more time for the air to flow through the lines

longer reaction time

7 / 40

How do you know when your brakes are fading?

to control your speed on a downgrade you have to push harder on the brake pedal

your speed increases when pressure is removed from the brake pedal

the brake pedal flops to the cabin floor

to control your speed on a downgrade you have to apply less pressure to the break pedal

8 / 40

You are inspecting the_____when looking for broken welds, cracks, holes, or other damage to the longitudinal frame member, cross members, box, and floor.

catwalk

frame

fifth wheel

apron

9 / 40

Anti-lock brakes:

Are not available in mosst busses.

Lengthen stopping distance.

Keep your wheels from locking during hard brake application.

Work only when you activate in-cab switch.

10 / 40

When there is a hazardous materials emergency. You should:

Prevent smoking and keep open flames away.

All of these answers are correct.

Keep people away and warn them of the danger.

Contact emergency authorities.

11 / 40

Secure baggage and freight in ways that avoid damage and:

Protect riders from injury if carry-ons fall or shift.

Allow the driver to move freely and easily.

Allow riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency.

All of these answers are correct.

12 / 40

You should place the starter switch key into your pocket while you are performing the pre-trip inspection because:

someone could start and move the truck

all of these answers are correct

someone could steal the truck

it could damage the starting mechanism

13 / 40

How many seats may be placed in the aisle if the bus is a charter and is carrying agricultural (farm) workers?

14 / 40

This object releases the fifth wheel locking jaw to allow uncoupling.

The locking pins

The arm bar

The release arm

The apron

15 / 40

Select the factor that is known to cause brakes to fail or fade. (more than one answer may be correct, but select only one)

brakes that are not aligned properly

excessive heat from extensive use

tire retread that is mismatched

when using the engine brake more than the brakes

16 / 40

You may use DANGEROUS placards instead of separate placards for each Table 2 hazard class when:

The correct answer is not listed.

You have not loaded 2,205 pounds or more of any table 2 hazard class material at any one place (you must use the specific placard for this material).

You have 1,001 pounds or more of two or more table 2 hazard classes, requiring different placards.

Both of these conditions must be met.

17 / 40

What is a technical name?

The name for a hazardous material used in scientific journals and texts, recognized as its chemical and microbiological name.

The name for a hazardous material most commonly used on the street.

The medical term for hazardous materials used by medical personnel.

The name for a hazardous material most commonly used in the trucking community, accepted as standard.

18 / 40

At what pressure is the safety valve in the air compressor tank set to open?

225 psi

150 psi

100 psi

125 psi

19 / 40

How do you check the air compressor governor "cut in" and "cut out" pressures?

decrease the tank pressure by stepping on and off the brake

all of these answers are correct

run the engine at a fast idle

monitor the air pressure gauge

20 / 40

It is good practice to_____when uncoupling.

make sure the electrical cable is hanging with the plug end down

all answers are appropriate

have the glad hands coupled together

have the glad hands coupled to the dummy couplers

21 / 40

Select the statement that best describes what the trailer air supply control does:

when pushed in it supplies the trailer with air and when you pull it out it shuts off the air supply and puts on the trailer emergency brakes

when pulled out it supplies the trailer with air and when pushed in it shuts off the air and puts on the trailer emergency brakes

when pushed in it supplies the tractor with air and when pulled out it supplies the trailer with air

when pushed it it supplies the trailer with air and when pulled out it supplies the tractor with air

22 / 40

What type fire extinguisher is required in the power unit of a placarded vehicle?

A ul rating of 5 b/c or above.

A ul rating of 10 b/c or above.

A ul rating of 15 abc.

Any of these are acceptable.

23 / 40

An example of a low pressure warning signal for air brakes is:

a wig wag mechanical arm

red light

all of these answers are correct

a buzzer

24 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the axles in place

keep the load secure

keep the brake drums from failing

25 / 40

Select the statement that best describes what the service line is for.

all answers listed

it is controlled by the trailer hand brake and carries air

it is controlled by the foot brake or trailer hand brake and carries air

it is controlled by the foot brake and carries air

26 / 40

Select the two reasons as to why special care is needed when driving a tank vehicle:

The chance of rollover and of spontaneous combustion.

None of the answers listed.

The danger of surge and the high center of gravity.

The danger of surge and the low center of gravity.

27 / 40

You should___when driving down a long steep hill.

repeatedly pump the brake pedal

release the brake once the vehicle is traveling 5 mph below the safe speed

begin braking once the vehicle is 10 mph above safe speed

use the engine brakes only

28 / 40

How much space should you see between the lower and upper fifth wheel when checking the coupling of a converter dolly?

it depends on how heavy the load is

none

1 to 1 1/2 inches

1/2 to 1 inch

29 / 40

____is what can legally hold the parking brake or emergency brake in position for a bus, truck, or truck tractor.

Brake pressure

Air pressure

Spring pressure

All of these answers are correct

30 / 40

Select the true statement about seeing ahead.

many individuals do not look far enough ahead while driving

all answers listed

good drivers will shift their attention from far and near and back and forth

you should look up to 1/4 mile ahead when driving at highway speeds

31 / 40

Animals and human foodstuffs should not be loaded in the same vehicle with?

Flammable gases

Explosives

Flammable liquids

Poisons

32 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to large combination vehicles taking longer to stop.

they take longer to stop than bobtail tractors

they take longer to stop when loaded down

they take longer to stop when they are empty

they take the same amount of time to stop when empty or loaded

33 / 40

A "transport index" relates to products that are:

Overweight

Radioactive

Liquid

Meant for human consumption

34 / 40

What does the amount of liquid you can carry depend on?

The outage of the liquid.

The center of gravity.

The vehicle's horsepower rating.

The material the baffles are made from.

35 / 40

Why should you use chocks when parking a trailer without spring brakes?

to prevent a runaway trailer

the trailer wheels are free to turn as there will be no emergency brakes should the air supply in the trailer air tank leak

the trailer wheels are free to turn as there will be no service brakes should the air supply in the trailer air tank leak

to prevent someone from stealing the vehicle

36 / 40

You are required to have a tank endorsement when transporting:

Gas or liquid

Bulk fertilizer

Materials that are hazardous

Passengers

37 / 40

You should_____to make an emergency stop with air brakes when using the stab braking method.

apply pressure to the brake pedal until the wheels lock and then stay off of the pedal for as long as the wheels are locked

apply a firm pressure to the brakes, release the brake pedal once the wheels lock and then apply pressure to the brakes onces the wheels start rolling again

rapidly and lightly pump the brake pedal

apply a full hand valve until you stop and press firmly on the brake pedal

38 / 40

You should brake on a long steep downgrade hill as a supplement to the braking effects of the engine

when the vehicle is runaway

yes

when the GVCW is above 20,000 lbs

39 / 40

Where can you find a shipper’s certification?

On all packages.

On the original shipping paper.

It is a separate document that all hazmat drivers must keep in their vehicles.

There is no such thing.

40 / 40

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

anti-lock braking systems (ABS) only activate when wheels are about to lock

stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency

if a tire blows, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly

you can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop

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