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

Select the true statement about handling triples and doubles:

triples and doubles handle the same as singles

a tip over of the rear trailer can occur due to sudden movements of the steering wheel

because of the crack the whip effect, the rear trailer of a 100-foot triple is less likely to tip over

due to off-tracking, a triple bottom rig can come to a stop faster than a 5-axle tractor

2 / 40

Select the false statement about suspension:

Check for shifted, missing, or cracked leaf springs.

Check to make sure torsion bars and/or arms are lubricated.

Check for broken or cracked spring hangers.

Check for distorted or broken coil springs.

3 / 40

What is the value of the overhead rear-view mirror inside of the bus?

To check blind spots.

To monitor the driver's appearance.

To monitor passenger activity.

To provide visibility directly in the back of the bus.

4 / 40

Select the correct setup for shut-off valves:

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

the front and back shut-off valves are open

the front and back shut-off valves are closed

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

5 / 40

Five hazard classes that require placarding in any amount are ______.

explosives 11, corrosive 8, flammable 3, explosives 14, and poison 61

corrosive 4, hazardous 14, flammable 2, explosives 7, and radioactive 12

none of these answers are correct

poison gas 23, dangerous when wet 43, explosives 13, explosives 12, and explosives 11

6 / 40

What color and shape is the trailer air supply control?

it is a square knob that is yellow

it is an 8-sided knob that is red

it is a square knob that is red

it is a triangle-shaped knob that is red

7 / 40

You are driving a 40 foot truck at 35 MPH, how much space (in seconds) should you keep in front of you?

5 seconds

4 seconds

6 seconds

3 seconds

8 / 40

Which of these statements about speed management and braking is true?

The total stopping distance of a bus is the distance it takes to stop once the brakes are applied.

The posted speed limit will always allow you to stop safely.

Stopping time increases by one second for each 10 mph over 20 mph.

You need about four times as much stopping distance at 40 mph as at 20 mph.

9 / 40

Select the true statement:

light vehicles require more braking power than heavier vehicles

a bobtail tractor will take longer to stop than a combination vehicle that is loaded to the max

wait to brake heavy vehicles for as long as you can

you should always ride the brakes

10 / 40

What method should be used to test that the air is flowing to all the trailers?

check the pressure indicator dial on the final trailer

pump the brakes with the windows down

only a certified mechanic can check for this

listen for air flow after opening the shutoff valves at the rear of the last trailer

11 / 40

Which of the following is a clue another driver is impaired:

Open window in warm weather.

Stopping at a green light, or waiting too long at a stop.

Exiting the interstate when there's no gas station visible.

All of these answers are correct.

12 / 40

Make sure____when the front trailer supports are up and the trailer is sitting on the tractor.

there is enough space for clearance between the nose of the trailer and the tops of the tractor tires

neither of the answers listed

both of the answers listed

there is enough space for clearance between the landing gear and the tractor frame

13 / 40

If a rider wants to bring a car battery or a can of gasoline or kerosene aboard your bus, you should:

Have the rider pay a second fare.

Put the materials in the bus's "safe box".

Instruct the rider to sit next to an open window.

Not allow the rider to do it.

14 / 40

How often should you drain your air tanks?

at the beginning of each month

at the end of each shift

at the end of each week

at the end of each trip

15 / 40

There are 2 reasons as to why hauling liquids take special care. One reason is the ___center of gravity.

low

high

narrow

long

16 / 40

What is the purpose of a driver placarding his or her vehicle?

Forcing other drivers to stay 20 feet away in every direction.

Warning those with children to drive in another lane.

Giving people something interesting to look at while driving.

Communicating risk.

17 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to stopping distance and speed:

You require 4 times as much stopping distance when driving at 40 mph compared to 20 mph.

A wet road will double the stopping distance at any speed.

Larger / heavier vehicles generally take longer to stop.

All answers listed.

18 / 40

What should you do if you start a trailer skid?

release the brakes to get traction back

slowly apply a firm pressure to the brakes

use your trailer hand brake

quickly step on the brakes

19 / 40

Which of the following is a recommended procedure when unloading the students?

Put the transmission in neutral gear and put on the brakes.

Position yourself outside of the bus in front of crossover mirror to supervise unloading.

Tell students to remain seated until they are told to exit.

Let the students begin moving to the front of the bus before it's fully stopped to maximize efficiency.

20 / 40

If there is not a sight glass to check the oil level you are required to look for leaks around the _____.

wheel rims

transmission

brake pads

axle seals/hub oil

21 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to the liquid inside of a bulk tank causing a tank truck to roll sideways.

It can occur even when driving at the posted speed limit.

It can occur even with baffles inside that slow the flow.

It can occur when driving through a curve.

All answers listed.

22 / 40

Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs. However, buses must never carry:

More than 1000 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials, and no more than 200 pounds of any one class.

More than 750 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials, and no more than 100 pounds of any one class.

More than 500 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials, and no more than 100 pounds of any one class.

More than 250 pounds total of all allowed hazardous materials.

23 / 40

In what position should the converter dolly air tank drain valve be in for double trailer combination?

in a closed position

in an open position

in a 1/3 open position

in a halfway closed position

24 / 40

What is the best way to prevent brakes form overheating while drive down a steep grade?

use the trailer brakes only

use the stab braking method

drive at a speed of 5 mph below your safe speed

use countersteering practices

25 / 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.

Loaded in an upright or horizontal position.

All of these answers are correct.

Loaded into racks attached to the vehicle.

26 / 40

The pintle hook should be_____ and the converter dolly air tank drain valve is___when doing a walk around inspection of a triple or double trailer.

latched, open

free, closed

free, open

latched, closed

27 / 40

Select the true statement about tractor protection valve:

all of these answers are correct

if the air supply drops to a certain level it will automatically close itself

it is closed by the parking brakes

it provides the air supply to the brake system

28 / 40

To maintain alertness during the trip, drivers should:

schedule trips during the daytime hours

all of these answers are correct

avoid medications that cause drowsiness

get 8-9 hours of sleep

29 / 40

The reason a bulk liquid tanker is hard to handle is:

Because of the high friction point.

Because the cargo has a high density.

Because the cargo has a high center of gravity.

Because the cargo has a low center of gravity.

30 / 40

What is most likely to occur when the front wheels begin to skid?

A roll over will occur.

You will continue heading in a straight line and moving forward no matter what direction you turn the steering wheel.

The power of the surge will disconnect the tank from the truck.

All answers listed.

31 / 40

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

The fifth wheel

The platform

The catwalk

The locking kingpin

32 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the axles in place

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the steering wheel tight

keep the load secure

33 / 40

Mirrors with a convex surface or "spot" mirrors _____.

they show a larger area than flat mirrors so do not need to be checked as often

are illegal in most states

make things look farther away and smaller than they actually are

make things look closer and larger than they actually are

34 / 40

Check to ensure that____when inspecting the coupling.

there is minimal slack in the air lines

the landing gear handle is free to hang down

the electrical cable is unplugged

there is no slack at all in the air lines

35 / 40

Which of the following are possible causes of tire fires?

poor cargo ventilation or short circuits

improperly loaded cargo and dual tires that touch

loose fuel connections or under-inflated tires

dual tires that touch and under-inflated tires

36 / 40

What keeps air in the tanks should the air compressor develop a leak?

the tractor relay valve

the engine protection valve

the air compressor

the one-way check vavle

37 / 40

Some hazardous materials may not be loaded together with other hazardous materials. The prohibited combinations are listed in the:

List of hazardous materials and reportable quantities.

Hazardous materials table.

Hazardous waste manifest.

Segregation and separation chart.

38 / 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 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

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

39 / 40

There should be ___space between the upper and lower fifth wheel after coupling.

1/12 inch

1/8 inch

1/30 inch

none of the answers listed

40 / 40

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

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

Nothing will occur.

The tank will roll over.

The surge will disconnect the tank from the truck.

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