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

The Emergency Response Guide, ERG, can best be explained as _____.

none of these answers are correct

a guidebook for firefighters, police, industry workers, truck drivers, dock workers, and shippers on how to protect themselves and the public from hazardous materials

a guide explaining what materials can be hauled together in the same vehicle and a guidebook for firefighters, police, and industry workers on how to protect themselves and the public from hazardous materials

a guide explaining what materials can be hauled together in the same vehicle

2 / 40

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

the tractor relay valve

the engine protection valve

the one-way check vavle

the air compressor

3 / 40

The baffles in a tank trailer help to control:

The overall weight of the vehicle.

The distrubition of weight.

The flow of liquid side to side.

The movement of liquid from front to back.

4 / 40

When stopped on a divided highway where should your reflectors be placed?

30 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic

20 feet, 150 feet, and 300 feet toward the approaching traffic

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic

15 feet, 75 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic

5 / 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 low center of gravity.

Because the cargo has a high center of gravity.

6 / 40

Select the true statement about dual air brake systems.

there is a single set of brake controls

all of these answers are correct

one system controls the front axle and the other controls the rear axle

there is a primary system and a secondary system

7 / 40

To test the security of the tractor semi trailer connection you should:

look at it carefully after pulling forward gently in a low gear against the locked trailer brakes

put the tractor in a high gear and quickly pull ahead

with the trailer brakes locked, rock the trailer back and forth

you don't need to check it

8 / 40

You should check the_____when loading small tanks equipped with bulkheads.

percentage of water

fuel to air ratio

distribution of the weight

expansion rate

9 / 40

Select the true statement about dual air brake systems:

they require less time to build up air pressure

they have a single set of air tanks and hoses

they have one set of controls for two air brake systems

they are required to have two warning alarms

10 / 40

If there is rust around the nuts, what may it indicate?

They are fitted just right.

They are loose.

There is a leak somewhere.

They need to be changed out.

11 / 40

Select when you should use the parking brake:

when you are leaving your vehicle for more than an hour

with rare exception, every time you leave your vehicle

when in residential areas

each time you leave your vehicle for any amount of time

12 / 40

If your bus is equipped with an emergency exit door, it must:

Always have a red door light turned on.

All of these answers are correct.

Not have any signs, stickers, or markings near it.

Be secured when the bus is being driven.

13 / 40

You must first______to supply air to the trailer.

turn off the engine so you can hear the brakes

pull out the tractor protection valve

cross the air lines to check for the presence of leaks

push in the tractor protection valve

14 / 40

While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?

low beams

emergency flashers

high beams

novelty lights

15 / 40

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

Spring pressure

All of these answers are correct

Brake pressure

Air pressure

16 / 40

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

A ul rating of 15 abc.

Any of these are acceptable.

A ul rating of 5 b/c or above.

A ul rating of 10 b/c or above.

17 / 40

Select the correct description for a bulkhead tank.

They are divided down into smaller tanks.

They are divided with holes to allow liquid to flow through controlling surge.

None of the answers listed.

It is one large tank.

18 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to unhooking the pintle hook while the converter dolly is still under the trailer.

this is recommended as it is standard procedure

this is recommended because it keeps the trailer from tipping over

this is not recommended as it could could cause damage to the pintle hook

this is not recommended because it may result in injury

19 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to as why you should make sure the fifth wheel plate is greased as recommended:

To prevent any steering problems.

To make sure the electrical connections are good.

To make sure that uncoupling easier.

To decease heat and noise.

20 / 40

While completing the 1st component of the air brake check you are required to fully push down on the foot brake and _____.

none of the answers listed

see if the air pressure drops more than 3 lbs in a minute while holding it down for that full minute in a single vehicle

both of the answers listed

see if the air pressure drops more than 4 lbs in a minute while holding it down for a full minute in a combination vehicle

21 / 40

When should you check your mirrors for a lane change?

Before and after signaling the change.

After completing the lane change.

Right after starting the lane change.

All of these answers are correct.

22 / 40

Select the true statement about convex ("spot") mirrors.

you do not need to look at them as often as flat mirrors

they are against the law in the majority of states

they make things look farther away and smaller than they actually are

they make things closer and larger than they really are

23 / 40

How can you check slack adjusters?

it is not possible to check manually

by pulling hard on each slack adjuster

by frequently checking the pressure gauge

by using a fixed wrench

24 / 40

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

Stainless steel

All of these answers are correct

Non-ferrous metal

Carbon steel

25 / 40

Liquid surge affects the handling of a tanker by:

Allowing you to stop faster.

Allowing you to take tighter turns.

Decreasing the wind drag.

Moving the truck in the direction of liquid flow.

26 / 40

One reason hauling liquids in tank vehciles require special care is:

Because of the movement of the liquid.

Because of uneven expansion.

Because of strong winds.

Because of the extreme weight.

27 / 40

Select which is not an engine compartement belt:

An air compressor belt

A power steering belt

A water pump belt

A safety belt

28 / 40

What position should the heaviest trailer be in when pulling 3 trailers?

it makes no difference

in the back

in the middle

in the front

29 / 40

Where are shut-off valves located?

at the back of the trailer

at the front of the trailer

either at the front or the back of the trailer

at the front and back of the trailer

30 / 40

Select the definition for outage:

It is loss of power to the headlights.

It is how much power is lost to the hydraulics.

It is the process of liquid expansion as it becomes warm.

It is the liquid that must be drained off to meet legal carry limit.

31 / 40

Urban mass transit coaches may have a brake and accelerator interlock system. Which of the following statements is true?

The interlock releases when you close the rear door.

The interlock applies the brakes and holds the throttle in idle position when the rear door is open.

All of these answers are correct.

Do not use this safety feature in place of the parking brake.

32 / 40

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

More than 250 pounds total of all allowed hazardous materials.

More than 1000 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials, and no more than 200 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 750 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials, and no more than 100 pounds of any one class.

33 / 40

A driver that hauls hazardous materials must attend training every:

2 years

1 year

3 years

None of these answers are correct

34 / 40

The best way to have control on curves is:

you do not need to do anything different

keep pressure on the brake pedal through the turn

to decrease to your safe speed before entering the curve and then accelerate through it

to shift to a lower gear before entering the curve

35 / 40

A baffled tanker has:

Bulkheads with holes that allow liquid to flow through it.

Separate compartments inside the trailer.

No side to side surge.

Balls floating in it to increase the speed of the liquid movement.

36 / 40

The gauge that needs to come up to normal levels after starting the engine within a few seconds is _____.

blood pressure

oil temperature

oil pressure

air brake pressure

37 / 40

The best way to test if the spring brakes come on automatically is to:

apply pressure on and off the brake pedal until the parking valve pops out on single vehicles

apply pressure on and off the brake pedal until the manufacturer's low psi specification has been met for the spring brakes to deploy

apply pressure on and off the brake pedal until the parkng brake valve pops out on tractor-trailer vehicles

all of these answers are correct

38 / 40

What are some of the important parts in the steering system?

main spring, axle, spring shackle

tie rod, spindle, pitman arm

leaf spring, vehicle frame, torque rod

rim, lug nuts, tire

39 / 40

What is the first thing to do if your vehicle catches fire while driving?

pull off the road and park in an open area

find a service station to pull into

open the door and jump out of the vehicle

open the hood and let the flames die down

40 / 40

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

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

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

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

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

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