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

Remember to____when connecting the converter dolly to the rear trailer.

lock the trailer brakes

all answers listed

ensure that the landing gear is slighty off of the ground

check the trailer height

2 / 40

With the controlled braking method, you _____?

lightly apply braking pressure

repeatedly tap the brakes as fast as you can

apply the brakes all the way until the wheels lock up, release the brakes and apply them again when the wheels start to roll again

apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels

3 / 40

Select the situation in which you should use the hand valve to park a combination vehicle.

during the winter

when parking on a grade

when parking at loading docks

in no situation

4 / 40

When accelerating:

do not engage the clutch before you take your foot off the brake

speed up smoothly and gradually and avoid jerking

always use the parking brake to slow down

"hammer down" when your wheels start to spin

5 / 40

Spring brakes are usually held back by_____during normal driving.

heat

clamps

pressure of the spring

air pressure

6 / 40

In the event of a tire failure you should...

disengage the clutch so you are in neutral gear

stay off the brake and hold the steering wheel firmly

pump the brakes until you come to a stop

accelerate quickly until you find a place to pull over

7 / 40

If you are drowsy, you should _____ before you drive.

do a little exercise

drink coffee

take a cold shower

get sleep

8 / 40

How should you inspect a converter dolly?

as if it is cargo

as if it is an engine

as if it is an axle with a fifth wheel

as if it is a trailer

9 / 40

What is the next step after securing the bus when you have an unruly child on board?

Stand up and speak respectfully to the offender, if a change of setting is needed, have the student move to a seat near you.

Remove the student from the vehilce for the safety of the other children.

Call school administrator or the police to remove the student.

Unload the student at the next stop.

10 / 40

This object is required to be checked for damage, that it's secure, and strong enough to handle any cargo.

The platform

The apron

The fifth wheel

The header board

11 / 40

If students must cross the street, when they get off the bus, which statement is true?

The student should wait to cross the street until the bus continues on its route.

If the bus is equipped with the crossing gate, the danger of running over the child is eliminated.

For crossing, students should make eye contact with the bus driver and wait for the driver's signal that it is safe to proceed.

When the driver signals that it is safe to proceed, the students must run across the street to reduce the exposure to danger.

12 / 40

What product is typically carried in a liquid tank trailer without baffles?

Fertilizer.

Food or milk products.

Hydrogen peroxide.

Fuel.

13 / 40

You are checking the_______when looking at the dipstick to see if the lubrication is at the safe operating range or above the refill line.

oil level

battery fluid level

coolant level

washer fluid level

14 / 40

How do you make sure the trailer height is correct before coupling?

visually check that the rear trailer is lower than the fifth wheel so that the trailer raises slightly when the dolly is pushed under it

visually check that they are level height wise

visually check that the lead trailer is higher than the fifth wheel so that the trailer will lower when the dolly is pushed under it

you do not need to do a visual check

15 / 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.

Not allow the rider to do it.

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

Instruct the rider to sit next to an open window.

16 / 40

What are you checking when looking at the lubrication level on a dipstick?

The horn fluid level

The windshield wiper fluid level

The oil level

The power steering fluid level

17 / 40

You should follow behind other vehicles ______when traveling under 40 mph.

at a distance of 1 seconds for every 10 feet of your vehicle length

at a distance of 1 second for every 5 feet of your vehicle length

as close as possible so other drivers won't cut in front of you

at a distance of 1 second for every 15 feet of your vehicle length

18 / 40

Make sure that____when the front trailer supports are up and the trailer is resting on the tractor.

the kingpin has been removed

the safety latch is in the open position

there is enough clearance between the lower and upper fifth wheel

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

19 / 40

When inspecting your bus, you must make sure that:

All of these answers are correct.

Emergency exit handles are secure.

Every handhold and railing is secure.

Rider signaling devices are working.

20 / 40

Select the step that comes first:

lower the landing gear

connect the air supply lines

apply a firm pressure to the trailer brakes

shift into reverse

21 / 40

Which of the following statements about loading and unloading cargo tanks is false?

The person in attendance must be authorized and able to move the vehicle.

The person in attendance must be aware of the danger.

The person in attendance must be within 50 ft of the tanker.

The person attending the tanker must have a clear view of it.

22 / 40

How often should you check the tires if your placarded trailer has dual tires?

Check tires every 3 hours or 150 miles.

Check tires every 2 hours or 100 miles.

Check tires every 4 hours or 200 miles.

Check tires every hour or 75 miles.

23 / 40

The minimum tread depth for tires other than the front tires is ____.

1/32

3/32

4/32

2/32

24 / 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.

25 / 40

When stopping for railroad tracks, you must stop no closer than how many feet before the nearest track?

26 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to managing the space to the sides:

you should try to avoid driving next to others when possible

high wind gusts will not cause any issues for doubles or triples

you should drive down the center of both lanes over the pavement markings

you should always keep your vehicle to the right side of the lane

27 / 40

Which of the following is NOT a basic step to be taken at a crash scene?

protect the area

gather the contact information of all the drivers involved

notify authorities

care for the injured

28 / 40

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

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

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

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

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

29 / 40

What will occur as a result of failing to perform all 3 components of the air brake check?

The driver must restart the pre-trip from the beginning.

An automatic failure of the vehicle inspection test.

None of the answers listed.

A deduction of 15 points.

30 / 40

Select the true statement about seeing ahead.

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

many individuals do not look far enough ahead while driving

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

all answers listed

31 / 40

What action should you take if there is no phone available and you discover your hazardous materials shipment leaking at a rest stop?

Send someone for help with all the necessary information.

Leave your truck parked with emergency lights on and walk for help.

Keep driving, slowly and cautiously, until you reach a phone.

Keep driving for help as quickly as possible.

32 / 40

The correct trailer height when coupling the rear trailer is:

the kingpin is touching the fifth wheel

slightly lower than the center of the fifth wheel

there is 5 inches of space between the lower and upper fifth wheel

when the locking jaws are open around the kingpin

33 / 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 parkng brake valve pops out on tractor-trailer vehicles

all of these answers are correct

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 parking valve pops out on single vehicles

34 / 40

Select the true statement about what the Air Compressor Governor controls:

it controls when the warning system is activated

it controls when the brakes will be applied

it controls when air is released from the storage tank

it controls when the air compressor pumps air into the storage tanks

35 / 40

What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?

to insure that you will achieve the best gas mileage

safety for yourself and other road users

to save you money by preventing costly repairs

federal and state laws require you to inspect your vehicle

36 / 40

At the end of each shift you should:

Report any defects.

Report any damage.

Inspect your bus.

All of these answers are correct.

37 / 40

The container for the mechanism that transforms the steering column action into wheel action is:

Locking pin

Steering hoses/box

Air brake system

Steering linkage

38 / 40

What is the benefit of ABS?

it provides an added layer of safety for truck drivers

it prevents the wheels from locking up during heavy braking or slippery conditions

all of these answers are correct

it decreases your stopping distance

39 / 40

Select how brakes work on long, steep downgrades:

they are a supplement to the braking effect of the engine

it's the main braking mechanism with the engine braking system available for emergency situations

it does not do anything

it is the main braking mechanism

40 / 40

Select the true statement about emergency steering and tankers:

It is easier to counter steer than other vehicles.

None of the answers listed.

Have a firm grip on the steering wheel before making quick movements of the steering wheel.

Do not apply the brakes when making quick movements of the steering wheel.

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