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Virginia CDL practice test

Getting a commercial driver's licence in Virginia starts with the CDL knowledge tests. The content is federal: every state, Virginia included, writes its tests from the FMCSA CDL manual, so the general knowledge test has 50 questions, the endorsement tests have 20 to 30, and the passing score is 80% on each. The Virginia driver licensing agency administers the test; the rules behind it are published by the FMCSA. Try the free Virginia CDL practice questions below, then pick a full test.

Free Virginia CDL practice questions

Five questions from the general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles banks, the three tests most Virginia Class A applicants take first. Show the answer to read the explanation.

  1. The trailer starts to skid and swing out in a jackknife. The best way to stop it is to:

    • Apply the trailer hand valve
    • Brake harder to lock the tractor wheels too
    • Release the brakes so the trailer wheels can regain traction
    • Accelerate to pull the trailer straight
    Show answer
    Answer: C. Release the brakes so the trailer wheels can regain traction

    Trailer jackknifes come from trailer wheels locking up. Once they roll again they will grip the road, and the trailer will straighten out behind the tractor. Do not use the trailer hand valve.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.3 (Trailer Skids)

  2. The earliest way to spot a trailer skid is to:

    • Listen for the trailer tires squealing
    • Watch the air pressure gauge
    • Wait until you feel the trailer push the tractor sideways
    • Check your mirrors whenever you brake hard
    Show answer
    Answer: D. Check your mirrors whenever you brake hard

    Once the trailer swings out of its lane it is very hard to prevent a jackknife. Mirror checks under hard braking let you catch the skid while releasing the brakes can still fix it.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.3 (Recognize the Skid)

  3. Which part of a tractor-trailer off-tracks the most in a turn?

    • The rear wheels of the trailer
    • The front wheels of the tractor
    • The drive wheels of the tractor
    • All wheels follow the same path
    Show answer
    Answer: A. The rear wheels of the trailer

    Rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels, and the longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. The trailer's rear wheels cut the corner the most, which is why wide turns are needed.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.4 (Turn Wide)

  4. When backing a trailer, once the trailer starts to turn you must:

    • Keep the wheel turned the same way until the trailer is parked
    • Stop and set the parking brake
    • Turn the steering wheel the other way to follow the trailer
    • Accelerate so the trailer finishes the turn quickly
    Show answer
    Answer: C. Turn the steering wheel the other way to follow the trailer

    You start the turn by turning the wheel toward the opposite side you want the trailer to go. Once it begins to turn, turn the wheel back to follow it, or the trailer will keep swinging.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.5 (Backing with a Trailer)

  5. The service air line between tractor and trailer is colored:

    • Red
    • Yellow
    • Green
    • Blue
    Show answer
    Answer: D. Blue

    The blue service line carries air to the trailer brakes when you press the foot brake or use the hand valve. The red emergency (supply) line charges the trailer tanks and controls the trailer emergency brakes.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.2.4 (Trailer Air Lines)

Every CDL test for Virginia drivers

Each page has ten free sample questions, the real question count, the 80% pass mark and what the test covers.

How the Virginia CDL knowledge test works

You take the general knowledge test first; it is required for every CDL class. Class A drivers add the combination vehicles test. Almost everyone takes the air brakes test, because skipping it puts an air brake restriction on the licence. Endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus) each have their own knowledge test. Pass the tests and you hold a commercial learner's permit; the skills test in a truck comes later.

Fees, appointment rules and test centre locations are set by Virginia and change over time, so check the state driver licensing agency before you go. What does not change is the content, and that is what PassRig drills.

Virginia CDL test questions

How many questions are on the Virginia CDL test?

The Virginia CDL general knowledge test follows the federal model: 50 questions, 40 correct to pass. Endorsement tests are shorter: air brakes 25, hazmat 30, and combination vehicles, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger and school bus 20 each.

What is the passing score on the Virginia CDL permit test?

80% on every knowledge test, the same pass mark used across the United States.

Where do I take the CDL knowledge test in Virginia?

At the Virginia state driver licensing agency (the DMV, DOT or equivalent). Check its website for locations, appointments and current fees; the test content itself comes from the FMCSA CDL manual.

Does PassRig have Virginia CDL practice questions?

Yes. Pick Virginia in the app and you get practice sets and mock exams built from the knowledge test content your state uses, with the real counts and the 80% line.

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