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Virginia CDL Practice Test

Free, full Virginia CDL general knowledge test practice right here in your browser — real exam format (50 questions, 80% to pass), diagnostic and adaptive modes, spaced-repetition review, and a readiness dashboard. No signup, no paywall — your progress is saved automatically on this device.

50
Real exam questions
80%
Passing score
750+
CDL questions

Sample Virginia CDL general knowledge test questions

  1. What should a driver inspect on the tires during a pre-trip inspection?

    • A. Only tire pressure
    • B. Tread depth (minimum 4/32" on steering axle, 2/32" on other axles), inflation, and no cuts or bulges
    • C. Only tread depth on the steering axle
    • D. Color and age of the tire only
    Show answer

    B. Tread depth (minimum 4/32" on steering axle, 2/32" on other axles), inflation, and no cuts or bulges — Inspect tires for: minimum tread depth (4/32" on steering axle; 2/32" on other axles), proper inflation (no flat or severely under-inflated tires), and no visible damage (cuts, bulges, exposed cords).

  2. When checking the cab during pre-trip, verify that all mirrors are:

    • A. Removed for aerodynamics
    • B. Covered
    • C. Folded in
    • D. Clean, properly adjusted, and not cracked or broken
    Show answer

    D. Clean, properly adjusted, and not cracked or broken — All mirrors must be clean, properly adjusted for the driver, and free of cracks or damage that would impair visibility.

  3. What is the 'FMCSA Special Configuration' requirement for triples?

    • A. Triples require a special CDL-A endorsement beyond the standard CDL-A
    • B. Triples are federally regulated — they require a combination CDL-A with doubles/triples (T) endorsement
    • C. Triples are completely unregulated and only subject to state law
    • D. Any CDL-A holder may operate triples without additional testing
    Show answer

    B. Triples are federally regulated — they require a combination CDL-A with doubles/triples (T) endorsement — Operating a double or triple trailer combination requires the CDL-A license plus the 'T' (doubles/triples) endorsement, which requires passing an additional knowledge test.

  4. A high center of gravity in a liquid tanker means:

    • A. It will stop faster than a regular truck
    • B. It has a higher risk of rollover, especially in curves
    • C. It improves fuel efficiency
    • D. The tanker can carry more weight per trip
    Show answer

    B. It has a higher risk of rollover, especially in curves — Liquid tankers have a higher center of gravity than many other vehicles. This increases rollover risk, particularly when rounding curves or making turns, even when the tank is not full.

  5. During inspection, you should check wheels and rims for:

    • A. A clean hubcap
    • B. Correct paint color
    • C. Cracks, damage, and missing or loose lug nuts
    • D. Matching tread brands
    Show answer

    C. Cracks, damage, and missing or loose lug nuts — Cracked rims and missing or loose lug nuts can cause a wheel to come off, so inspect them carefully before every trip.

  6. The proper way to test your service brakes is to:

    • A. Use them on the highway
    • B. Apply the parking brake and try to move
    • C. Drive at 5 mph and apply brakes firmly
    • D. Listen for hissing sounds
    Show answer

    C. Drive at 5 mph and apply brakes firmly — Test service brakes by moving forward slowly (about 5 mph) and applying brakes firmly. The vehicle should stop in a straight line.

  7. Before starting down this long, steep grade in a heavy truck, you should:

    • A. Shift to neutral to save fuel
    • B. Select a low gear before the descent and use light, intermittent braking
    • C. Wait to pick a gear until partway down
    • D. Keep the brakes applied the whole way
    Show answer

    B. Select a low gear before the descent and use light, intermittent braking — Choose a low gear before the grade so engine braking controls speed, using brief snub braking to avoid overheating the brakes.

  8. Bobtailing (driving a tractor without a trailer) is dangerous because:

    • A. The engine overheats without a load
    • B. The steering becomes too sensitive
    • C. It is always illegal
    • D. The rear axles have less traction so stopping takes longer
    Show answer

    D. The rear axles have less traction so stopping takes longer — Bobtailing is dangerous because without a trailer, there is less weight on the drive axles, reducing traction and increasing stopping distance.

  9. When should you use the trailer hand valve (trolley valve)?

    • A. For all normal braking
    • B. When parking
    • C. Going down steep hills
    • D. Only to test trailer brakes
    Show answer

    D. Only to test trailer brakes — Use the trailer hand valve only for testing trailer brakes. Using it while driving can cause a trailer skid because only the trailer brakes apply.

  10. Hazardous materials a bus may NOT carry as passenger baggage include:

    • A. Tear gas, explosives, and most other hazardous materials
    • B. Sealed food containers
    • C. Sealed bottled water
    • D. Clothing
    Show answer

    A. Tear gas, explosives, and most other hazardous materials — Buses are barred from carrying most hazardous materials, including explosives and tear gas, to protect the passengers aboard.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Virginia CDL general knowledge test?

The Virginia CDL general knowledge test has 50 questions, and you need 80% to pass — at least 40 correct answers. The practice tests on this page use the same format. The 80% passing score is a federal FMCSA standard used by every state.

What score do I need to pass the Virginia CDL general knowledge test?

80%. You can miss at most 10 of the 50 questions. The readiness dashboard on this page tracks whether you're consistently scoring above that bar.

Is this Virginia CDL general knowledge test practice really free?

Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMVPrep iPhone app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.

Where do these CDL general knowledge test questions come from?

Federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSA) — the same rules every state's CDL exam is drawn from. Every question in the DMVPrep app cites the regulation or handbook section it comes from.

Can I study for the Virginia CDL general knowledge test in Spanish?

Yes — the DMVPrep app includes all 3,745+ questions in Spanish, and the whole app works in Spanish.

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