Virginia CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

You must be at least 18 to hold a Virginia CDL. Under federal law you must be at least 21 to drive across state lines, transport hazardous materials, or haul interstate freight within Virginia.

Correct answer: Your driving privileges are valid only in Virginia

The "K" restriction means you may not operate a commercial motor vehicle outside of Virginia or in interstate commerce. Drivers under 21 receive it because federal law sets 21 as the interstate minimum age.

Correct answer: $3

A Virginia CLP costs $3. A standard CDL with no endorsements costs $64 and is valid for 8 years; each endorsement adds $1 per year.

Correct answer: One year

Your Virginia CLP is valid for one year. It allows you to drive a commercial vehicle of the class and type shown on the permit only when a person licensed to drive the same type of vehicle is with you.

Correct answer: A minimum of 14 days

Virginia requires a minimum 14-day CLP holding period before the skills test, unless you show proof that you previously held a CDL or completed an approved Virginia CDL driver education course. Time holding an out-of-state CLP counts toward the 14 days.

Correct answer: The CDL general knowledge exam plus the knowledge exams for the vehicles you want to drive

A Virginia CLP requires passing the CDL general knowledge exam and the other knowledge exams for the vehicles you want to drive — for example, the air brakes exam if your vehicle has air brakes.

Correct answer: Only once per business day

You may take the CDL knowledge exam(s) only once per business day. Using a cell phone during an exam terminates it, and you must wait until the next day to re-test.

Correct answer: One year

Passed knowledge test results are valid for one year. If you apply for your CLP or CDL more than one year after passing, you must successfully complete the test again.

Correct answer: Six months

Passed CDL skills test results are valid for six months. If you apply for your CDL six months or more after passing the skills test, you must take it again.

Correct answer: You must complete the knowledge component of driver instruction at a DMV-approved training school before a fourth attempt

After a third failure, Virginia will not allow a fourth attempt until you complete the knowledge component of driver instruction at a driver training school approved by DMV and present your certificate of completion.

Correct answer: So you have time to act if the hazard turns into an emergency

You look for hazards so you have time to plan a way out of any emergency they might become. When you see a hazard, think about the emergencies that could develop and decide what you would do, so you are ready to act.

Correct answer: Any activity that shifts your attention from driving — including mental distractions

Distracted driving results from any activity that shifts your full attention from the driving task. Taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel is obviously risky, but mental distractions that take your mind off driving are just as dangerous.

Correct answer: Double

If drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, crashes double. Being totally familiar with your electronics, pre-programming devices, and planning your route before driving all help you stay focused.

Correct answer: Pull off the road in a safe, legal place to make or receive the call

When possible, pull off the road in a safe, legal place to make or receive a call, and do not place a call while driving. Federal rules prohibit hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving a CMV.

Correct answer: Still unsafe to use while you are moving down the road

Some jurisdictions allow only hands-free devices while driving, but even these are unsafe to use while you are moving. Keep any needed calls short, and hang up in tricky traffic situations.

Correct answer: Give them plenty of room, keep a safe following distance, and be very careful passing

Watch for vehicles that drift, travel at inconsistent speeds, or whose drivers are preoccupied. Give a distracted driver plenty of room, keep your safe following distance, and be very careful when passing — they may not know you are there.

Correct answer: Aggressive driving is selfish, pushy operation; road rage is intent to harm another person

Aggressive driving is operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner without regard for others’ rights or safety. Road rage is operating a vehicle with the intent to harm others or physically assault a driver or their vehicle.

Correct answer: Make every attempt to get out of their way, avoid eye contact, and do not challenge them

First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of their way. Put your pride aside — do not challenge them by speeding up, avoid eye contact, ignore gestures, and report aggressive drivers to the authorities when you can do so safely.

Correct answer: Be realistic about your travel time and expect delays from traffic, construction, or weather

Reduce your stress before and while you drive: be realistic about travel time and allow for delays, give other drivers the benefit of the doubt, keep your following distance reasonable, and avoid gestures — keep your hands on the wheel.

Correct answer: Safety — for yourself and for other road users

Safety is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle — safety for yourself and for everyone else on the road. A vehicle defect found during inspection can prevent a crash or breakdown.