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Commercial Driver's License
$67
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Apply in person at a DMV customer service center. Bring required documents, pass vision screening and CDL knowledge exam(s). Pay CLP fee.
If you fail the knowledge exam 3 times, you must complete classroom training at a Virginia CDL driving school
Fee: $3Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for all first-time CDL applicants
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days, schedule CDL skills test. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving (approximately 90 minutes).
$50 missed appointment fee applies
Fee: $0Receive Your CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee and endorsement fees. Receive your 8-year CDL.
CDL valid for 8 years, expiring on birthday
Fee: $64 plus endorsement feesCommercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($3) + CDL ($64) + state skills test ($0)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $0
No fee for state-administered CDL skills test; $50 missed appointment fee applies
Three-Part Exam
Businesses with 50+ CMV drivers, government entities, and Class A driver training schools can be certified as third-party testers
Third-party fee: $200–$500 (Varies by third-party tester)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through DMV; $50 missed appointment fee if not cancelled in advance
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Virginia
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $8 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $8 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $8 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $8 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $16 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $8 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$3
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Virginia has 3% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Virginia has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
Virginia ranks #25 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$64
8-year renewal; 5-year renewal for age 75+ ($40)
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL renewal available online. Renewed license valid for 8 years, expiring on birthday. HAZMAT endorsement holders must retake the HME knowledge exam upon renewal. Consider upgrading to REAL ID-compliant CDL at renewal.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit a DMV customer service center in person with required documents. Surrender out-of-state CDL. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for valid CDL holders. HAZMAT endorsement is not transferable and requires retesting.
Transfer Fee
$64
Standard 8-year CDL issuance fee
Timeline
Upon establishing Virginia residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT knowledge test required if transferring H endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Troops to Trucks program waives CDL skills test for qualified military. Knowledge test waiver also available for specific MOS codes (Army 88M, Marine 3531, Navy EO, Air Force 2T1, etc.). Wounded service members with missing or impaired limbs can obtain CDL through skills performance evaluation.
Eligibility
Active military (including Reserves and National Guard) or released within last 12 months, with 2+ years military heavy truck/bus driving experience and military operator's permit
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Virginia.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Virginia range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Virginia.
Start Your CDL Training in Virginia
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Virginia
Virginia has exceptionally low government fees — just $67 for CLP + CDL combined. The Troops to Trucks program is notably generous, offering both skills test and knowledge test waivers for qualifying MOS codes. CDL pricing is based on a per-year rate ($8/year for CDL, $1/year per endorsement).
CDL Schools in Virginia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Virginia verified against Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: