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Get your Virginia CDL — government fees ($67), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
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
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
| 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
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
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
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.
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).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#36 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$45,830
25th percentile
Median
$54,500
-5% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$62,990
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
55,430 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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