Knowing exactly what to expect on test day reduces anxiety and helps you study more effectively. Here's what the Virginia CDL knowledge tests actually look like, question by question.
| Test | Questions | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 correct (80%) |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 correct (80%) |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 | 16 correct (80%) |
All tests are multiple choice with four answer options, taken on a computer at a Virginia DMV customer service center. You may only attempt a knowledge exam once per business day — a failed attempt means returning on a different day.
Vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, driving safety, transporting cargo safely, hazardous materials awareness, night driving and adverse conditions, emergency procedures, speed management, seeing and communicating, and Virginia-specific rules.
Air brake system basics, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, using air brakes correctly, spring brakes and parking brakes, and air brake malfunctions and emergencies.
Coupling and uncoupling, inspecting combination vehicles, off-tracking and steering, rollover prevention, skid control and jackknifing, doubles and triples, and antilock brakes.
Questions are direct and scenario-based, testing whether you understand the underlying safety principle, not just memorized facts. For example, a question might describe a specific driving situation and ask what the correct response is, rather than simply asking you to define a term.
Understanding beats memorization. The Virginia CDL Manual explains the reasoning behind each rule, and the test reflects that. Our practice tests include a full explanation with every question, so you learn the underlying principle, not just the correct letter to pick.
Arrive with your documents ready (see our What to Bring to CDL Test guide), stay calm, and read each question fully before answering. Since you only get one attempt per business day, it's worth taking the extra few minutes per question rather than rushing.
The General Knowledge test has 50 questions, Air Brakes has 25, and Combination Vehicles has 20. All require an 80% passing score.
All questions are multiple choice with four answer options, taken on a computer at a Virginia DMV customer service center. You select one best answer per question.
Every question comes directly from the official Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual and the Virginia Supplement to the Commercial Driver's Manual, both published by the Virginia DMV.
Use our free Virginia CDL practice tests to prepare for your knowledge exams. 500 questions, instant explanations, no signup required.
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