CDL Knowledge Exams
All commercial motor vehicle drivers (class A, B and C vehicles) must take the general knowledge exam. Check the following chart to find out which exams you need to take in addition to the general knowledge exam.
| To Drive this Class of Vehicle | Study this section of the Virginia CDL Manual |
|---|---|
| Class A, B and C | Section 1: General Knowledge Section 6: Transporting Cargo |
Vehicles with air brakes | Section 2: Air Brakes If you do not take the air brakes exam, you will be restricted to driving vehicles without air brakes (K restriction) |
| Class A combination vehicle | Section 3: Combination Vehicles |
In addition to the exams listed above, you must take special knowledge exams for each endorsement:
| Endorsement | Special Knowledge Exam |
|---|---|
| H - Hazardous materials | Section 9: Hazardous Materials. The hazard materials endorsement test cannot be taken using a translator. This test cannot be administered orally. |
| N - Tank vehicle | Section 7: Tank Vehicles |
| P - Passenger vehicle | Section 8: Transporting Passengers |
| S - School bus | Section 5: School Buses |
| T - Double-triple trailer | Section 4: Doubles and Triples |
To prepare for the knowledge exam, familiarize yourself with all information in the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual and try our sample Commercial Driver's License exam online.
The CDL knowledge exams are given in English or Spanish on a computer (except the Hazardous Materials exam, given only in English).
You may take the CDL knowledge exam(s) only once per business day. If you fail any knowledge exam, you must pay a $2 re-examination fee if you retake the exam within 15 days.
If you fail the general knowledge exam three times at a customer service center, you must complete the classroom portion of a Virginia approved Driver Training School program for commercial motor vehicles and bring the certificate of completion to a customer service center to satisfy eligibility requirements for re-examination. You must have completed the course after the date of the third exam failure.
Test Tip
The knowledge exams determine your familiarity with the operation of commercial vehicles, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. Exam questions are taken from the information in the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 80% of the general knowledge questions correctly. When taking the knowledge exams, select one best answer. Remember, your first answer is usually correct. Manuals are available at all DMV customer service centers.
If you use a cell phone while taking an exam, the exam will be terminated; and you must wait until the next day to re-test.
It is unlawful to attempt to get or provide to others a copy of any knowledge exam or any questions or answers on the exams. You may not have assistance or assist others while taking an exam. It is illegal to have unauthorized possession of an examination or exam answers.
Once you pass the required knowledge exams, you can take the CDL skills tests.
