What to Expect on the Virginia CDL Skills Test: A State-Specific Guide
- Emily Parker
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Virginia is an essential step toward a professional trucking career. The final step in this process is the Virginia CDL skills test, a three-part exam conducted by Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at select DMV offices and third-party test sites. The exam evaluates your ability to inspect, maneuver, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under real-world conditions.
At CDL eXpert, we help drivers get ready for test day with our CDL Skills Exam course—led by veteran examiner Al Hanley. This course walks you through each section of the test so you know exactly what to expect and how to perform with confidence.
Follow this link or enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $5 off!
This guide explains the structure of the Virginia CDL skills test, state-specific requirements, and how our course can help you pass the first time.
What’s on the Virginia CDL Skills Test?
The Virginia CDL skills test is broken into three sections:
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
On-Road Driving
Each part is evaluated separately and must be passed in sequence to move forward.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
The pre-trip inspection assesses your ability to evaluate the safety and functionality of your vehicle before operation. You must demonstrate knowledge of key components and explain how you would inspect them.
What to Expect
You will be asked to inspect and explain critical systems, such as:
Engine and fluid levels
Steering and suspension
Tires and wheels
Brake systems
Lights, reflectors, and emergency equipment
Coupling system and trailer components (if applicable)
If you are testing in a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you must complete a full air brake system check—including the leak test, warning devices, and emergency system check.
You must use correct terminology during the inspection, such as:
"Secure, not cracked or broken"
"No leaks"
"Properly mounted and functioning"
Virginia-Specific Requirements
Virginia uses a pass/fail grading system for pre-trip. Missing required components can result in automatic failure.
The Virginia CDL Manual outlines which items are required based on vehicle class and configuration.
You must perform the pre-trip independently—no guidance or assistance is allowed once the test begins.
Air brake inspections are a common area where applicants lose points—be prepared to perform this sequence from memory.
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
This section evaluates your ability to control the vehicle in tight spaces. You will complete a series of low-speed backing and parking maneuvers using proper technique and mirror use.
What to Expect
The Virginia CDL test includes the following maneuvers:
Straight-Line Backing
Offset Backing (Left or Right)
Parallel Parking (Driver-Side or Conventional)
Alley Dock
You will be tested on your ability to stay within marked boundaries, minimize pull-ups, and avoid cone strikes.
Virginia-Specific Requirements
Parallel parking is required in Virginia for most CDL applicants.
Examiners will deduct points for hitting cones, crossing lines, or making excessive corrections.
The number and order of maneuvers may vary slightly by test site, so be prepared for all four.
You’ll be allowed a limited number of pull-ups and encroachments before points are deducted.
On-Road Driving
The final portion of the skills test evaluates your safe driving performance in real-world traffic situations. The examiner will direct you through a variety of driving environments.
What to Expect
During the road test, you’ll be assessed on:
Lane positioning and speed control
Mirror checks and signaling
Approaching intersections and right-of-way
Shifting gears (for manual transmissions)
Highway merging and lane changes
Railroad crossings, school zones, and construction areas
Virginia-Specific Requirements
Virginia examiners enforce complete stops at railroad crossings—even if no train is present.
Speeding or failure to yield in school or work zones is an automatic failure.
You must follow all traffic laws and drive with full awareness of your surroundings.
Test routes typically include both city and highway driving, and may also involve tight turns and narrow roads in urban areas.
Virginia CDL Testing Locations
The Virginia CDL skills test is conducted at select DMV customer service centers and approved third-party testing locations across the state.
Some of the most popular testing areas include:
Richmond
Virginia Beach
Roanoke
Manassas
Harrisonburg
Abingdon
Because test availability is limited, it is highly recommended to schedule your appointment several weeks in advance.
How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare
Our CDL Skills Exam course is designed to help you succeed on the Virginia CDL skills test. Taught by veteran CDL examiner Al Hanley, the course gives you a detailed, insider perspective on what examiners are looking for and how to avoid common mistakes.
What you’ll get:
Step-by-step pre-trip inspection walkthroughs (standard and legacy AAMVA versions)
Backing maneuver demos with expert tips on setup and positioning
On-road driving breakdowns tailored to real-world scenarios
In-depth training on air brake checks and proper test terminology
Course details:
$29.95
2.5 hours of video content
37 concise lessons
Free preview available
Follow this link or enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $5 off!
This course is ideal for first-time applicants or anyone needing a refresher before retesting.
Final Thoughts
The Virginia CDL skills test is a crucial milestone on your journey to becoming a professional driver. With the right preparation and insight, you can pass on your first attempt. Our CDL Skills Exam course gives you the tools, guidance, and confidence you need to succeed.
From mastering the pre-trip inspection to handling tight maneuvers and navigating busy streets, we’ve got you covered.
Good luck on your Virginia CDL skills test!
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