Virginia · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in Virginia

In Virginia you apply in person at a DMV customer service center and pass computer-based CDL knowledge tests plus a vision screening. The permit costs just $3, lasts 1 year, and can't be renewed.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

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Minimum age: 18 (in Virginia only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $3
Permit valid for: 1 year, not renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: English + other languages (HazMat in English only)
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid Virginia driver license, or meet all the requirements to get one, and be at least 18.
2Study the CDL Manual (DMV 60A) and the Virginia Supplement (DMV 60V).
3Get a DOT medical exam from a National Registry examiner if you are non-excepted.
4Fill out the CDL application (DL 2P) and choose your commerce type.
5Visit a DMV customer service center with your documents and pass the vision screening.
6Pass the General Knowledge test and any class and endorsement tests you need. Your permit arrives by mail.
7Practice for at least 14 days with someone licensed for the same type of vehicle, and finish ELDT.
8Take your skills test before your permit expires.

What to bring

Your Virginia driver license, plus one federally required document
If you're new to Virginia: proof of identity, legal presence, Social Security number, and two proofs of Virginia residency
Your current out-of-state license, if you're exchanging one
Proof of any name change
Your completed application (DL 2P)

Medical card

You choose one of four commerce types on the DL 2P application. Since May 5, 2025, your medical examiner must send your certificate electronically through FMCSA's National Registry, and DMV no longer accepts certificates from drivers.

Fees

Commercial learner's permit	$3
CDL (8 years, no endorsements)$8 per year.	$64
Endorsement	$1 per year
Missed skills test without notice	$50

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsements as needed: HazMat, Tank, Passenger, School Bus, Doubles/Triples
Vision screening (everyone)

Testing in Virginia

You need 20/40 vision or better in each eye, with or without glasses, and at least 140 degrees of side vision.
Knowledge tests are computer-based at DMV and are offered in several languages. HazMat is English only.
You can take a knowledge test once per business day. After 3 failures, you must finish approved instruction first.
After 3 failed skills tests, you must complete in-vehicle training before a fourth try.
Using your phone during a test ends it, and you must wait until the next day.

Study for these tests in the Virginia classroom

Good to know in Virginia

Your permit can't be renewed. Passed knowledge tests are good for 1 year from the test date.
Permits and CDLs are mailed to you. You can't pick them up at the office.
An out-of-state CLP counts toward your 14 days, but you still must pass Virginia's knowledge tests.
You may also need to take the 2-part regular driver's license knowledge exam.
Before paying a CDL school, check that it is still listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Thousands of providers were removed in 2025–2026.

Non-domiciled applicants

Virginia DMV stopped processing all non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs on September 29, 2025. Existing credentials stay valid until they expire but are not replaced.

Confirm with DMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether Virginia has resumed non-domiciled issuance under the 2026 federal rule — confirm with DMV.
Whether knowledge tests or retests have a fee.
Whether you need an appointment.
What third-party testers charge for the skills test.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.