Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Virginia Commercial Vehicle Test
You’ve decided to take the plunge and earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Maybe you’re ready for a new career path, or maybe trucking has always appealed to you as a stable, high-demand profession. Either way, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as your Virginia commercial vehicle test approaches.
Here’s what surprises most people: getting your regular driver’s license is nothing like earning your DMV commercial driver’s license. A standard Class D license might have required parallel parking or three-point turns—but now you’re preparing to operate vehicles that can weigh more than 26,000 pounds or transport hazardous materials. The level of responsibility skyrockets, and so does the difficulty of the testing process.
Think of it this way: if you make a mistake in your Honda Civic, you might dent a bumper. If you make that same mistake in an 18-wheeler, you could cause a multi-vehicle accident. That’s exactly why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets such strict CDL standards.
What You’re Really Up Against
Virginia’s commercial knowledge test includes 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly—an 80% passing score. That may sound manageable until you realize these aren’t basic “what does a stop sign mean” questions. You’ll face topics such as air-brake systems, hazardous-materials (HazMat) rules, and detailed pre-trip inspection procedures.
Another thing that catches applicants off guard: the test is offered only in English. The Virginia DMV follows federal requirements ensuring that commercial drivers can communicate clearly with law enforcement and emergency responders.
The Biggest Mistakes Applicants Make
1. Treating It Like a Regular Driver’s Test
This is the most common—and most avoidable—error. Many people assume they can skim the CDL manual over a weekend, just like they did years ago for their personal license. That approach will not work.
Commercial driving requires knowledge of complex FMCSA regulations, mechanical systems most drivers have never seen, and safety protocols that literally save lives. The American Trucking Associations emphasises that mastering this information takes weeks of consistent study, not days.
2. Skipping Practice Tests
Practice tests can feel tedious, but they’re the single most effective way to prepare.
Drivers who pass on their first try almost always say the same thing: they took lots of practice tests.
Virginia-specific CDL practice exams show you what the real questions look like and reveal gaps in your understanding before test day. They also help you manage test anxiety and timing. Once you’ve seen the format dozens of times, walking into the DMV feels far less intimidating.
3. Focusing Only on the General Knowledge Test
Each CDL endorsement has its own exam and passing requirements.
If you plan to haul hazardous materials, you’ll need to score at least 24 out of 30 on the HazMat test.
If you plan to drive vehicles with air brakes, you’ll need 20 out of 25 correct on that section.
Too many applicants focus only on the general knowledge portion and ignore endorsement tests until the last minute. Review the FMCSA endorsement list early so you know exactly what to study.
Test-Day Mistakes That Can Cost You
Reading Too Fast
Nervousness makes people rush. One misplaced word can flip an answer from right to wrong—especially with qualifiers such as always, never, or except. Take your time. The DMV allows plenty of time to complete the exam; read each question carefully, even twice if needed.
Bringing Prohibited Items
Virginia DMV follows federal testing standards: no phones, calculators, notes, or reference materials.
If you’re caught with any prohibited item, your test is over immediately, and you’ll have to reschedule.
Forgetting the Safety Rule
When you’re stuck between two answers and truly unsure, choose the safest option.
Commercial driving regulations always prioritise safety over convenience or speed.
If you remember nothing else, remember this: when in doubt, choose the safer answer.
Sections That Trip Up Most Applicants
Pre-Trip Inspections
This portion challenges nearly everyone because it tests both memory and understanding.
You’ll need to know specific vehicle components, what to inspect, and why each check matters for safety. Memorizing steps isn’t enough—you must understand the reasoning behind them.
Air-Brake Systems
Air brakes are one of the most complex systems you’ll study. Expect questions about pressure ranges, component functions, and emergency procedures. You can’t rely on memorisation; you need to understand how the system works.
Hazardous-Materials (HazMat) Regulations
If you’re pursuing a HazMat endorsement, prepare for some of the strictest federal testing in the industry. Topics include shipping papers, placarding, handling emergencies, and security procedures.
You must answer 80% of the 30 questions correctly, leaving little room for guessing.
Why Professional Training Matters
2020 CDL Training has seen every mistake on this list—and built its program to prevent them.
With 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of hands-on practice, their students master the why behind the rules, not just the memorized answers.
What truly sets them apart is their multilingual instruction in 11 languages.
If English isn’t your first language, learning technical material in a language you understand makes a world of difference.
They also provide mock testing sessions that mirror real DMV conditions, helping you walk into the test center calm and confident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many times can I retake the test if I fail?
Virginia allows multiple retests, but waiting periods apply.
After three failed attempts, you must complete additional classroom training before trying again.
Q: Which topics cause the most trouble?
Common problem areas include parking on hills, alcohol limits for commercial drivers, following distances, road signs, and air-brake operations.
Q: How long should I study?
Most successful candidates study consistently for 2–3 weeks, spending about an hour a day on the CDL manual and practice exams.
Cramming the night before rarely works.
Q: What happens if I’m caught cheating?
Cheating results in immediate failure and may trigger additional waiting periods before you can retest.
The Bottom Line
Passing Virginia’s commercial vehicle test on your first attempt requires understanding that commercial driving follows a completely different rulebook than everyday driving.
2020 CDL Training provides the instruction, practice, and confidence you need to walk into that exam prepared—not panicked—and ready to start your professional driving career.