How to Obtain a DMV Commercial License in Virginia: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve landed a great trucking job that starts in six weeks—or your employer just told you they need someone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to handle company vehicles. Now you’re staring at a maze of forms, federal regulations, and government websites trying to figure out exactly what to do—and how long it’s going to take.

The truth is, getting your CDL in Virginia means dealing with three different government agencies, each with its own requirements, timelines, and paperwork:

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
A network of certified medical examiners

It can feel overwhelming—but don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the entire process step by step, explain what order to do things in, and help you avoid common mistakes that delay applicants for weeks.

The Reality Check: Timeline and Costs

Before diving in, it’s important to understand the realistic timeline. While the legal minimum is 14 days (for the learner’s permit holding period), the true process usually takes 4–8 weeks from start to finish if everything goes smoothly.

Typical Cost Breakdown:

Entry-Level Driver Training: $3,000–$5,000
DOT Physical Exam: $80–$150
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): $3
Skills Test: $50–$75
DMV Commercial License: $64 (valid for 8 years)
Background Check for Hazmat Endorsement: $83

Total Investment: Approximately $3,200–$5,300 for your first commercial license.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents (Do This First)

The Virginia DMV does not accept photocopies. Missing even one document can delay your application. Bring originals or certified copies of everything.

Checklist:

Identity Documents (one of the following):

Valid U.S. passport
Certified birth certificate from a vital records office

Legal Presence Verification (if not using a passport):

U.S. birth certificate
Certificate of Naturalization
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport

Social Security Verification:

Social Security card
W-2 form
Pay stub with full SSN

Virginia Residency (two from different sources):

Utility bills
Bank statements
Lease or mortgage documents
Voter registration card

Pro Tip: Gather certified copies of everything now. Waiting for documents from other states or agencies can easily add weeks to your timeline.

Step 2: Medical Certification

This step trips up more applicants than any other because your requirements depend on what kind of driving you’ll do. You must “self-certify” into one of four FMCSA categories:

Non-excepted interstate: You’ll drive across state lines and must pass a DOT physical.
Non-excepted intrastate: Virginia-only driving but still requires a DOT physical.
Excepted interstate: Limited interstate driving, may not need a DOT physical.
Excepted intrastate: Limited in-state driving, may not need a DOT physical.

Most new CDL drivers fall under “non-excepted interstate.”
That means you’ll need a DOT physical from a certified examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry.

Important update:
Virginia no longer accepts paper copies of medical certificates. Your examiner must submit results electronically, which can take 1–3 business days to appear in the DMV system.

Step 3: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Since February 7, 2022, federal law requires all new CDL applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-approved provider before taking the skills test.

This includes both:

Theory training (classroom or online), and
Behind-the-wheel instruction (on a range and public roads)

Training completion must be entered into the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The Virginia DMV verifies this before you can schedule your skills test. Database updates can take 24–48 hours after your provider submits completion records.

2020 CDL Training offers comprehensive programs that meet all federal and Virginia-specific requirements, including use of testing vehicles and on-site test scheduling assistance.

Step 4: Obtain Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Your CLP costs $3 and requires passing the following written tests:

General knowledge
Air brakes
Combination vehicles

You can also add endorsements now (like tankers or passenger), which saves time later.

Important:
The 14-day mandatory waiting period begins on the day your CLP is issued, not when you pass your test. Schedule your skills test for day 15 or later to avoid rescheduling fees.

Use your permit period to get plenty of supervised driving practice with a qualified instructor. The CDL skills test failure rate is much higher than the written tests, so preparation matters.

Step 5: Schedule and Pass the Skills Test

The Virginia CDL skills test has three parts:

Pre-trip inspection
Basic vehicle control (maneuvers)
On-road driving

You must bring a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you’re testing for. This is one major advantage of training schools—they provide compliant vehicles and coordinate testing dates.

Scheduling Tips:

DMV test appointments book weeks in advance.
The DMV requires 14 days’ notice to schedule a test.
Missed appointments result in additional fees.
Third-party testers often have shorter wait times (especially in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads).

Step 6: Final Application and License Issuance

Once you’ve passed all sections of the skills test:

Submit your final CDL application at the DMV.
Pay the $64 license fee.
Receive your license by mail within 7–10 business days.

If you’re adding endorsements, note:

Each endorsement costs $1 per year.
The Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement requires a $83 TSA background check and fingerprinting.
This process can take 30–60 days, so plan early.

Strategic Timeline Management

Save time by working on multiple steps in parallel instead of one at a time. Here’s an efficient example:

Week	Focus
1	Gather documents, schedule DOT physical, and research training programs
2	Complete physical, apply for CLP, begin training
3–4	Finish training, practice under supervision
5	Take skills test and complete final application
6	Receive a license by mail

Pro Tip: 2020 CDL Training helps students coordinate their DOT exams, training documentation, and vehicle use for skills testing—eliminating most of the waiting time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I fail the skills test?
A: You can retake specific sections, but each retest has a fee. Most failures occur during the backing maneuvers, so practice this portion extensively.

Q: Can I skip or shorten the 14-day CLP holding period?
A: No. This is a federal requirement with no exceptions.

Q: How long does the DOT physical take?
A: Usually 30–60 minutes, but allow extra time if the examiner requires additional testing or documentation.

Q: What if my training provider hasn’t updated the federal database?
A: Contact your provider immediately. They may be able to expedite the submission, but it typically takes 24–48 hours to appear.

Q: Do I need special insurance once I’m licensed?
A: Employers typically provide commercial insurance for their drivers. If you’re an owner-operator, you’ll need your own commercial auto policy that meets FMCSA minimum coverage requirements.

The Bottom Line

Getting your CDL in Virginia means coordinating between federal and state agencies—each with their own paperwork, timelines, and procedures.
Professional programs like 2020 CDL Training help simplify that process by guiding you through documentation, scheduling, and compliance from start to finish.

If you plan strategically, stay organized, and train with a certified provider, you can earn your CDL in as little as six weeks—and get on the road toward your new career with confidence.