CDL in Virginia
A CDL in Virginia is one of the requirements that should be met before one can work as a commercial truck driver in the state. The United States government had issued newer standards which applicants would have to comply with before they can be issued with a commercial driver’s license in order to secure the safety of its citizens. These new regulations had been applied due to the recent threats in the country which posed security concerns for each and every state.
One of the things that an applicant for a CDL in Virginia must comply with is to be at least 18 years old. This age limit is only for those who will be applying for an intrastate CDL while those who will be doing interstate driving should be at least 21 years old. The applicant must also possess a clean driving record at least for the past few years. Being involved in some serious traffic violation can affect your chances of getting a license although you can appeal the DMVs decision if there are some valid reasons to do so. Hence, getting a truck driving license today can be quite more difficult than it had been years before.
Another thing is that there is now a CDL Manual which you can refer to in order to gain a better chance at passing the written and the skills test which shall be administered by the DMV. The Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual is a good source of truck driving information including truck parts, maintenance, operation, and other significant legal aspects about this subject. If you read the Manual, you will see the areas with which you will be tested on during the skills test as well as in the written exam so never underestimate the value of this booklet. You can pick up a copy for free at your local driver licensing office.
To get to the written test, you will have to submit a filled out application form, your current driver’s license, your Social Security number, valid IDs, proof of residence in Virginia, proof of legal residence in the United States, your DOT Medical certification, and your vision test results. The state now requires applicants to be physically fit in order to issue commercial driving licenses without restrictions. Once you have submitted the said documents, you can then proceed to take the written exam which will give you your learner’s permit if you pass.
The learner’s permit is valid for six months and you will only be issued this once every two years with only one chance to renew. The permit will let you drive a commercial truck as long as you are with a licensed individual inside the truck. Learn all that you can about actual truck driving during this period in order to prepare for the skills test. The test will cover pre-trip inspection, basic driving skills, and a road test to determine your fitness for driving in different types of traffic situations. If you pass all of these tests, the DMV will then issue your CDL in Virginia.
For those who wish to learn how to drive a commercial vehicle, there are many truck driving schools in VA to help. Training will consist of behind the wheel instruction, as well as classroom time to learn the state requirements. Generally classes can be completed in several weeks and often schools will provide job assistance for those who receive their license. To learn more about the latest CDL requirements, check out the link to the driver’s manual linked below.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
Website: Virginia DMV
VA CDL Manual
(804) 497-7100
1-888-337-4782