Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) / Virginia
2026 data Virginia board official source

Virginia Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Operates large commercial vehicles. Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

What the Virginia data shows for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)s

To practice as a commercial truck driver (cdl) in Virginia, the state licensing board requires 225 documented education or training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The regulation sits under Virginia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

Budget $93 to get started, plus $52 at each renewal on a 4-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Virginia, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states.

Licensing Ease Score

B+
Licensing Ease Score
78/100
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) · Virginia

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B-
225 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C
$93
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$13/yr
$52 every 4 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Virginia

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
225 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$93
Renewal Fee
$52
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) All Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Virginia? ▼
In Virginia, the license path calls for 225 education/training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test, and a $93 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Virginia? ▼
Virginia licenses commercial truck driver (cdl)s who complete its requirements (225 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Virginia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to Virginia from another state? ▼
For commercial truck driver (cdl)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Virginia licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Virginia require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing? ▼
Virginia does require a background check before issuing a commercial truck driver (cdl) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

Related Guides

What to do with this commercial truck driver (cdl) license

Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Virginia, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a commercial truck driver (cdl)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Virginia licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.