CDL Truck Driver in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.
Jobs (VA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Virginia
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Virginia, individuals must obtain their Commercial Driver's License through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for $3, passing a general knowledge test, and then passing a CDL skills test, which costs $32 per attempt. The CDL itself costs $64 and is valid for 8 years. Applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate driving and possess a valid DOT medical certificate.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Virginia requirements
| Licensing body | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($32) |
| Application fee | $64 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required and must be submitted electronically by a certified medical examiner. The CLP costs $3. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary, but the DMV charges $32 per attempt for the skills test. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. Hazmat endorsement requires a background check and a separate fee of $83 (or $41 with TWIC® comparability) and is valid for five years. CDLs for individuals registered with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry are valid for five years. |
workspace_premium Virginia license tiers
Virginia offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleVirginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk