CDL Truck Driver in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
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.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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. |
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 |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Virginia
The median cdl truck driver salary in Virginia is $54,500 per year, which is 5.1% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,150 |
| 25th | $45,830 |
| 50th (median) | $54,500 |
| 75th | $62,990 |
| 90th (experienced) | $77,590 |
Virginia employs approximately 55,430 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.