Virginia Commercial Driver's License Manual

VA CDL Manual

Virginia CDL Skills Testing

 

Prepare for the Virginia CDL Modernized Skills Test


Preparing for your Virginia CDL Skills Test can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the testing procedures and exercises.


At Precision Driver Training, we provide hands-on Class A and Class B CDL training designed to help students understand the skills they'll be expected to demonstrate during their CDL test.


We don't believe in simply memorizing enough information to pass. Our goal is to help you understand your vehicle, develop proper reference points, improve vehicle control, and become a safe and confident commercial driver.

What to expect on the Virginia CDL Skills Test

 The Virginia CDL skills testing process evaluates whether you can safely inspect, control, and operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Depending on your license, vehicle, and testing situation, you'll need to demonstrate knowledge and skills involving areas such as:

  • Vehicle inspection
  • Basic vehicle control
  • Backing and maneuvering
  • On-road commercial driving
  • Safe vehicle positioning and awareness

Precision Driver Training works with students on each stage of the process so they understand what to expect before test day.

Exercise 1- FORWARD STOP

 The Forward Stop exercise tests your ability to judge the front of your commercial vehicle during a controlled stop.

You will drive forward through the alley and stop with the front-most part of the vehicle within the designated stop box without going beyond it.

Proper speed control, vehicle positioning, and reference points are extremely important during this exercise.

Exercise 2- STRAIGHT LINE BACKING

 Straight Line Backing tests your ability to safely control your commercial vehicle while backing in a straight line.

You'll need to maintain proper vehicle alignment while backing through the designated alley and remain aware of the exercise boundaries.

Students should develop good mirror usage, steering control, vehicle positioning, and backing techniques before attempting the CDL skills test.

Exercise 3- FORWARD OFFSET TRACKING

 Forward Offset Tracking tests your ability to maneuver your commercial vehicle around an obstacle while moving forward.

The exercise requires careful attention to your vehicle's rear tire tracking, turning path, clearance, and positioning.

Understanding how the rear of a commercial vehicle tracks differently from the front is an important skill both during the CDL test and in real-world driving.

Exercise 4- REVERSE OFFSET BACKING

 Reverse Offset Backing tests your ability to maneuver your commercial vehicle while backing into an offset alley and properly position the vehicle within the designated boundaries.

This exercise requires good mirror usage, reference points, steering control, backing technique, and awareness of the vehicle's position.