Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 3
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services • Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services • Private Security Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$54,500 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 5. Submit the application to Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services~Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services~Private Security Services and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $54,500, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Virginia earn 5% below the national median of $57,440. Virginia ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$54,500Hourly estimate
$26.205% below national median
Difference: -$2,940
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $54,500 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $57,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,040 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $55,590 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $55,610 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| North Carolina | $49,580 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| North Carolina | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services • Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services • Private Security Services
1100 Bank Street, Richmond, VA, 23219-3639
Phone: 8047864700
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $115,490 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,770 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Virginia?
Virginia lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Virginia?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Virginia is $54,500. Salaries range from $38,150 (10th percentile) to $77,590 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Virginia earn 5% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $54,500.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 55,430 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services / Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services / Private Security Services. Review agency details at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.