A reliable virtual testing framework for unidirectionally laminated composites is presented that allows the prediction of failure loads and modes of general in-plane coupons with great realism. This is a toolset based on finite element analysis that relies on a cohesive-frictional constitutive formulation coupled with the kinematics of penalty-based contact surfaces, on sophisticated three-dimensional continuum damage models, and overall on a modelling approach based on mesh structuring and crack-band erosion to capture the appropriate crack paths in unidirectional fibre reinforced plies. An extensive and rigorous validation of the overall approach is presented, demonstrating that the virtual testing laboratory is robust and can be reliably used in for composite materials screening, design and certification.