Wondering how to get a CDL in Washington state and start your career as a commercial driver? It is the ticket to many different career possibilities whether driving large trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles. Come to our guide, we take you through, step by step, how to meet the basic requirements up to passing the tests for acquiring a CDL with confidence in Washington State. It will never let you down when keep scrolling down, we guarantee.
What are the requirements for CDL in Washington State?
Before getting into the procedure of how to get your CDL, here are some basic requirements followed by Washington State Department of Licensing that one should know:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL for driving intrastate (within Washington). You must be at least 21 years old to drive interstate (across state lines).
- Medical requirements: You will be required to undergo a Department of Transportation medical examination to ensure that you are physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle.
- Proof of citizenship/residency: This is normally in the form of either your social security card, birth certificate, or valid passport in showing proof of U.S. citizenship or Washington lawful permanent residency.
- Valid driver's license: Must currently possess a valid State of Washington driver's license.
- The completion of Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
- Vision test: You have to pass the vision test with the passing condition of 20/40 or better in each eye, not color blind.
- CLP: Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit before taking skills tests.
For the best preparation, read our post on
all requirements for CDL in Washington.
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The requirements for CDL in Washington State[/caption]
How to get a CDL in Washington State?
Once you meet the preliminary requirements, you may start applying for your CDL in Washington. The process is divided into two parts: written knowledge tests and skills tests.
Take the CDL written knowledge test
The first step in getting a CDL is passing the written knowledge test. Depending on the type of CDL class and additional endorsements, the tests differ from person to person.
- General knowledge test: This is the written basic exam that every applicant for a CDL has to take. Some of the topics that are touched on in this include vehicle operation, road safety, traffic laws, and best driving practices. Most often, 50 multiple-choice questions will be provided for the test taker, and to consider the test passed, there needs to be a minimum score of 80%.
- Endorsement test (if applicable): If you will be driving any special categories of vehicles such as HazMat, passenger vehicles, or double/triple trailers, you must take several more endorsement tests. These tests are on the particular knowledge and skills in each type of endorsement and are similarly multiple-choice. There is a separate test for each endorsement; passing these will enable you to drive such special categories of vehicles legally.
| Endorsement test |
Total questions |
Passing score |
| Hazardous Materials |
30 |
24 |
| Passenger Transport |
20 |
16 |
| Doubles/Triples |
20 |
16 |
| School Bus |
20 |
16 |
| Tank Vehicle |
20 |
16 |
- Air brakes test (if applicable): This test pertains to the key knowledge a driver needs to know when operating an air brake system on a commercial vehicle. It covers 25 multiple choice questions about the key parts of the system such as air compressor, brake chambers-knowing how to check air pressure, and how to use safe stopping procedures. When one takes this test, they are legally qualified to operate air-braked vehicles because it removes the air brake restriction on their CDL.
- Combination vehicles test (if applicable): This test is required for those drivers who intend to drive vehicles with a tractor-trailer combination. It covers pre-checks, the process of coupling and uncoupling, how to safely maneuver, and how to prevent skidding and jackknifing. You would need a Class A CDL to qualify for driving combination vehicles like semi-trucks pulling trailers by successfully taking this test. To pass the test, you have to get a passing score of 80% or more of 20 multiple choice questions.
A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is issued once all the knowledge tests are completed. 14 days later, drivers then can come to the skills tests.
Take the Washington CDL practice test right now!
Take the CDL skill test
Once you have passed the written tests, you will then be required to take the CDL skills test. This is a practical test wherein you are required to practically show that you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. There are three parts to the CDL skills test:
Pre-trip inspection
This section involves the first aspect of the CDL skills test in which you will be able to identify how to conduct a pre-drive inspection of a commercial vehicle. Essential things to check include brakes, tires, lights, engines, and mirrors to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate. You must describe what you are looking at and why out loud while going down a set checklist provided in the CDL book.
Basic vehicle control
This will test your skill in controlling the vehicle within a controlled course. You will be required to perform some maneuvers such as backing, parallel parking, and tight turns within a controlled area. This is supposed to show that you can control the vehicle with precision within confined spaces without hitting obstacles.
On-road driving
This is the final portion of the CDL skills test, and it will be conducted on the road. You will drive with a tester who will evaluate your skills regarding normal traffic conditions such as lane changes, turns, intersections, and highway driving. You'll also need to demonstrate safe driving practices, obey all traffic laws, and show full control of the vehicle under various road conditions.
Receive the actual license
When you pass both the written and skills tests, you will be issued your CDL. Washington State will be mailing your CDL to you in a couple of weeks. The license class and endorsements on your license authorize you to drive certain types of commercial vehicles.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to get a CDL in Washington state?
The cost of how to get a CDL in Washington is not fixed but varies. The permit fee to obtain a CDL is about $40, while the total written test, skills test, and endorsements range from $100 to $200. Added to these costs could be medical testing and training costs.
2. How to get a CDL permit in Washington state?
An application for a CDL permit in Washington is made through the passing of a written knowledge test at any DOL office. You must have a valid Washington State driver's license, be of the required age, and also have a passed DOT physical.
3. How to get a class A CDL in Washington state?
A Class A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a combined weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. To obtain a Class A CDL, you will be required to take the general knowledge written test for Class A, a combination vehicle test and any required endorsement tests. You will then take the CDL skills test in a Class A vehicle.
4. How to get a class B CDL in Washington state?
A Class B CDL allows you to drive single vehicles that are 26,001 pounds or more, or to tow vehicles that are under 10,000 pounds. It follows a similar process as getting a class A CDL; however, you'll be required to take different tests specifically for class B vehicles.
5. How much to get a passenger CDL in Washington state?
The cost of getting a 'P' passenger endorsement on your CDL varies but usually involves an endorsement test fee of about $10-$20, plus additional training and a fee to take a skills test.
6. How long does it take to get a CDL in Washington state?
It all depends on the individual's pace through which he takes the required tests and training, but on average, if you go for a CDL training program, it may take about 7-10 weeks. If you'll be preparing on your own, this may take much longer. Explore the details through our post here.
7. How much does it cost to get a class A CDL in Washington state?
In Washington, the complete price one has to pay to get a class A CDL ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on training program and testing fees.
8. How much does a CDL pay in Washington?
The pay for a CDL holder is different, based on the commercial driving job. On average, an individual who holds a CDL in Washington will make anywhere between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, although specialized drivers-like those with endorsements may get more money.
9. What are the CDL disqualifications in Washington state?
In Washington, several offenses will render you ineligible to hold a CDL. Major violations include Driving under the influence (DUI); Leaving the scene of an accident; Using a vehicle to commit a felony; and Reckless driving; Several serious traffic violations: speeding 15 mph over the limit and texting while driving will result in disqualification from maintaining a CDL. Violations carrying hazmat transport upon themselves face more severe repercussions. Read on our post
here to get more information!
10. Can you get a CDL with 2 DUI in Washington?
No, because applying would not be advisable since having two convictions for DUI disqualifies you from holding a commercial driver's license in Washington State.
11. Can you get a CDL with 2 DWI in Washington?
Like in DUI, Washington will disqualify you for life from holding a CDL if you have two convictions of DWI (driving while intoxicated). The state classifies both DUI and DWI offenses under the same category in terms of disqualification of a CDL.
12. Can you get a CDL with a felony in Washington?
That would depend on the nature of the felony. If the felony involved the use of a commercial vehicle or if it were a felony involving the distribution of controlled substances, you would be disqualified from ever obtaining a CDL. On the other hand, if your felony does not involve vehicle operation or hazardous materials, you may still apply for your CDL, pending the nature of your case.
Final thought
Acquiring a commercial driver's license in Washington State accompanies a number of career opportunities within the commercial driving industry. The process, from ensuring all requirements are met to actually taking the knowledge and skills tests, is straightforward yet requires proper preparation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will most definitely answer the question how to get a CDL in Washington state and be on your way to getting yourself licensed as a commercial driver. Good fortune on your road to success.
