Understanding How much does it cost to get a CDL in Washington State?

For anyone interested in a career as a professional driver in Washington State, the first thing they think about is getting a commercial driver’s license. There are several fees for a number of things, including the cost of the knowledge test through to the skills exam and medical exams, along with the cost of the actual CDL training itself. All of these are expected to cost about $4,000 to $8,000. Understanding these costs in advance will help you budget your money and not find any surprises along the way.

In the following article, we are going to break down the question how much does it cost to get a cdl in Washington State, so you can choose wisely on your journey toward becoming a professional driver. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty!

How much does it cost to get a CDL in Washington state?

On average, you can anticipate paying roughly $4,000-8,000 in preparation, training, examination tests, and different fees all together. Below, we have broken down the main costs involved in getting a CDL so that you could better plan your budget and understand what to expect with each step.

CDL knowledge test fee

Before you actually start the licensing process, you will have to take and pass a knowledge test to get CLP. The knowledge test determines whether you know traffic laws, safety regulations, and other essential things about driving a commercial vehicle. This in Washington costs $35.

Commercial learner’s permit (CLP) fee

After passing the knowledge test, you’ll need to apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit, or CLP, before you are able to take the CDL skills test. A CLP costs $40 in the state of Washington. It grants permission to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.

CDL skills test fee

Your ability to operate a commercial vehicle is assessed by the CDL skills test. The skills test costs vary by vehicle and testing location. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

• Truck or passenger (not including school bus) skills test: $175

This is for those being tested with an independent third-party examiner (TPE) or a DOL examiner.

• Head start employee skills test: $175

This is for skills testing specifically for school bus operation.

• School bus skills test: $100

By Educational School District, DOL examiner, or TPE-specific testing fees will apply. The CDL’s primary purpose must be for school bus driving for the school bus test. Each fee covers two attempts to pass the skills test. Any change of examiners after the first attempt will require another payment of the fee by you.

Training fee

The cost of training a CDL will vary depending on the school you go to. In Washington, for example, most programs may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 for full training. Most of these fees include tuition, driving time, and use of the training vehicle. Many schools also offer financial aid or have a payment plan in place, so it would be a good idea to compare rates and options prior to enrolling.

Medical examination fee

Before you can get a CDL, you are required to go for a medical check-up to ascertain whether you are fit enough to drive a commercial vehicle. The cost of this examination ranges from $50 to $150, depending on the location. You need a valid medical certificate for both your CLP and CDL.

Additional fees

Along with the main fees for getting your CDL, there are several other smaller fees you may be expected to pay along the way. Depending on your situation, such as renewing your CDL, adding endorsements, or transferring an out-of-state CDL, these fees may change. Here’s a closer look at the common additional fees you might face:

Add CDL endorsement to a WA driver license fee

If you have an existing regular Washington driver’s license and want to apply for a CDL endorsement, the license update fee is $20. You will also be charged $17 per year for the remaining period on your existing license. These fees are meant to cover the administrative cost of updating your license with the new endorsement.

Transfer out-of-state CDL to a WA CDL fee

If you have a CDL from another state and are relocating to Washington, you will be required to transfer your CDL to a Washington state license. The fee for an out-of-state CDL transfer is $102 for the CDL, $55 for the license, and $35 for the application. Keep in mind that all fees are subject to change, based on the details of your license, like expiration date.

CDL renewal fee

To maintain a CDL in Washington State, it needs to be renewed periodically. A standard renewal fee is $9 per year. You may renew for 6 years for $55 or for 8 years for $73. Your renewal cost might also be influenced by your license endorsements and whether you upgrade to an enhanced driver’s license. Additional fees may be added if you’re renewing late or if the type of license is changed. It is necessary to renew your CDL before it expires to avoid any penalties or complications.

TSA background check for Hazardous Materials endorsement fee

If you seek a hazardous materials endorsement, you are required to be fingerprinted and undergo a background check through the Transportation Security Administration. The cost of the background check is in addition to all other CDL-related expenses and is usually $86. The background check will make sure you are qualified to transport hazardous materials by examining your security clearance.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to get a Class A CDL in Washington state?

Generally, getting a Class A CDL in Washington State costs anything from $4,000 to $8,000. This includes the cost of the CDL knowledge test at $35, the Commercial Learner’s Permit at $40, the skills test at $175 for most vehicles, and training that can cost between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the school. Other possible fees you might have to pay include medical examination costs, endorsement fees, and renewal fees. The total cost depends on factors such as the type of vehicle you are testing in and any endorsements you are adding.

2. How much does CDL school cost in WA?

On average, CDL school in Washington costs anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the program and length. This typically includes classroom instruction as well as behind-the-wheel training. Most schools do offer financial aid, scholarships, or some payment plans available to help with these costs. That being the case, rates will vary by school and, therefore, it will pay to shop around to compare those differences. Note that CDL school tuition itself does not cover the costs of your knowledge test, CLP, and skills test.

Final thoughts

Getting your CDL in Washington is a solid investment in your future as a commercial driver. If you understand the costs involved, including those for the knowledge test, CLP, skills test, training, and additional fees, you will understand how much to plan for your costs. You should budget for the steps needed by going for a CDL Class, attending CDL school, or adding endorsements as it will cost you at each stage of the process. Preparation will get you ready for success on the road.

Here is where you need to go if you are ready to begin your journey and want to know how much does it cost to get a CDL in Washington State; then learn about local schools, review through the fee structures, and be on your way to your newest career!