Ready to hit the road as a professional driver in Washington State? Your first step into unlocking a world of career opportunities in trucking, delivery, and more is through obtaining a Washington Commercial Driver’s License. However, before getting on the wheel, you should know what exactly Washington State has in store regarding the requirements of a CDL. In this guide, we’ll break it all down about Washington State CDL requirements so that you can confidently navigate the process and kick-start your journey to become a licensed commercial driver. Let’s dive deep into what it takes to get your CDL and drive your future forward!
What are the requirements for a CDL in Washington state?
From age and documentation all the way to training and testing, these are the series of Washington State CDL requirements that you must qualify to safely operate a commercial vehicle. The breakdown was as follows:
Age requirements
- Intrastate operations (within Washington State): To apply for a CDL within Washington State, you must be at least 18 years of age. If driving will occur entirely within the state boundaries, this age would suffice.
- Interstate operations: For driving a commercial vehicle across the state lines, you must be at least 21. This is a federal requirement in place to ensure drivers have higher standards for safety and operation when driving long distances and across state borders for interstate commerce.
Application documentation requirements
To be eligible to apply for a CDL in Washington State, you will be required to show specific documents to prove your eligibility. Required documents include:
- Valid Washington State driver license: You must have a valid, non-commercial Washington State driver license to apply for a CDL. If you are a new resident or applying from another state, you will be required to transfer your current driver license to Washington.
- Proof of identity and residency: Attach the documents that prove your identity, legal presence in the U.S., and your residency in Washington. Such documents usually include a birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a permanent resident card. You may be asked to provide proof of your address in Washington State, like utility bills or lease agreements.
- Social Security Number (SSN): You are required to bring your Social Security card or a different certified document showing your SSN; this is to make sure the identity of persons is matched and they are legally approved to work in the United States.
Driving record eligibility requirements
Your driving record is a big determinant of your eligibility for a CDL. According to the requirements by Washington State, applicants have to meet the set boundary concerning driving records as follows:
- Clean driving record: You must not have any driving record in suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification in Washington State or any other state. If your record contains any of those, you might have to clear them before applying for a CDL.
- Disqualifying offenses: The state of Washington also considers a few disqualifying traffic violations and criminal offenses. These include but are not limited to DUIs, reckless driving, and felony convictions regarding vehicle operation. Washington CDL disqualifications could last for a certain length of time or could even result in a permanent disqualification; it really depends on the offense.
Medical requirements
As a holder of a CDL, you are supposed to maintain specific medical requirements that indicate your physical capability in handling a commercial vehicle safely. Medical requirements include:
- You must be physically examined by a medical examiner authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The physical examination will check your general health, including your vision, hearing, and cardiovascular fitness.
- You also have to be free of medical conditions such as epilepsy, sleep apnea, heart disease that would interfere with your operating a vehicle safely. If you have a medical condition, you may have to bring additional documentation or undergo other evaluations to show that your condition is controlled and won’t interfere with your operating a vehicle safely.
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) requirements
Before you can get a full CDL, you will need to apply for and receive a Commercial Learner’s Permit, also called a CLP. A CLP allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a qualified licensed CDL holder.
You will be required to take a written test to demonstrate your knowledge of many aspects involving the operation of a commercial vehicle. This generally includes areas such as traffic laws, road signs, vehicle inspection procedures and safe driving practices. It is recommended to take some practice tests to become familiar with the format and your vehicle before taking the real world.
Take the Washington State CDL practice tests now!
Once you have passed the test for knowledge, you can get a CLP by which you can practice driving under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder for six months. You’ll be preparing for the skills test with your CLP act as a temporary permit.
Training requirements
You cannot take the CDL skills test until you have completed training in Washington State. You must take your training from a registered training provider accredited by Washington State. The training program you attend must be one that meets minimum federal and state standards for the quality of instruction you will receive.
For example, you must train for no less than 160 hours for a Class A CDL. This training covers both classroom and behind-the-wheel training. The classroom training will take you through federal requirements, vehicle inspection procedures, and driving safety, among other subjects; the behind-the-wheel training will give you the hands-on experience of operating a commercial vehicle.
Get detailed information about Washington State CDL training requirements, click here.
Skills tests requirements
You may take the skills test after you have completed the required training and held a CLP for at least 14 days. The skills test covers your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle and includes the following:
1. Pre-Trip inspection: You must show you can inspect the commercial vehicle properly before you drive. You will have to check the vehicle’s systems, including brakes, lights, and tires to make sure they are safe to operate.
Take the Washington State CDL pre-trip practice test right now!
2. Basic control skills test: This part of the test will reveal your ability to make basic driving maneuvers like backing, turning, and parking. This test is normally taken in a closed and controlled environment where you can demonstrate your proficiency in handling the vehicle.
3. On-road driving test: The final part of the skills test is the behind-the-wheel test, in which you will drive a commercial vehicle in actual traffic. Under the supervision of the examiner, you will have to show your safe driving of the vehicle, observing the rules of the road, and making safe decisions required by a number of different driving situations.
Completing the skill test successfully can earn you your commercial driver’s license and allow you to drive commercially in the State of Washington.
FAQs
1. What is required to get a CDL in Washington state?
In the state of Washington, a person must be at least 18 years old for an intrastate CDL or 21 years for an interstate CDL; they have to possess a valid driver’s license of Washington State, proof of identity, and residency; pass a medical test; obtain a CLP by passing the written test, get the required training from a registered training provider; and finally, pass the CDL skills test that covers a pre-trip inspection, basic control maneuvers, and on-road driving evaluation.
2. What weight requires a CDL in Washington state?
According to the regulations in Washington State, it is possible to possess a CDL on the following weight classifications of the operating vehicle:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): A person requires a CDL for operating vehicles whose GVWR is 26,001 pounds and above.
- Combination vehicles: If the total GVWR of the combination of a vehicle and a trailer exceeds 26,001 pounds and the trailer’s own GVWR exceeds 10,000 pounds, a person will require a CDL.
- Passenger: CDL must be obtained to operate vehicles designed to transport 16 individuals or more, including the driver.
- Hazardous materials: A CDL is mandatory for the movement of hazardous materials regardless of their weight and requirement for placarding.
Final thoughts
Getting a CDL in Washington State follows a very straightforward and balanced process that will lead the driver through complete preparation to handle a commercial vehicle safely. Meet the age requirement, provide the required documents, pass medical screenings, get trained, and finally, pass the knowledge and skill tests for a CDL to start your career as a licensed commercial driver. Whether you plan to drive inside the borders of Washington State or beyond, meeting the Washington State CDL requirements is the key to success in trucking and transportation. Kick-start your career today by taking the first step out onto the open road!
