Washington State CDL Training Requirements
Washington minimum CDL training requirements Before you can get
a commercial driver license (CDL), you must successfully complete a training course
at an approved Washington CDL training school. The training must include at least
the following:
Class A Washington CDL Minimum training required: 160 total hours, including at
least:
- 40 hours of classroom instruction
- 18 hours of street driving training
- 16 hours of training in backing maneuvers
- 16 hours of proficiency development
- 70 hours of combined lab training, range training and observation
Class B Washington CDL Minimum training required: 48 total hours, including at
least:
- 20 hours of classroom instruction
- 14 hours of street driving training
- 4 hours of training in backing maneuvers
- 4 hours of proficiency development
- 6 hours of combined lab training, range training and observation
Class C Washington CDL Minimum training required: 36 total hours, including at
least:
- 20 hours of classroom instruction
- 8 hours of street driving training
- 2 hours of training in backing maneuvers
- 2 hours of proficiency development
- 4 hours of combined lab training, range training and observation
After you complete the minimum training requirements
The training school will give you a certificate of completion that you must present
at a driver licensing office when you get your Washington CDL. You don't need
the training certificate to schedule and take a Washington CDL skills test, but
you must present the original certificate at the licensing office after you have
passed all your tests and are ready to get your Washington CDL. You won't be issued
a Washington CDL unless you present the original certificate. Photocopied, faxed,
handwritten, or mailed certificates won't be accepted.
Types of drivers exempt from Washington State training requirements
Employer-certified drivers
If your employer agrees that you have the skills and training to operate a commercial motor
vehicle safely, he or she will complete and sign an employer certification that includes the
classes of commercial vehicles you may operate. To be exempt from meeting the minimum training
requirements, you must present this typed, signed certification at a driver licensing office when
you are issued your CDL.
To qualify as an "employer", the person or organization who completes the certification must:
- Register with us. (See Employer registration and certification to learn how to register as an employer.)
- Have hired at least 1 individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle on a regular basis during their normal course of business.
- Not have the primary purpose of training commercial vehicle operators.
Drivers with military truck driver training
If you received specialized truck driver training in the military, you may be
eligible for a Commercial Drivers Military Training Certificate from the Department
of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). Present this certificate instead of a training school
certificate when you apply for your Washington CDL. To learn how to get a military
training certificate, see the WDVA website: Military Commercial Drivers License
Skills Test Waiver.
Agribusiness
You may get a restricted Washington CDL without meeting the minimum training requirements
if you'll be operating a commercial motor vehicle only for agribusiness purposes.
When you get your Washington CDL, we will add a restriction that only allows you
to drive a commercial vehicle for an agribusiness. To have this restriction removed,
you must present a training or employer certificate.
An "agribusiness" is a private carrier who primarily transports the following products during
the normal course of business:
- Farm machinery, farm equipment, and implements of husbandry.
- Farm supplies and materials.
- Seed, feed, fertilizer, and crop protection products.
- Unprocessed agricultural commodities.
- Any combination of the above.
To get this restricted CDL without meeting training requirements, your agribusiness employer must
send us a completed Agribusiness Minimum Training Requirements Exemption form. Then we will assign
you a unique ID number and send your employer the approved form. You must present this approved form
at a driver licensing office when you are issued your CDL. For more information, see Agribusiness.
I used to have a CDL. Do I have to meet the minimum training requirements if I want to get a CDL again?
Yes, unless you work for an employer who will certify you have the skills and training necessary to
safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Washington State CDL instruction permit (CDIP)
Who can apply for a Washington State CDIP
Any driver over 18 years old with a valid WA driver license. To operate commercial vehicles from state to state (interstate) you must be at least 21 years old.
How to apply for a Washington State CDIP
- Apply for a CDIP at a driver licensing office that offers knowledge testing (call to find out).
- Bring your current license and Social Security number, for ID purposes. This is a mandatory under federal law (49 USC 31308) and WA state law (RCW 46.25.070).
- Pass the knowledge test.
- Pay the fees.
How long a Washington State CDIP is valid?
It's valid for 6 months and may only be renewed once in a 2 year period.
CDIP driving restrictions
After you've been issued a Washington State CDIP:
- You must be accompanied when you drive a commercial vehicle. They must:
- Hold a valid CDL and have 2 years' experience driving the type of commercial vehicle you are driving.
- Have at least 5 years' total driving experience.
- Occupy the seat beside you for the purpose of giving instruction.
- You can't operate any commercial vehicle classified or placarded for hazardous materials.
Washington CDL Written Knowledge Tests
You will need to pass the
Washington Knowledge Tests that are required for
the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general
knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed
by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained
in the
FREE Washington CDL Handbook. Please read and study this
manual carefully.
- Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
- Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
- Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air
brakes vehicles..
- Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
- School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
- Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
Washington
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which WA CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
Classes of Washington CDL and Required Tests
CDL Class |
Tests Required |
Possible Endorsements and Required Tests |
Class A
(Combination vehicle endorsement required) |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Combination Endorsement Written Exam
Road Exam |
|
Class B |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Road Exam |
|
Class C |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Road Exam
Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one. |
|
Washington CDL Endorsements
Exam |
Time Allowed (Minutes) |
# of Questions on Exam |
# of Correct Answers Needed to Pass |
General Knowledge |
60 |
50 |
40 |
Air Brakes |
25 |
25 |
20 |
HazMat |
30 |
30 |
24 |
Tank |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Passenger |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Doubles/Triples |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Combination Vehicles |
20 |
20 |
16 |
School Bus |
20 |
20 |
16 |
In addition to the Washington CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the Washington CDL and in the free Washington CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
Washington CDL written exams to get your Washington CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The Washington CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .