The Washington State DOT's CDL Requirements
- Washington residents may apply for one of three types of CDLs. The Class A CDL allows the operator to drive a vehicle of any size. The driver may operate single vehicles or combination vehicles such as double or triple trailers. The Class B license allows operators to drive a single vehicle with any weight and tow a trailer weighing up to 10,000 lbs. Class C drivers may operate a vehicle with 16 or more passengers with a special endorsement and commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materials and with a weight of up to 26,001 lbs. The Class B driver's license also allows the operator to drive vehicles in the Class C range.
- The first step in getting a Washington state CDL is obtaining the instructional permit. The CDL instructional permit allows the driver to operate a commercial vehicle during training. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Applicants planning to operate a vehicle over state lines must be at least 21 years old, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing. Applicants must pass a knowledge test to obtain an instructional permit. The permit is valid for six months, and student drivers may renew the permit only once in Washington state.
- Washington commercial drivers must have a valid medical examination card with them at all times while operating a commercial vehicle in the state. The medical card ensures the driver is physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
- Each type of commercial driver's license requires the applicant to complete training hours to qualify for a license. A Class A applicant must complete 160 hours of driver's training that includes at least 40 hours of classroom training, 18 hours of training on streets, 16 hours of backing the vehicle, 16 hours developing the proficiency while operating a commercial vehicle and 70 hours of lab training and observation from an instructor. Class B CDL applicants must complete a 48-hour training program with 20 hours of classroom instruction and 22 combined hours of training in backing, street driving and development of proficiency. The final six hours must be in lab training under the observation of an instructor. A class C license applicant must complete a training program of at least 36 hours, with 20 hours of classroom training and a combined 12 hours of street driving, backing and development of the driver's proficiency. The final four hours of the course is in lab training under observation.
- In addition to a knowledge test, the candidate for a CDL must pass a skills test. The skills test evaluates the driver's proficiency in operating commercial vehicles. Applicants must present a certificate of completion from the training program to schedule an appointment for the skills test.
