How to Get a Washington State CDL: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s no better time than right now to get your Washington State CDL. Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for weeks, months, or even years, or maybe this is your first day with a CDL on your mind. Either way, you’re standing at the doorstep of developing a skill and obtaining a license that will open doors into well-paying, stable jobs across multiple industries. In fact, an estimated 240,300 job openings are expected for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers each year. There’s no shortage of demand for CDL holders, so getting your license is a great way to position yourself for a successful future.

If you’re interested but don’t know where to start, this step-by-step guide is perfect for you. We’ve broken down the process for getting your CDL down into clear, simple instructions so you can plan accordingly. If you have any questions or would prefer to speak with an expert directly, we’re always happy to help. Reach out to us today and our team will give you the answers you’re looking for.

Step 1: Understand the Different Classes of CDL

Before you start the process, it’s important to know what kind of CDL you need. There are three main types, called ‘classes’, and each one will require specific courses and testing:

• Class A: Lets you drive semi-trucks and other vehicles with large trailers.
• Class B: Allows you to drive large vehicles without trailers, like buses, box trucks, or dump trucks.
• Class C: Covers smaller vehicles carrying hazardous materials or 16+ passengers, like school buses or shuttle vans.

If you’re not sure which class is right for you, think about the type of driving you want to do. Most people pursuing truck driving go for Class A, but Class B is popular for local delivery and construction jobs. You should have an end goal in mind of your desired commercial vehicle, industry, and job before beginning your CDL certification. For more information on CDL jobs and their salaries, check out this article or simply reach out to us.

Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements

To get your CDL in Washington, you need to meet a few basic requirements:

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive commercially within Washington State, but you’ll need to be 21 or older to drive across state lines, transport hazardous materials, or drive certain types of commercial vehicles.
2. Driver’s License: You must already have a valid, standard Washington driver’s license.
3. Residency: You’ll need proof of Washington residency, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.
4. Medical Certification: You must meet federal medical standards. This means passing a DOT medical exam and obtaining a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate. A certified medical examiner will check your vision, hearing, and overall health to ensure you’re fit to drive. For more information on this part of the process, the Washington State Department of Licensing has a helpful guide including an online tool to find certified medical examiners.

Step 3: Enroll in a CDL Training Program

Washington state requires you to take a CDL training course from a recognized school like New Sound CDL in order to qualify to take the CDL exam. Our training program teaches you everything you need to know about commercial driving and gives you hands-on experience behind the wheel in controlled and real-life environments. Our experienced team prepares you for both the written and driving portions of the CDL test, so you can be confident on the day of your exam.

Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll learn in our training program:

• Pre-Trip Inspections: How to check your vehicle for safety issues.
• Basic Maneuvers: Turning, backing up, and parking a large vehicle.
• Road Skills: Navigating highways, intersections, and traffic.
• Advanced Techniques: Handling air brakes, coupling/uncoupling trailers, and more.

Available Courses:

• Class A Manual:
  • $4,675
  • 4 Weeks
• Class A Automatic:
  • $4,175
  • 4 Weeks
• Class B:
  • $3,175
  • 2 Weeks
• Upgrades (from Class B or C to Class A):
  • $3,175
  • 2 Weeks

These courses involve 40 hours per week of on-location training and in-classroom instruction, but we have part-time options available for those who cannot invest into a full-time school schedule. Keep in mind that our part-time courses will take more weeks to complete than the typical full-time curriculum since Washington state regulations require that you still meet a specific number of training hours dependent on the Class of CDL you’re pursuing.

Step 4: Get Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

You’ll need to get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days before you can take your final CDL exam. Here’s how to get it:

1. Study for the Knowledge Test: The CLP requires you to pass a knowledge test covering the rules of the road, commercial vehicle safety, and basic trucking concepts. Our training program will prepare you with the knowledge necessary to get your permit and qualify for the skills exam at the end of our training.
2. Take the Knowledge Test: Head to your local licensing office to take the written knowledge test. This multiple-choice test costs $35 to take and covers everything from traffic laws to vehicle inspections. Passing this test earns you your CLP, which costs another $40 to obtain.

Reminder: You’ll need to keep your CLP for at least 14 days before you’re eligible to take the CDL Skills Test, so plan accordingly.

Step 5: Pass the CDL Skills Test

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days and completing your training program, it’s time for the CDL Skills Test. This is the hands-on portion of getting your full CDL. The test costs $175 and is divided into three parts:

1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You’ll demonstrate your ability to inspect the vehicle and explain what you’re checking (e.g., tires, brakes, lights). This ensures you understand the importance of safety checks before hitting the road.
2. Basic Control Skills: You’ll perform basic maneuvers like backing up, parallel parking, and turning. The goal is to show you can control the vehicle in tight spaces.
3. On-Road Driving Test: This is your chance to show the examiner that you can safely and confidently drive a commercial vehicle in real-world conditions.

Our team will help you schedule your test through a Washington-approved CDL testing location and ensure that you’re fully prepared to master it on your first try with confidence. Once you pass, you’re officially ready to receive your CDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a CDL in Washington?
The full process usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on your training schedule. Full-time students often complete their program and testing in just over 4 weeks, while part-time students can take up to 8 weeks or more.

Can I drive a commercial truck without a CDL?
No, a CDL is legally required to operate any vehicle classified as commercial, including large trucks, buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

What jobs can I get with a CDL?
There are countless possibilities with a CDL. You can become a long-haul trucker, local delivery driver, bus driver, tanker driver, or even specialize in fields like construction or agriculture.

Washington’s Top CDL School

The long list of steps to take for a CDL can seem like too much at first glance. At New Sound CDL School, we can guide you every step of the way—from preparing for the knowledge test to acing the skills test. Our experienced instructors, hands-on training, and job placement assistance make the process smooth and stress-free. We offer language assistance with instructors that are fluent in Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian to help those with English as their second language. Our facility is modern and includes an on-site training lot with trucks and trailers that will match those you test and drive on. Our program is tried and tested with over 1,500 CDL holders to date.

If you’re ready to start your commercial driving career, apply today or contact us to learn more about our programs and visit our facility. Your future on the open road is just a few steps away!