What You Need to Enroll into a CDL School: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you curious about what it takes for you to begin your first day of CDL training? Now, the easiest way to find out would be to simply give us a call, or even pay us a visit! We’d love to walk you through the entire process and provide you with all of the tools, resources, tips, and tricks necessary to start your path to a CDL. That being said, if you’re not ready to have a conversation yet, we’ve still got you covered! In this article, we’ll lay out everything that you need to do before your first day of courses begins at New Sound CDL School.

It’s our mission to make it easy and simple for you to get your CDL in Washington state. A lot of other schools, websites, and resources bog you down with unnecessary information, messy presentations, and confusing sidebars. Everything we do is positioned at giving you the keys to success, so even these steps are designed to be thorough and stress-free. By following them, you’ll be fully prepared to start training and working toward a great new career in trucking.

Step 1: Get Your DOT Medical Card and DOT Drug Screen

This will be your first benchmark to pass in order to qualify for CDL training. This step is in place to determine whether or not you’re actually physically and mentally fit to operate commercial vehicles. You will be required to pass both a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam and drug test to ensure your fitness for training.

What is a DOT Medical Card?

Performed by a Certified Medical Examiner, the DOT medical exam checks your overall health, including:

• Vision and hearing
• Blood pressure
• Heart and lung function
• Neurological and physical abilities

If you pass the exam at a sufficient level, you’ll be given a DOT Medical Card that you’ll need to present in order to begin your CDL training. It’s also required that you carry this card on you at all times once you’ve obtained your CDL and are driving commercially. You can think of it as a part of your license.

What is a DOT Drug Screen?

You must pass a DOT-approved drug test that checks for all kinds of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and other drugs. The purpose of this is to ensure that CDL holders are not engaging in illicit drugs that could impair their driving and bring danger to both themselves and civilians on the road. Commercial vehicles are large, heavy machines that are incredibly fatal when involved in motor accidents with other vehicles.

Where Can You Get This Done?

A DOT-certified doctor can perform both the medical exam and the drug test for you in a single visit. An easy way to find an approved provider near you is to use the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Make sure to collect and keep all of your paperwork from the medical exam and drug test upon completion. It will be required for the next steps.

Step 2: Get Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at the DOL

You know how you had to get your learner’s permit before a driver’s license when you were a teenager? Well, that’s the same idea as getting your CLP before your CDL, just for commercial vehicles! The CLP will allow you to operate commercial vehicles under supervision during your training hours. Without this permission, you won’t be able to complete the necessary hours required to obtain your CDL.

How Do You Get a CLP?

To get your CLP, you must:

• Pass the CDL knowledge tests (general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles for Class A CDL)
• Provide your DOT Medical Card
• Show your Washington driver’s license
• Pay the required fees

Where Do You Take the Knowledge Tests?

You’ll take the knowledge tests at your local Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) office. To find a testing location, visit the DOL website.

The tests are multiple-choice and cover important trucking rules, regulations, and safety procedures. Study hard. If you don’t pass, you’ll have to retake the tests before getting your CLP.

Step 3: Get Your Full Driving Record at the DOL

Your driving history matters when applying for a CDL. The Washington DOL requires a complete driving record to ensure you have a clean record and no major violations.

How Do You Get Your Driving Record?

You can request your full driving abstract online, in the mail, or in person at the DOL. The report will show:

• Past traffic violations
• Any license suspensions
• Accident history

If you have a history of serious traffic violations or a suspended license, you may need to clear these issues before moving forward with CDL training. You can submit a request for yours at the DOL website.

Step 4: Gather Your Documents for New Sound CDL School

Once you’ve taken care of your medical card, drug test, CLP, and driving record, you’re almost ready to start training. The next step is to bring the required documents to New Sound CDL School so we can complete your enrollment.

What You Need to Bring:

• Valid Washington Driver’s License – This proves you are legally able to drive in the state.
• Social Security Card – Required for identity verification.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Work Authorization (see next step).

Make sure your driver’s license is up to date and your Social Security card is not laminated, as laminated cards are not accepted.

Step 5: Verify Your Citizenship or Work Authorization

To legally obtain a Washington CDL, you must prove you are either a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.

U.S. Citizens Must Bring:

• A valid U.S. passport

OR

• A certified birth certificate

Non-U.S. Citizens Must Bring:

• A green card

OR

• Work authorization documents

Keep in mind that if you aren’t a U.S. citizen, you still may need to bring other paperwork that proves you’re a legal resident and have employment eligibility.

What Happens Next?

Congrats! After completing all of these steps, you can officially begin your first day of CDL training. Here’s a quick idea of what you can expect through the rest of the process:

1. Classroom Instruction – You’ll begin learning the basics and meet your instructors, fellow students, and the rest of our faculty.
2. Driving Practice – Hands-on training involves real trucks on our private, paved lot for all the practice you’ll need.
3. CDL Exam Preparation – Our expert trainers will make sure you’re ready to pass both the skills and knowledge tests.
4. The CDL Exam – After completing training, you’ll take the official CDL test at an approved testing center.

The New Sound Difference

At New Sound CDL School, we make the process as easy as possible for you. Students choose our training program over the rest to get trained quickly and receive their CDL in as little as four weeks for Class A or two weeks for Class B. Our team has worked hard to help our students pass the exam on their first attempt, and it shows with an 80% pass rate! Our expert instructors really set us apart, as they bring decades of real world commercial driving experience across various nations and in all sorts of vehicles. Not only that, but they’re also multilingual, so you can have the support you need if Spanish, Russian, or Ukrainian is your primary language.

We believe in giving you the tools and resources to not only pass the CDL exam, but to succeed in the industry for decades to come. That’s why we also offer options for financial assistance and will help you find a job quickly through our many trucking partners like McLane, Sysco, and Swift.

Start your enrollment today or reach out to us for more information. We’re here to help!