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States

WAWashington CDL permit test guide

The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.

Licensing agency
Washington State Department of Licensing
Official CDL page
dol.wa.gov ↗
Official CDL manual
dol.wa.gov ↗
Testing, fees and appointments
dol.wa.gov ↗
Knowledge-test language
Confirm with the agency

Washington's CDL skills test is given in English only; interpreters and bilingual examiners are not allowed.

Source collection date

Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)

  1. Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
  2. Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
  3. Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
  4. Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
  5. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
  6. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
  7. Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.

What is different in this state

Test languages

Washington's CDL skills test is given in English only; interpreters and bilingual examiners are not allowed.

Source: dol.wa.gov

Learner permit (CLP)

A Washington CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed only once; banked skills test scores are lost when you renew. Hold it at least 14 days before the skills test.

Source: dol.wa.gov

Age

You can apply at 18 with a valid Washington license, but you must be 21 to drive commercial vehicles between states.

Source: dol.wa.gov

Also important

After passing the skills test you must wait 24 hours before your CDL can be issued.

Source: dol.wa.gov

Where this state's manual differs

  • 5.1.11 The low air pressure warning must come on before tank pressure falls below 60 psi (2017 national text: 55 psi).
  • 5.2 Dual air systems: the warning must come on before either system drops below 60 psi (2017 national text: 55 psi).
  • 5.3.3 Air brake check: the warning should come on before pressure drops below 60 psi (2017 national text: 55 psi).

State-only topics in the manual

  • Washington State Laws and Rules (section 1): getting a WA CDL, CLP rules, fees and skills test scheduling with DOL.
  • Section 11: detailed overview of the Washington CDL skills test.

Source collection date:

The three permit tests

General Knowledge

Required for every CDL class.

Mock exam

Air Brakes

Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.

Mock exam

Combination Vehicles

Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).

Mock exam
Study the core course

7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.