How to Get a Commercial Driver License in Washington State

In an economy where the job market looks bleak, there is still a need to move goods locally and cross-country.

Not only are drivers needed for the "big rigs," drivers are also needed to operate vehicles such as dump trucks and busses.

Many unemployed workers look at commercial driving as a career option, and truck driver training schools, such as Commercial Driver Services, Inc. (CDS) in Lakewood, offer job placement assistance upon graduation from their courses.

According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, before a commercial driver license (CDL) can be issued, one must successfully complete training at a state-approved training school.

For a complete list of approved CDL schools throughout Washington State, click here.

The minimum training requirements for a CDL

Class A - 160 total hours, including at least:

40 hours classroom instruction
18 hours street driving training
16 hours training in backing maneuvers
16 hours proficiency development
70 hours combined lab training, range training and observation

Class B - 48 total hours, including at least:

20 hours classroom instruction
14 hours street driving training
4 hours training in backing maneuvers
4 hours proficiency development
6 hours combined lab training, range training and observation

Class C - 36 total hours, including at least:

20 hours classroom instruction
8 hours street driving training
2 hours training in backing maneuvers
2 hours proficiency development
4 hours combined lab training, range training and observation

After completion of the minimum requirements

Once the certificate of completion is received from the training school, one will have to schedule and pass all applicable CDL knowledge and skills tests at the licensing office. The original certificate of completion-no photocopies, faxed, or mailed copies are allowed--will be required before a CDL is issued.

Exemptions from training requirements

There are two types of drivers that may be exempt from the training requirement-employer-certified drivers and agribusiness drivers.

Employers can certify that drivers have the skills and training to operate commercial vehicles, under certain circumstances noted on the Department of Licensing website.

Five-year restricted CDLs are also available until June 30, 2011 for those drivers operating commercial motor vehicles for employers in agribusiness. For full details, see Agribusiness Training Exemption.

Sources

Washington State Department of Licensing

Commercial Driver Services, Inc.