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Get your Washington CDL — government fees ($317), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Most information on this page has been verified.
88% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$317
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,500-$9,000
TRAINING COST
6 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Pass Knowledge Test and Obtain CLP
Visit a driver licensing office with required documents and DOT medical certificate. Pass the CDL knowledge test for your vehicle class and endorsements. Pay the CLP fee.
CLP valid for 180 days
Fee: $40Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
DOL must receive notice of completed training before scheduling skills test
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days and completing ELDT, schedule your skills test with a DOL examiner or independent third-party examiner. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
Fee covers up to 2 attempts; school bus test is $100
Fee: $175Receive Your CDL
Make an appointment at a driver licensing office. DOL must have proof of completed training and skills test. Pay the CDL license and endorsement fees.
CDL valid for 6 years
Fee: $102 plus $17 per endorsementCommercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($40) + CDL ($102) + state skills test ($175)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Community colleges $3,500–$6,500; private schools $5,000–$9,000
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $175
Covers up to 2 attempts; school bus test is $100
Three-Part Exam
Independent third-party examiners (TPEs) and DOL examiners administer skills tests
Third-party fee: $175–$400 (Varies by third-party examiner; $175 is the standard DOL/TPE rate)
Scheduling Note
Call DOL to schedule and pay for skills test; can test with DOL examiner or independent third-party examiner
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Washington state with a valid WA driver's license
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $17 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $17 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $17 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $17 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $34 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $17 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$40
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
6 years
Renewal Fee
$102
Plus endorsement fees; extra $10 if more than 60 days past expiration
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Renew up to 60 days after expiration without extra fees. If expired more than 8 years, must start over with new CDL application. Renew through License Express online or at a driver licensing office.
Regulatory Board
Make an appointment at a driver licensing office. Bring your out-of-state CDL, proof of identity, WA residency, and medical certificate. Skills and knowledge tests may be waived for valid out-of-state CDL holders. HAZMAT endorsement requires passing a knowledge test.
Transfer Fee
$102
CDL issuance fee
Timeline
Upon establishing Washington residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT knowledge test required if transferring H endorsement
Washington participates in the federal military CDL skills test waiver program. Qualified military personnel with equivalent vehicle operation experience can waive the CDL skills test.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Washington.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Washington range from $3,500 to $9,000. Community colleges $3,500–$6,500; private schools $5,000–$9,000
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Washington
Washington has stricter CLP supervision requirements than most states, requiring the accompanying CDL holder to have at least 2 years of CMV experience and 5 years total driving experience. The skills test fee structure provides 2 attempts for $175.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#3 of 51
Cost
#50 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$58,390
25th percentile
Median
$63,760
+11% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$75,330
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
40,700 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Commercial driver licenses (CDL) | Washington State DOL
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Commercial driver licenses (CDL) | Washington State DOL
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Commercial driver licenses (CDL) | Washington State DOL
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Washington.