Washington CDL Study Guide
Washington State issues commercial driver licenses through the Department of Licensing (DOL). You can drive a commercial vehicle inside Washington at 18 if you hold a CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials. Washington requires federal Entry-Level Driver Training before you can take the skills test.
Key Washington numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Washington General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
The Washington CDL knowledge test fee covers one attempt at each test within 90 days of payment. If you fail, you must pay another fee for a retake within that 90-day window. Check the DOL CDL knowledge test page for current wait time rules between attempts.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in Washington?
You must be at least 18 to drive a commercial vehicle inside Washington. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
How long do I have to hold my Washington CLP?
You must hold your Commercial Learneru0027s Permit for at least 14 days before the skills test. The CLP is valid for 180 days.
How many questions are on the Washington CDL general knowledge test?
There are 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass, which is 80%.
How much does a Washington CDL cost?
The CLP is $40. The knowledge test is $35. The skills test is $250. The CDL issuance fee is $102. Each endorsement is $20 plus $17 per remaining license year.
Do I need ELDT for a Washington CDL?
Yes. Federal ELDT is required for a first Class A or B CDL, a B-to-A upgrade, or a first H, P, or S endorsement. Use a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
What happens if my medical card expires?
Your CDL will be downgraded to a regular driver license. To restore your CDL, get a new DOT physical and your medical examiner will upload the new certificate.
Free practice
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Sources: Washington DOL Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) Washington DOL Getting a CDL Washington DOL Commercial Learneru0027s Permit (CLP) Washington DOL CDL Knowledge Test