Whether used for delivery or transportation, Washington issues commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to authorize the operation of different commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Each license has different rules and can be revoked for certain violations and criminal convictions. This article outlines the requirements for obtaining the various types of commercial licenses and violations that could lead to license revocation.
Washington requires a CDL to operate any vehicle designed to carry hazardous materials, 16 or more passengers, or that weighs 26,001 or more pounds. (Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 46.25.010 (2024).)
Operating personal RVs, collector trucks, and authorized military vehicles doesn't require a CDL. Firefighters and law enforcement are also exempt but must take special classes to operate a work-related CMV. Additionally, a farm owner operating a not-for-hire agriculture transport within 150 miles of the farm doesn't need a CDL. (Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 46.25.050 (2024).)
There are three classes of CDLs based on the weight of the truck and/or trailer(s).
Combined Weight |
Tractor Weight |
Trailer(s) Weight |
|
Class A |
26,001 or more pounds |
26,001 or more pounds |
Over 10,000 pounds |
Class B |
26,001 or more pounds |
26,001 or more pounds |
10,000 pounds or less |
Class C |
26,000 pounds or less |
26,000 pounds or less |
10,000 pounds or less |
The CMV's weight must be within the CDL's permitted limits. For example, a class A CDL can be used to operate any weight of CMV.
Transporting passengers or hazardous materials also requires CDL license endorsements. Each endorsement requires additional testing and comes with special limitations. For example, a school bus endorsement is unavailable to those with certain criminal offenses like DUIs or child abuse.
A person's age, health, or experience can also result in certain CDL restrictions. For example, a driver who's under 21 years old can't carry passengers, obtain a hazmat endorsement, or operate out-of-state.
Getting a commercial learner's permit. A driver must be at least 18 years old and hold a Washington driver's license to apply for a CDL. With proof of residency and the application documents complete, the driver can take the knowledge test to receive a commercial learner's permit (CLP). A CLP allows the driver to practice driving a CMV under the direct supervision of a licensed commercial driver who has five years of driving experience, including two years in a CMV. (Wash. Admin. Code 308-100-090 (2024); Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 46.25.052 (2024).)
Driver's education courses. A CDL applicant must also complete an approved driver education course or have an employer certify that the applicant has the necessary skills to operate a CMV. (Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 46.25.060 (2024).)
Testing for a CDL. With all requirements satisfied, the applicant can take a skills test to obtain a full CDL. Applicants with prior experience operating a military CMV may be exempt from the driving test.
Medical certificates. Generally, all CMV operators must have a medical certificate signed by a physician indicating adequate physical health to safely operate a CMV. Failure to display the medical certificate is a traffic infraction and carries a $250 fine.
Failure to follow any of the many CMV-related rules can result in license disqualification. Hardship licenses aren't available for disqualified drivers and drivers disqualified for more than a year must re-apply and re-test for a CDL.
In Washington, the list of "serious traffic violations" includes:
Driving a CMV without a CDL is also a serious traffic offense but will be dismissed if the driver can provide in court a CDL that was valid at the time of the citation. Having two serious traffic violations in three years will result in a minimum 60-day revocation. Having three serious traffic offenses in three years will result in a minimum 120-day revocation. (Wash. Admin. Code 308-100-130 (2024).)
A CDL will be disqualified for at least one year for certain "major violations." The list of major violations includes:
The disqualification will be for at least three years if the violation occurred in a CMV designed to carry hazardous materials. A second major offense will result in a lifetime revocation but reinstatement is possible after ten years. The production or transportation of controlled substances using a motor vehicle will result in permanent lifetime revocation.
Certain unsafe actions will result in the issuance of an immediate, but temporary, out-of-service order (OSO). For example, driving with any consumed alcohol or THC is a 24-hour OSO. Driving in violation of an OSO will result in CDL disqualification based on the number of prior offenses in the last 10 years.
CMVs have special safety rules regarding railroad crossings. The driver must slow down or stop for all crossings and ensure the CMV has proper clearance to cross completely. A railroad crossing violation will result in a minimum 60-day, 120-day, or one-year license disqualification for a first, second, and third offense in three years.
Drivers are required to submit to periodic drug and alcohol tests. A positive alcohol or drug test will result in CDL disqualification. The CDL will be disqualified until the holder obtains a chemical dependency assessment and completes the recommended treatment. Three positive tests in five years will result in permanent lifetime disqualification.