Getting your commercial driver's license in Washington is not as complicated as it looks on paper, but there is a specific order of operations you need to follow. Skip a step or do things out of sequence and you'll waste time and money. Here's the complete Class A license preparation roadmap, based on what we walk our students through every month at National Standard Trucking School.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Checklist
- ✓Meet age and residency requirements (18+ intrastate, 21+ interstate)
- ✓Schedule and pass your DOT physical ($75–$150)
- ✓Study for and pass the CLP knowledge test at a WA DOL office
- ✓Complete ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) with a registered provider like NSTS
- ✓Pass the CDL skills test: pre-trip inspection, backing, and road test
- ✓Start your trucking career path — NSTS facilitates job placement with 10+ carriers
What Are the Basic Requirements to Get a CDL in Washington?
Washington requires CDL applicants to be at least 18 years old for intrastate (within Washington only) driving or 21 for interstate driving across state lines. You need a valid Washington state driver's license, a Social Security card, and proof of residency. You also need to pass a DOT physical exam and obtain a medical examiner's certificate — more on that below. If you have certain felony convictions or a suspended license, you may face additional hurdles, so check with the DOL before you invest in training.
Step 2: Get Your DOT Physical and Medical Certificate
Every CDL holder needs a current DOT medical card. You'll visit a certified medical examiner who will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical fitness for commercial driving. The exam typically costs between $75 and $150 and the certificate is valid for up to two years. If you have conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, you may need additional documentation. Don't wait until the last minute for this — schedule it early in the process.
Step 3: Study for and Pass the CLP Knowledge Test
Visit a Washington DOL office to take the Commercial Learner's Permit exam. For a Class A CDL, you'll be tested on general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. You need an 80% score to pass. Study the official Washington CDL manual. Once you have your CLP, it's valid for 180 days. You must hold it for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test, so get this done as soon as possible.
Step 4: Complete ELDT-Approved Training
Federal ELDT regulations require you to complete training with a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before you can take the CDL skills test. National Standard Trucking School is a registered ELDT provider. Our Class A programs run 160 hours over four weeks — Manual at $4,500 and Automatic at $4,000. Our Class B program is 80 hours over three weeks at $3,000. If you already hold a Class B and want to upgrade to Class A, we offer an upgrade program at $3,975 for 80 hours. Training happens at our facility at 7402 Pacific Hwy E in Tacoma.
Step 5: Pass the CDL Skills Test
The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, backing maneuvers (straight-line, offset, and parallel park or alley dock), and an on-road driving test. You'll take this at a DOL-authorized testing location. Our students train on the same equipment they'll test on, which eliminates surprises on exam day. After you pass, the DOL issues your CDL — and you're ready to drive commercially.
Step 6: Start Your Career
With a 95% job placement rate, NSTS doesn't just hand you a license and wish you luck. We connect graduates directly with carrier partners like Swift, Werner, J.B. Hunt, Schneider, UPS, FedEx, and others who are actively hiring in the Tacoma and Seattle area. Many of our graduates have job offers before they even finish training. Ready to start? Call (253) 210-0505 or stop by Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 6 PM.
