Single Vehicles and Trailers

• A CDL is required to operate all single vehicles with a manufacturer's weight rating of more than 26,000 lbs. Any trailer with a manufacturer's weight rating of more than 10,000 lbs. and a combined vehicle gross weight rating of more than 26,000 lbs. also requires a CDL to operate.
  
  

Passenger Vehicles

• Anyone wishing to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the driver) will need a CDL. This includes all school buses, regardless of size, and all private and church buses.
  
  

Types

• CDLs are categorized into three types -- A, B and C -- based on the vehicle class size. Drivers will need to obtain a CDL for the class size of the vehicle they will be driving.
  
  

Requirements

• Obtaining a CDL in Washington requires completing an approved training course and passing knowledge and skills tests. Drivers who carry passengers or hazardous materials or drive a school bus, double or triple trailer, or tank vehicle may also need to obtain a special endorsement by passing further tests.
  
  

Exemptions

• Washington state law exempts certain types of drivers from the CDL requirement. This includes farmers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, RV operators, military commercial drivers and anyone driving a non-commercial vehicle with air brakes. Check with the Department of Licensing to see if you qualify for exemption.