CDL Truck Driver in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.
Jobs (WA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Washington
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Washington, you must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). This involves completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a Washington State registered training provider, passing a knowledge test to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), and then passing a skills test. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce, and a valid DOT medical certificate is required. Washington allows the transfer of valid out-of-state CDLs, but a CLP cannot be transferred.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Washington. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Washington requirements
| Licensing body | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a Washington State registered training provider. Specific hour requirements vary by CDL class: Class A requires 160 hours; Class B and C require 80 hours. |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($210) |
| Application fee | $102 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate driving or 21+ for interstate commerce, transporting hazardous materials, or operating certain specialized commercial vehicles. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: $40 for CLP, $35 for knowledge test, $175 for skills test, and $102 for the CDL license. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and may vary. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants, and Washington has its own specific training hour requirements that must be completed through a state-registered provider. CDLs with a hazardous materials endorsement must be renewed every five years or less. |
workspace_premium Washington license tiers
Washington offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleWashington license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk