Western CDL
CDL Class Definitions
Since April 1, 1992, when the Act became law, all drivers have been required to have a CDL in order to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed testing standards for licensing drivers. U.S. states are able to issue CDLs only after a written and practical test have been given by the State or approved testing facility.
The minimum age to apply for a CDL is usually 21, as required by the United States Department of Transportation, although some states allow drivers who are 18 to 20 to apply for a CDL that is valid only within the driver’s state of residence. A single state CDL only restricts driving of CMVs within the holder’s state (not non-commercial vehicles), and automatically converts to a 50 state CDL at the age of 21.
A driver needs a CDL if the vehicle meets one of the following definitions of a CMV:
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Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
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Washington State does not recognize class A passenger vehicles.
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Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more.
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Vehicles towing a trailer with a weight rating of 10,000 (GVWR) pounds or less.
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Any vehicles listed under Class C, if properly endorsed.
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Class C: Requires Special Endorsements
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Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
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Vehicles carrying hazardous materials that need a placard.
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Starting January 20, 2019 if you’re adding HME for the first time you're' required to complete hazmat training.
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For more information regarding a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (hazmat), please visit the DOL website: https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlhazmat.html
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