Knowledge and driving tests: CDL

You must pass both the knowledge and skills (driving) tests to add a commercial driver license (CDL) to your driver license.

Knowledge test

You must take the knowledge test to:

  • add each class of vehicle.
  • add each endorsement.
  • remove the air brake restriction.

Skills test

The skills test takes approximately 2 hours and includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic controls test (backing exercises), and a road test. You must take the skills test to:

  • get a CDL.
  • upgrade your CDL.
  • add a passenger or school bus endorsement.
  • remove the air brake restriction.

How to schedule a CDL skills test

  1. Go to a driver licensing office and request a CDL Skills Test Results form.
  2. Pay the appropriate fee.
  3. The driver licensing office staff will schedule you for your CDL skills test with a DOL tester, or give you a list of available Third-Party Testers (TPTs) to contact for scheduling and taking the test.

Note: If you are a current student at a commercial driver training school, the driving licensing office staff will verify if your school has coordinated with us to have the test conducted at the school, or assign you to either a DOL tester or TPT. Check with your school to see if they are participating with us for testing.

Testing locations and hours

When you apply for your CDL skills test, you will be scheduled with either a DOL tester or a third-party tester depending on what is geographically convenient to you.

  • Third-party testers set their own testing hours and locations.
  • DOL testers conduct CDL skills tests only at the following regional locations:
CDL skills tests conducted by DOL testers
Location Testing hours
Kelso Saturday: 8–11:30 a.m.
Olympia Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Richland Tuesday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Spokane Tuesday–Saturday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Vancouver Tuesday–Saturday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Federal Way Tuesday–Saturday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

What to bring to your test

When you arrive for your CDL skills test appointment, you must bring all of the following:

  • An unloaded commercial vehicle that is representative of the class of CDL you want (A, B, or C). The vehicle must be in safe operating condition and free of all hazardous material. If you are applying for a passenger or school bus endorsement, you must provide a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
  • A signed CDL Skills Test Results form issued at the driver licensing office. This is a required form and you won’t be tested or issued a license without it.
  • Your valid Washington driver license.
  • Proof of valid insurance or a letter from the owner of the vehicle that authorizes you to use it for your test.

What to do if you lose your Skills Test Results form

If you lose this form you will be required to:

  1. Go back to the driver licensing office and get a new form. It will be marked as a “Duplicate.”
  2. Return to the tester to have them complete the new form.
  3. Use your duplicate form to do one of the following:
    • If you passed all components of the test, return to the driver licensing office and have your CDL issued.
    • If you have taken the test and failed, return to a driver licensing office, pay the required fee, and get a new form to retest.

After the skills test

If you pass the test

Once you pass all 3 components of the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, road test), the tester will complete and sign your CDL Skills Test Results form and return it to you. Take this form to a driver licensing office to have your CDL issued.

If you don’t pass the test

If you don’t pass all 3 components of the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, road test) on your first try, you may schedule another attempt with the tester after the required waiting period listed below:

If you don’t pass the… You can retake the test…
Pre-trip inspection The next day
Basic controls test
  • First retest: the next day
  • Second retest: in 3 days
  • Third and following retests: in 7 days
Road test* In 7 days

*When you retake the road test, the vehicle must also pass a safety inspection if you have previously passed the pre-trip inspection.

After a failed attempt, you must return to the driver licensing office and get a new CDL Skills Test Results form before you can continue. To get a new form, you must return your current test form and pay the required fee.

This cycle can be repeated as many times as it takes to successfully pass all 3 components of the skills test.

Frequently asked questions

What are the new requirements to get a CDL due to 2007 legislation (SHB 1267)?

  • Starting January 2, 2009, when you apply for an initial CDL you will be required to meet minimum training requirements and present a certificate from your school or employer stating that you have completed the required training.
  • Effective January 15, 2008, the fee for a CDL skills test increased from $75 to $100 for most customers. However, the fee remained $75 for customers who will primarily operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) for not-for-profit early childhood education/assistance or federally-supported head start programs. To be eligible for the published rate, customers must present an authorization letter from the program.
  • In addition to Third-Party Testers (TPTs), DOL testers will conduct CDL skills tests in 6 regional locations around the state. When you apply for a CDL, your skills test will be scheduled with either a DOL tester or TPT depending on what is geographically convenient to you.

Do I have the option to choose between a DOL tester and a third-party tester when I schedule my CDL skills test?

No, when you go to the driver licensing office to request your CDL Skills Test Results form, the driver licensing office staff will assign you to either a DOL tester or a third-party tester according to what is geographically convenient for you.

Are there penalties for trying to get a CDL fraudulently?

If you try to get a CDL fraudulently, your driver license may be cancelled and you may be required to wait for up to 1 year before you can reapply for a CDL.

Will I be provided with a commercial vehicle when I take my skills test with a DOL tester?

No, DOL testers will not provide a commercial vehicle for you to use during testing. You must provide your own commercial vehicle when taking your skills test with a DOL tester.

How long are test scores valid?

Test scores are valid for 1 year from the date of the test.

Can I get additional endorsements after I get my CDL?

After a CDL is issued, you can get additional endorsements or remove the air brake restrictions by taking additional knowledge and driving tests and paying all applicable fees.

Do I have to take the tests to reinstate a CDL or endorsement?

Drivers who surrender their CDL or any endorsement will be required to pay all applicable fees, and may be required to retake knowledge and driving tests depending on the circumstances surrounding the surrender of the CDL or endorsement.