Commercial learner's permit (CLP)

You must have a commercial learner's permit if you:

• Are taking a test for your first CDL
• Want to upgrade your commercial license for:
  • A higher commercial class.
  • Removing an air brake restriction.
  • Removing no manual transmission restriction.
  • Removing non-tractor trailer restriction.
• Are adding endorsements that require a skills test.
  • Passenger endorsement
  • School bus endorsement
  • Tank vehicle endorsement (only if testing and/or training in tank vehicle)
• Want to remove an agribusiness restriction

How to apply for a CLP

Follow these steps to apply for a CLP:

1. Make an appointment to apply for a CLP at a driver licensing office

Bring your:

• Current license.
• Social Security number.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or non-domicile document.

See a list of documents approved for ID purposes. We're required to verify your status under federal and state law.

2. Self-certify or submit a medical examiner's certificate

Self-certification and valid medical certificates help prevent medically unqualified drivers from operating commercial vehicles. You can self-certify as part of the permit application process. Your medical examiner will upload your valid medical certificate to the National Registry.

If you need a medical variance, like a state waiver, it must be on file before we issue your permit. Find out how to apply for an Intrastate Medical Waiver. A licensing office can’t process your state waiver. If you bring your waiver to a licensing office, DOL staff will send the waiver to be processed. We can only issue your CLP once your waiver has been approved.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) submits federal exemptions and Skill Performance Evaluation certificates to the National Registry.

A licensing office cannot process:

• State waivers
• Federal Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE)
• Federal medical waivers

We must add these types of CDL medical documents to your drive record before issuance.

3. Pass the knowledge test(s)

Take and pass the CDL knowledge test(s) for the CDL Class and endorsements you want to include on your license.

The knowledge test is available in 4 languages (interpreters aren't allowed):

• English
• Spanish
• Russian
• Serbo–Croatian

4. Pay the fee

The fee for a CLP is $40.

How long is a CLP valid?

A CLP is valid for 180 days from the date issued. If you renew your CLP within 30 days of the expiration date, your permit will be valid for an additional 180 days. You can only renew your permit one time. Permits expire at 11:59 p.m. on the listed expiration date.

Doubles/triples and hazardous materials knowledge tests don't get renewed with your CLP. They expire 180 days from the date passed.

If you want to renew your CLP after it has been expired for more than 30 days, you'll have to retake the knowledge test(s). You’ll need to retake the test(s) even though you passed them to get your first permit.

You must wait 14 days before taking a skills test if you:

• Get issued an original CLP
• Upgrade your CLP to another class
• Upgrade your CLP and add endorsements or restrictions

If you're taking a skills test or training in a tanker vehicle, you'll need to pass the tanker knowledge test first.

You need to pass all 3 components of the skills test before your CLP expires.

If your CLP expires before you pass all 3 components you'll have to start over.

CLP driving restrictions

Once you get your CLP, a valid CDL holder must be in the vehicle when you drive a commercial vehicle. They must:

• Hold a valid CDL with the proper endorsements.
• Have 2 years' experience driving the type of commercial vehicle you're driving.
• Have at least 5 years' total driving experience.
• Occupy the seat beside you to give instruction.

You're not allowed to operate:

• Commercial vehicle classified or placarded for hazardous materials.
• Tank vehicles containing hazardous materials residue (an N endorsement on your permit).
• Passenger or school bus vehicles with unspecified passengers.
• Vehicles not covered by your CLP and its endorsements and restrictions.

Related laws

• Federal law 49 CFR 383.71: Driver application and certification procedures
• Federal regulation 49 CFR 383.25: Commercial learner's permit (CLP)
• Washington state law RCW 46.25.070