Checked against official Washington sources on Oct 7, 2026
Washington CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Washington follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Washington source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Washington CDL facts
| What | What Washington says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CLP fee | $40 | Official page |
| CLP validity | 180 days. Renew once within 30 days of expiring for 180 more days. Doubles/triples and hazmat tests do not renew with the CLP | Official page |
| Knowledge test fee | $35 | Official page |
| Knowledge test fee coverage | The test fee covers one attempt at each knowledge test taken within 90 days of the receipt | Official page |
| CDL knowledge test languages | English, Spanish, Russian and Serbian-Croatian. Language interpreters are not allowed | Official page |
| Skills test fee (truck or passenger bus) | $175, with a DOL examiner or a third-party examiner. The fee gets you 2 attempts | Official page |
| Skills test fee (school bus) | $100. You must use your CDL mainly to drive a school bus | Official page |
| CDL renewal fee | $102 CDL fee on top of the $61 renewal for 6 years, or $136 on top of $81 for 8 years. Totals are $163 or $217 | Official page |
| Minimum age | 18 with a valid Washington driver license. You must be 21 to drive from state to state | Official page |
| CLP holding period | Wait 14 calendar days after your original or upgraded CLP before the skills test | Official page |
| Skills test retest wait | If you fail, wait 3 days to retest. No wait or fee if the vehicle has an equipment failure | Official page |
| Skills test parts | Vehicle inspection, basic controls (backing), then road test, in that order. The test takes about 2 hours | Official page |
| Skills test scores validity | 180 days, counted from when you pass the first part | Official page |
| After passing the skills test | Wait 24 hours before DOL can issue your CDL | Official page |
| Knowledge test scores validity | 180 days from the date you passed | Official page |
| General knowledge test | 50 questions, 40 to pass | Official page |
| Combination test | 20 questions, 16 to pass | Official page |
| Air brakes test | 25 questions, 20 to pass | Official page |
| Hazmat test | 30 questions, 24 to pass. You need a hazmat training completion on record first | Official page |
| Entry-level training | You need state and federal training proof before the skills test. You get up to 8 years to renew an expired CDL without testing or training | Official page |
| Who can ride with a CLP holder | A CDL holder with the right endorsements, 2 years driving that vehicle type, and at least 5 years total driving, in the seat beside you | Official page |
| Hazmat endorsement validity | 5 years. Your CDL cannot expire later than your TSA hazmat clearance | Official page |
| Skills test paperwork | Bring your WA license with CLP, proof of insurance, and an unloaded vehicle in safe condition. Schedule at least 3 days ahead with a third-party examiner | Official page |
| Non-domicile CDLs | DOL has stopped processing all non-domicile CLP and CDL transactions (originals, renewals, upgrades, duplicates and replacements). It has also stopped all knowledge and skills testing for non-domiciled drivers. The page says to keep watching for updates and gives no end date | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Washington CDL page before you go. Read the official Washington CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Washington manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.