Washington CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Washington CDL test has 50 questions. You need at least 40 correct — 80% — to pass and advance to endorsement knowledge tests and the skills test.

No. Washington CDL testing is administered by the Department of Licensing (DOL), not a DMV. CDL knowledge tests are available at DOL licensing offices; skills tests are conducted at DOL-approved third-party testing sites. Visit dol.wa.gov for CDL information and testing locations.

Washington's cannabis DUI threshold (5 ng/mL THC in whole blood) applies to CDL operators in their personal vehicles and in commercial motor vehicles. A cannabis DUI conviction in any vehicle triggers FMCSA CDL disqualification: 1 year for a first offense, lifetime for a second. Washington legalized recreational cannabis in 2012, but impaired driving — by cannabis or alcohol — is a CDL disqualifying offense.

A Washington CDL is valid for 4 years. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current throughout the CDL's validity period. HazMat endorsement holders must renew the TSA security threat assessment every 5 years. Washington requires CDL holders to self-certify their medical status annually.

Washington DOT can require tire chains or traction tires for commercial vehicles during winter weather at mountain passes on I-90, US 2, US 12, SR 20, and other routes. CDL drivers must monitor WSDOT road conditions at wsdot.wa.gov or by calling 511. Driving through a chain control without chains is a violation. Check WSDOT commercial vehicle restrictions for specific pass requirements.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your Washington DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the Washington DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Washington CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in Washington, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.