Quickest route for CDL

E

eastsidetimber

New member
I'm in Washington state....anyone know the quickest way to get a CDL? From my research, the only way to get one is by taking a class for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for a month. I just can't afford to take that much time off. The $4k+ for the class isn't really the issue, its the time....any insight would be appreciated!
 
Here in Wi you just need to go to the dmv and pass the written test then schedule an appointment to take the driving test and pre trip inspection. They are extremely picky when it comes to how things are worded when doing your pre trip and stupid things while driving like every shift must be double clutched and as soon as you complete a shift you better put your hand back on the wheel and no shifts while making any kind of turn.
 
^^^^Exactly what TC said for all the eastern states I've lived in. EXACTLY! Download the study guide for your state (here's the link)
http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/docs/cdlguide.pdf
Figure out what license you need (Class A? HazMat? Tanker? etc, etc) study those sections of the book and then go to your DMV and take the written. Get your TIP (Temp Instructional Permit, or whatever WA calls it), practice, then schedule an appt. with DMV and make sure you SHOW UP IN A TRUCK THAT CAN PASS THE PRE-TRIP INSPECTION!! It'll only take a few days and cost a couple of hundred, vs. weeks and thousands $$.
 
Great info TC and Jeff . I was under the impression I had to log something like 160 hours with a qualified "instructor" before I could go to the DMV for the test though?
 
Ok, after I starting reading the link I gave you above, page 1-4 states:
  • To get a CDL you must also successfully complete:
    • – All required knowledge tests, including applicable skills tests.

    • – If you are getting your rst CDL, or you have not been commercially licensed for the last year, you must provide proof of completing
      a commercial driver training program per the mandatory training requirements from a Washington State approved training school or registered employer.
And then page 1-10 states:

Mandatory Training Requirements

Washington State requires anyone getting an original CDL to complete minimum training requirements per WAC 308-100-033.

There are two ways to meet this requirement:
  • Complete a certifed course from an approved commercial driver training school.
    • – Schools must be recognized and curriculums approved by the Department of Licensing (DOL).

    • – Hours of training must meet the requirements as outlined under state law.
  • Complete a course of commercial driver training as required by your employer.
– Employers must be registered with DOL.
Visit www.dol.wa.gov for more information on training and licensing
requirements.


So yes, it sounds as though in WA you need some instruction.

The other option, since the license is easily transferable, state to state, is to get it in a more leniant state (I'm just guessing, but ID or MT) and then transfer it back to WA. Probably not worth the effort, but just a thought.
 
Getting the license in another state would require being a resident of that state eh?

Here in MS you get the medical card, written test, 14 day waiting period, then the driving test which starts with your pre trip inspection. Pass the driving test and you have the license.
 
Come on down! In MS you have to wait 2 weeks between your written and driving test.


It's crazy that you have to take a full time month long class for your CDL. Do you reckon there was some heavy lobbying going around to make that the law?
 
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