Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses

Driving in Seattle requires sharing the road with trucks and commercial vehicles. Whether you are an experienced driver or someone injured in a commercial vehicle accident, Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and the regulations surrounding them. Our Seattle personal injury lawyers will also help you pursue compensation if you have been injured in a car accident with a truck or commercial vehicle.

Commercial Drivers Licenses: A, B, and C Licenses in Seattle, WA

Driving commercial vehicles is a major responsibility. To operate certain commercial vehicles safely, the law requires you to demonstrate that you have specific skills, knowledge, and certifications. In Washington State, commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are categorized into three main classes: A, B, and C. Each class is determined by the type of vehicle and its weight. Be sure to have the appropriate CDL for your vehicle.

CDL A License

A CDL A license is required for drivers operating vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. It is also required when towing a vehicle heavier than 10,000 pounds. This applies to tractor-trailers, trucks, and tanker vehicles, such as long-haul truckers.

CDL B License

The CDL B license is required for drivers of straight trucks with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds. It is also required for buses, including city buses, tourist buses, and school buses operating in the state, including Seattle, or when towing a vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds. This commonly includes box trucks, dump trucks with small trailers, and large passenger buses.

CDL C Licenses

A CDL C license applies to vehicles not covered by class A or B, but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers or used to carry hazardous materials. Drivers with a CDL C often handle smaller trucks on local routes, passenger vans, or vehicles used for hazardous material transport.

Common CDL Endorsements and Restrictions in Seattle, WA

Endorsements and restrictions on a CDL allow drivers to operate specific types of vehicles or carry certain types of cargo, including passengers. Washington offers many different endorsements and endorsements, including:

P (Passenger Vehicles)
S (School Buses)
N (Tank Vehicles)
T (Double/Triple Trailers)
H (Hazardous Materials)

Any driver should understand how CDL endorsements and restrictions may apply to their license depending on the vehicle and cargo they operate. It is illegal to operate a vehicle without the proper endorsements, so review the Washington State Department of Licensing’s guide before hitting the road.

Steps To Getting a Commercial Driver’s License in Seattle, WA

The process for obtaining a CDL in Seattle involves several steps, including:

Making an appointment at a licensing office and preparing the required documents.
Self-certifying the type of vehicle you will be driving and providing a medical examiner’s certificate.
Passing a knowledge test for the type of vehicle you want to operate.
Getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
Completing training requirements for the CDL you want to be issued.
Scheduling and passing your skills test.
Make an appointment at a licensing office to have the CDL issued.

Passing the knowledge and skills tests for the license you require is important. These ensure you are certified to operate commercial vehicles safely for others on the road.

Is It Illegal To Drive Without a CDL?

Yes, it is illegal to operate a commercial vehicle if state law requires you to have one. Driving without a CDL or the proper class or endorsements can have serious consequences, including fines, CDL suspension, and even jail time. Driving without a CDL can also be used against the driver or their employer in a personal injury case. Be sure to review which drivers need CDLs before setting out on the road.

If You’ve Been Injured in an Accident With a Commercial Vehicle, Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Commercial vehicle accidents can have severe repercussions. Given the size and weight of these vehicles, injuries, and other damages are often severe. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Give us a call today at 206 727 4000.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Truck Accident Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121

(206) 727 4000

Hours: Open 24/7