Washington State Driver License Classes: What Each One Lets You Drive

Washington has five driver license classes, and which one you hold determines what vehicles you can legally operate

Washington State issues five classes of driver licenses: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E. Each class permits you to drive different types of vehicles and carry different numbers of passengers for hire. Most people hold a Class C license, which covers standard cars, pickup trucks, and vans. If you drive a semi-truck, school bus, or other commercial vehicle, you need a higher class. If you are 15 or 16, you may hold a Class D or E permit or license instead. The class you need depends on what you plan to drive, not where you live or how old you are — though age does affect which classes are available to you.

Key Takeaways

Class C is the standard license for cars, small trucks, and vans under 26,001 pounds, and is available at age 16 with a permit.
Class A and Class B require a Commercial Driver License (CDL) and are needed to drive semi-trucks, buses, and other large commercial vehicles.
Class D and Class E are for drivers aged 15 to 17 and come with passenger and hour restrictions that lift when you turn 18.
You must pass a written knowledge test, vision test, and driving test to move from one class to another or to remove restrictions.
Washington requires a Class A or B CDL holder to have an active medical certificate on file with the Department of Licensing.

Class C: The Standard Driver License

A Class C license is what most Washington drivers hold. It permits you to operate a passenger car, pickup truck, van, or motorhome under 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). You can tow a trailer as long as the trailer does not exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR. You cannot use a Class C license to drive a vehicle for hire — meaning you cannot work as a taxi, rideshare, or delivery driver without additional endorsements.

You can obtain a Class C license at age 16 with a valid permit, or at age 18 without one. If you hold a Class D or E license, you can upgrade to Class C once you turn 18 or after holding your current license for one year, whichever comes first. The upgrade requires passing a written test and a driving test.

Class A and Class B: Commercial Driver Licenses

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required to operate any vehicle over 26,001 pounds GVWR, any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials. Class A and Class B are the two CDL classes in Washington.

A Class A CDL permits you to drive any combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR over 26,001 pounds, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes semi-trucks pulling trailers, tractor-trailers, and doubles. A Class B CDL permits you to drive a single vehicle over 26,001 pounds GVWR or any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers. This includes straight trucks, large buses, and dump trucks.

To obtain a Class A or B CDL, you must hold a valid Class C license, pass a medical examination, pass a written knowledge test specific to your class, pass a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test), and provide proof of citizenship or legal residency. You must also maintain an active medical certificate on file with the Washington Department of Licensing for as long as you hold the CDL. If your medical certificate expires, your CDL is suspended until you renew it.

Class D and Class E: Licenses for Drivers Under 18

Washington issues Class D and Class E licenses to drivers aged 15 to 17. These are not separate vehicle categories — they are restrictions placed on a standard license. A Class D or E license permits you to drive the same vehicles as a Class C license, but with limitations on passengers and driving hours.

A Class D license or permit is available at age 15 with parental consent and a completed driver education course. It allows you to drive alone during daylight hours (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and carry no passengers under 20 years old except when ready family members. A Class E license or permit is available at age 16 and allows you to drive alone at any hour but carry no more than three passengers under 20 years old (excluding when ready family). Both restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18, and your license converts to a standard Class C license.

If you hold a Class D or E license and want to remove the restrictions before turning 18, you must pass a written test and a driving test. You can also upgrade to a full Class C license by meeting the same requirements.

Endorsements and Restrictions That Modify Your Class

Your driver license class can be modified by endorsements (permissions to drive certain vehicle types) and restrictions (limitations on how or when you can drive). Common endorsements include the air brake endorsement (required for Class A or B CDL holders who operate vehicles with air brakes), the hazmat endorsement (required to transport hazardous materials), and the passenger endorsement (required to drive a vehicle carrying 16 or more passengers for hire).

Common restrictions include corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), automatic transmission only (you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle), and daylight driving only (you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise). Restrictions are noted on your license and are legally binding — driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation.

How to Change Your Driver License Class in Washington

To upgrade or change your driver license class, you must visit a Washington Department of Licensing office in person. You will need to bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport or birth certificate). If you are under 18, you must also bring written parental consent.

You will then take a written knowledge test specific to the class you are seeking. If you pass, you will schedule a driving test with an examiner. The driving test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control exercises, and a road test. Once you pass both tests, your new license is issued on the spot or mailed to you within 10 business days, depending on the office.

The cost to change your license class varies. A standard license renewal or change costs around $72 for an eight-year license, but a CDL costs more and requires a medical examination fee (typically $50 to $150, paid to your medical provider, not the Department of Licensing). Fees change annually, so check the Department of Licensing website for current rates before you visit.

Medical Certificates and CDL Holders

If you hold a Class A or B CDL, you must have a valid medical certificate on file with the Washington Department of Licensing. The certificate is issued by a certified medical examiner and confirms that you meet federal health standards for commercial driving. Medical certificates are valid for two years (or one year if you are over 65), and you must renew yours before it expires.

If your medical certificate expires and you do not renew it, your CDL is automatically suspended. You cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle during the suspension. To restore your CDL, you must obtain a new medical certificate and submit it to the Department of Licensing. The suspension is lifted once the certificate is received and processed, usually within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber or DoorDash with a Class C license?

No. Driving for hire — including rideshare and delivery services — requires a Class C license with a for-hire endorsement, or a higher class CDL depending on the vehicle. You must pass an additional written test and background check to obtain the for-hire endorsement. Contact the Washington Department of Licensing or your rideshare company for current requirements.

What happens if I drive a Class A vehicle with only a Class C license?

You are driving without a valid license for that vehicle, which is a traffic violation. You can be cited, fined, and your vehicle can be impounded. Insurance may also deny a claim if you were driving an unauthorized vehicle class at the time of an accident.

Do I need to retake my driving test to upgrade from Class D to Class C?

Yes. You must pass both a written knowledge test and a driving test to upgrade from Class D or E to Class C, even though both permit you to drive the same vehicles. The tests confirm that you understand the rules for unrestricted driving and can operate a vehicle safely without passenger or hour limitations.

Can I get a Class A CDL if I have never held a Class C license?

No. Washington requires you to hold a valid Class C license before you can obtain a Class A or B CDL. If you do not have a Class C license, you must first pass the Class C knowledge and driving tests, then explore for your CDL.

What if my medical certificate expires while I am driving a semi-truck?

Your CDL is suspended when ready when your medical certificate expires. You must stop driving commercial vehicles right away. Continuing to drive after suspension is a criminal offense. Obtain a new medical certificate from a certified examiner and submit it to the Department of Licensing to restore your CDL.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.