How Long Does It Take To Get a CDL in Washington State?

In today’s day and age, everything is based around time. We stop going to restaurants if they take too long to make our food. We use microwaves because it’s quicker than the oven. We watch Youtube Shorts because long videos are… well, long! So it’s no surprise to us that you may be asking how long it takes to get a CDL. Truth is, the answer depends! Which Class of CDL do you want? Are you training full-time or part-time? Etc.

At New Sound CDL School in Fife, we've been training CDL drivers for years. We’ll give you the expected timelines based on all the different factors, so you can make the best decision for yourself. We don’t want to waste any of your time, so let’s get into it!

First, What Kind of CDL Do You Need?

In Washington, you can apply for a Class A, Class B, or CDL Upgrade. Each one comes with different requirements and opportunities.

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL is what most students get. It qualifies you to drive tractor-trailers, flatbeds, tankers, and more. You’ll have the most job options and the ability to earn more with additional endorsements.

Class A CDL with Manual Transmission: At New Sound, we recommend pursuing the Manual certification instead of Automatic. While we offer courses for both, getting a Manual Class A license means you won’t be restricted to trucks and companies with automatic transmissions. This makes you eligible for a wider range of jobs.

How long does a Class A CDL take?

• Full-time: The training will take 4 weeks.
• Part-time or evenings: This training option takes 6 weeks.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL allows you to drive straight trucks, including box trucks, delivery trucks, dump trucks, buses, and more. You’re essentially just restricted from driving large trailers, like reefers, flatbeds, and dry van semi-trucks. This is a good option if you want to work locally or in specific industries like waste, transit, or construction.

How long does a Class B CDL take?

• Full-time: Training only takes 2 weeks.
• Part-time or evenings: This option will take 4 weeks to complete.

CDL Upgrades

Already have a Class B or C CDL but want to upgrade to Class A? We have those options for you, as well as upgrades from Class A Automatic to Manual. These are focused, skills-based programs for experienced drivers who want more flexibility or growth in the industry.

How long does a CDL Upgrade take?

• Full-time: You’ll complete your training in 2 weeks.
• Part-time or evenings: After 4 weeks, you’ll be done with training.

Course Format Changes the Timeline

We offer full-time, part-time, and evening CDL courses to fit your schedule. The course type plays a big role in how long your training takes.

Full-Time CDL Courses

This is the fastest route to getting your CDL. You’ll be training five days per week and advancing quickly through pre-trip inspections, backing skills, and road driving.

• Class A Full-Time: 4 weeks
• Class B Full-Time: 2 weeks
• Upgrades: 2 weeks

This training includes both yard and classroom instruction alongside other students and with our experienced, certified instructors.

Part-Time CDL Courses

If you work during the day or have other commitments, you can also train part-time. We offer weekday mornings, 8am-12pm, and mid-days, 1pm-5pm.

• Class A Part-Time: 6 weeks
• Class B Part-Time: 4 weeks

We support part-time students just as much as full-time ones, with flexible scheduling, extra study tools, and one-on-one time whenever needed. We’re committed to your success!

Evening CDL Courses

We also offer evening classes for students who need to train after they get off from their current job each day. These classes are typically smaller than our others, but they follow the same hands-on approach from 4pm-8pm each weekday.

• Class A Evenings: 6 weeks
• Class B Evenings: 4 weeks

What Happens During CDL Training?

The CDL process includes both classroom and hands-on yard instruction.

1. Pre-Trip Inspection Training

You’ll learn how to properly inspect your truck, trailer, and equipment before driving. This is an incredibly important part of being a CDL driver. Your safety and the safety of civilians on the road depends on your pre-trip inspections every day. This is a required part of the Washington state CDL exam and we take it very seriously.

2. Backing and Yard Skills

You’ll practice all of the necessary trucking maneuvers, like straight-line backing, offset backing, and even parallel parking. These skills take time to master, but our experienced instructors will help you build confidence and even give you extra time behind the wheel until you’ve mastered it.

3. Road Driving

Once you’re ready, you’ll go out on public roads with one of our instructors by your side. You’ll learn shifting (manual or automatic), turns, lane changes, defensive driving, and much more. We’ll be with you the whole time!

4. CDL Exam Prep

After all of your training is complete and you meet our standards of mastery, we’ll schedule your CDL exam. You’ll need to pass a pre-trip inspection, skills test, and road test to earn your CDL.

How Long Does It Take to Schedule the State CDL Test?

We help you schedule your state skills test once you’re ready. Never before. That means if you train consistently and pass your practice exams, you could test and earn your CDL in just a few weeks.

• For full-time Class A students, we often schedule the test around week 4 or 5.
• For part-time Class A students, it’s usually week 6 to 8, depending on attendance and skill mastery.

New Sound CDL School is a registered and trusted CDL training program, so you won’t have to wait months to test. We streamline the entire process for you and give you access to our trucks for exam day (instead of you having to rent your own).

What Can Slow You Down?

Some students finish CDL training quickly. Others take a little longer. Here are a few common reasons your training might take more time:

1. Gaps in Attendance

If you miss training days, you’ll have to make them up. This can delay your progress and test date.

2. Struggles with Shifting or Backing

Learning to drive a manual semi-truck can take time, especially if you’ve never driven stick. That’s okay; we’ll work with you.

3. Test Anxiety or Readiness

We won’t schedule your exam until you’re ready. If nerves or gaps in understanding pop up, we’ll give you extra practice first.

4. Work or Family Obligations

That’s why we offer evening and part-time training. But balancing outside obligations with study time can still stretch your timeline.

How to Get Your CDL Faster

Want to finish training quickly? Here’s what we recommend:

• Show up to every training session
• Study your pre-trip at home
• Ask questions and take notes
• Practice shifting patterns in your mind
• Work with classmates and instructors
• Take feedback seriously and apply it
• Stay consistent; it’s more important than speed

How New Sound CDL School Keeps You On Track

We’ve designed our programs to help you stay focused and finish on time. Here’s what sets us apart:

Flexible Scheduling

Choose full-time, part-time, or evening courses based on your life and work.

Manual and Automatic Trucks

Train for the job you want. We offer both, with real trucks; not simulators.

Certified Instructors

Our team is made up of real drivers who know how to teach. You’ll get encouragement when you want it and correction when you need it.

Clean, Professional Campus

Our training yard is fully paved, lit, and safe. Classrooms are clean and distraction-free.

FAQ: How Long Does it Take to Get a CDL?

How fast can I get my CDL in Washington?

If you train full-time and pass your first test, you’ll have your CDL within 4 to 6 weeks of starting!

Do I have to retake the written test if I already passed it?

No, if your CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit) is still valid, then you don’t need to retake the written test when upgrading your CDL.

Can I work while attending CDL school?

Yes, of course! Many of our students work full-time or part-time while training. That’s why we have morning, mid-day, and evening options for class times.

Do I have to take a 160-hour course for my Class A CDL?

Yes, Washington state follows FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules, meaning that you’re required to complete a full training program from a registered school like New Sound CDL School.

What if I only want to upgrade my CDL from automatic to manual?

We offer short upgrade programs called Refreshers that focus on shifting and clutch control. You can complete this within 1–2 weeks.

CDL Training is a Short-Term Investment with Long-Term Payoff

Getting your CDL in Washington state doesn’t take years. In fact, it doesn’t even take months!

A CDL opens the door to better pay, desirable skills, and long-term job security. While it may seem like a few weeks isn’t enough time to become a CDL driver, know that our program doesn’t cut corners or compromise. Our training is intensive, in-depth, and held to the highest standards. If you’re struggling with certain concepts or skills, we take the extra time to ensure you master them before moving forward.

As former drivers ourselves, our team at New Sound CDL School understands how important it is to have safe and smart CDL drivers on our streets. We don’t train you to pass a test; we equip you to master a career.

Ready to Get Your CDL?

• Full-time, part-time, and evening CDL classes available
• Manual and automatic options
• Class A, Class B, and upgrade programs
• State-licensed instructors

Contact us or register online today to start your path toward a CDL. You could be driving your first truck within weeks.