Getting Started: What Happens Before Day One of CDL Training

CDL training doesn't start on day one in the cab. There's a process that happens first — and knowing it upfront will save you time, money, and a fair amount of frustration. Here's every step that happens before training begins, specific to Washington State.

Step 1 — Confirm You're Eligible

To obtain a Washington State Class A or Class B CDL, you must meet the following requirements per current WA Department of Licensing (DOL) rules and federal regulations (49 CFR § 391.11):

Always verify current requirements directly with WA DOL before enrolling. Requirements can update.

Step 2 — DOT Physical, Drug Test, and Clearinghouse

Commercial drivers must meet federal medical standards set by the FMCSA. There are three medical/safety requirements to complete before you can start behind-the-wheel training:

DOT Physical Exam

You'll need a DOT physical performed by a licensed medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The exam checks vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general physical health. Key thresholds per 49 CFR Part 391, Subpart E:

The DOT medical certificate is valid for up to 24 months — less if a condition requires closer monitoring. As of 2023–2024, certified medical examiners submit results electronically to WA DOL's system (FMCSA National Registry).

Pre-Employment Drug Test

Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 382) require a pre-employment drug test before operating a commercial motor vehicle. This is a urine test screened for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. You must pass before you can begin behind-the-wheel training.

FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

All CDL drivers must be registered in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. This is a federal database that tracks drug and alcohol violations. Your training provider and any future employer will query the Clearinghouse as part of onboarding. Registration is free for drivers.

Step 3 — Get Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Before any behind-the-wheel training with an FMCSA-registered provider, you need a CLP from WA DOL.

The WA CDL Manual is free on the DOL website — study the actual manual, not just third-party apps.

Step 4 — Enroll With an FMCSA-Registered Training Provider

Since February 7, 2022, federal regulations (49 CFR Part 380) require all new CDL applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Taylor Made Truck Driving School is on that registry.

Understand the All-In Cost — Not Just Tuition

When you're budgeting for CDL training, tuition is only part of the picture. Before you ever sit in the cab, you'll have costs for the pre-training requirements described above. Make sure you factor in the full picture:

CDL training programs across the industry generally range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the school, program length, and license class. Taylor Made's Class A Standard program falls on the lower end of that range — under $5,700 all-in (as of June 2026) including tuition and the pre-training costs listed above. We coordinate the DOT physical, drug test, and Clearinghouse registration as part of your enrollment so you're not tracking down providers on your own.

Ask any school you're considering for the total cost — not just tuition. Some programs quote tuition separately from physical, drug test, permit fees, and materials. You want the all-in number.

What Taylor Made Handles for You

When you enroll at Taylor Made, we walk you through the full sequence — eligibility, documentation, permit prep, medical requirements, and scheduling. We coordinate your DOT physical and drug test on-site so you don't have to track down providers yourself. We support you through the knowledge test preparation and help you understand exactly what to do and in what order.

You'll need your CLP, medical certificate, drug test, and Clearinghouse registration completed before behind-the-wheel training begins. We make sure you know the steps, have the resources, and can reach our staff with questions throughout the process.

Our Class A CDL programs and Class B program are both fully ELDT-compliant. See our current schedule for upcoming start dates, or call us at (360) 746-0806 to talk through the process.