Washington Class B to Class A Upgrade Program

Class B to Class A Upgrade Program for Washington CDL Applicants

Washington's Port of Seattle and aerospace manufacturing create strong CDL demand across the Pacific Northwest. With port and intermodal freight, aerospace manufacturing, agriculture and produce driving much of the freight in Washington, the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material below is the part of the Washington CDL that those employers screen for first.

The Washington Class B to A upgrade: Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes knowledge tests at Washington Department of Licensing, then a Class A skills test. Since February 2022, ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training must also be logged with an FMCSA-registered provider before Washington Department of Licensing will schedule the test.

Where Washington drivers use this

• Aerospace manufacturing: dump trucks, mixers, and flatbed tractors on construction routes
• Almost every Class A and Class B vehicle in Washington; skip this test and your CDL carries an L restriction
• Port and intermodal freight: container drayage between the ports and inland rail yards
• Agriculture and produce: refrigerated (reefer) loads of produce and food moving to distribution centers and out of state
• Port and intermodal freight: container drayage between the ports, rail ramps, and warehouses

Most Washington CDL work runs the I-5, I-90, I-82 corridors and the Olympia area, so the examples in the practice questions lean on the vehicles and loads you will see there.

Testing, appointments, and fees are handled by Washington Department of Licensing. See the Washington CDL classes and Washington endorsements pages for the full licensing picture.

Common Washington questions

Is this Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material specific to Washington?

Yes. The knowledge test content is federal (49 CFR 383), so the questions apply in Washington, and this page adds Washington details: where you test (Washington Department of Licensing), which Washington industries use this license, and the Washington corridors the examples are drawn from.

Where do I take the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program knowledge test in Washington?

Knowledge tests are given by Washington Department of Licensing. Bring your Washington driver license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate; most Washington offices require an appointment for CDL testing.

How long do I have to study the Washington Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material?

Access lasts 120 days from purchase, which is enough to study, take the practice tests, and pass at Washington Department of Licensing with time to spare. Retakes in Washington are allowed after a short wait, so a second attempt is covered too.