Preface – CDL

1 Preface CDL i Preface CDL ii This Commercial Driver License (CDL) Guide is a summary of the laws and rules that apply to all drivers of commercial motor vehicles in Washington State. It is not a book of laws, and should not be used as a basis for any legal claims or actions. Regulations put into effect by federal or state agencies may go beyond state laws but cannot conflict with them. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Send them to: Communications and Education Department of Licensing 1125 Washington Street SE Olympia WA 98501 For your convenience, additional contact information is given below.

2 Department of Licensing (DOL) Website: For information about driving records,reinstatements, and eligibility. Telephone:(360)902- 3900 For vehicle questions:Prorate (IRP) .. (360) 664-1858 (360) 664-1858 Federal Motor Carriers SafetyAdministration (FMCSA) Telephone: (360) 753-9875 Website: Hours of service Equipment Interstate medical waivers Federal rules and regulationsTransportation Security Administration (TSA) Telephone: (855) 347-8371 Website: Hazmat endorsement eligibility Threat assessments Background checks FingerprintsWashington State Patrol (WSP) Telephone: (360) 596-3800 Website: Enforcement practices Weight enforcementWashington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) Telephone: (360) 664-1222 Website.

3 Authority to carry freight for hire Intrastate inspectionsWashington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Telephone: (360) 705-7000 / (360) 705-7438 Website: Interpretation of statutes or rules Restricted roads or bridges Oversize/Overweight permits Construction projectsHazardous Material National Response Center (NRC) Telephone: 1-(800) 424-8802 To report a hazardous material emergency Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC) Telephone: 1-(800) 424-9300 For technical information about physical properties of hazardous materials We are committed to providing equal access to our services. For information visit (TDD/TTY call 711).

4 Preface CDL iii Table of Contents Introduction You Must Have a CDL to Operate ..1-1 Commercial Learners Requirements ..1-3 Commercial Driver License Tests ..1-8 Medical Documentation Requirements ..1-11 CDL Disqualifications ..1-13 Hazardous Material Endorsement ..1- 15 Traffic 15 Other CDL 15 International Registration Plan/International Fuel Tax Agreement ..1- 16 Washington State Laws and Rules.

5 1- 18 Driving Safely Vehicle Inspection ..2-1 Basic Control of Your Shifting Gears ..2-9 Seeing ..2-10 Communicating ..2-11 Controlling Managing Space ..2-16 Seeing Distracted 21 Aggressive Drivers/ road 23 Driving at 24 Driving in Fog ..2- 27 Driving in 27 Driving in Very Hot 29 Railroad-highway Crossings ..2- 30 Mountain Driving ..2-32 Table of Contents Page TOC-1 Driving Emergencies ..2- 33 Antilock Braking Systems (ABS.)

6 2- 35 Skid Control and Recovery ..2- 36 Accident Procedures ..2- 38 38 Alcohol, Other Drugs, and 40 Hazardous Materials Rule For All Commercial 42 Transporting Cargo Safely Inspecting Cargo ..3-1 Weight and Balance ..3-1 Securing Cargo ..3-2 Cargo Needing Special Attention ..3-3 Transporting Passengers Safely Vehicle Inspection ..4-1 Loading and Trip On the road ..4-2 After-trip Vehicle Inspection ..4-3 Prohibited Practices ..4-3 Use of Brake-door Air Brakes The Parts of an Air Brake Dual Air Brake ..5-5 Inspecting Air Brake Systems ..5-6 Using Air Combination Vehicles Driving Combination Vehicles Safely.

7 6-1 Combination Vehicle Air Antilock Brake Table of Contents Page TOC-2 Coupling and Uncoupling ..6-7 Inspecting a Combination 13 Doubles and Triples Pulling Double/Triple Trailers ..7-1 Coupling and Uncoupling ..7-1 Inspecting Doubles and Doubles/Triples Air Brake Check ..7-4 Tank Vehicles Inspecting Tank Driving Tank Safe Driving Hazardous Materials The Intent of the Regulations ..9-2 Hazardous Materials Transportation-Who Does What.

8 9-2 Communication Rules ..9-3 Loading and Unloading ..9- 10 Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading and 12 Hazardous Materials- Driving and Parking Rules ..9- 13 Hazardous Material Emergencies ..9- 15 Hazardous Materials Glossary ..9- 19 School Buses Danger Zones and Use of Loading and Unloading ..10-3 Emergency Exit and Railroad-highway Crossings ..10-7 Student Antilock Braking Systems ..10-10 Special safety Table of Contents Page TOC-3 Skills Test Overview Overview of the CDL Skills Test.

9 11-1 General Test Vehicle Inspection Test ..11-2 Equipment Failure ..11-4 External/Internal Inspection (All Vehicles)..11-5 External Inspection (All Vehicles) ..11-9 Trailer ..11-13 Passenger Vehicles (School Bus and coach /Transit)..11-14 coach /Transit ..11-15 Remainder of Taking the CDL Vehicle Inspection Test ..11-15 Grounds for Automatic Disqualification ..11-15 Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test Overview of the CDL Skills Test ..12-1 Test Rules ..12-1 Scoring ..12-3 Grounds for Automatic On- road Driving Overview of the CDL Skills Test ..13-1 General Test How You Will Be Table of Contents Page TOC-4 Section 1 INTRODUCTION This Section Covers Medical Requirements Driver Disqualifications Other safety Rules International Registration Program Nationwide CDL Rules Washington State Laws and Rules The Commercial Motor Vehicle safety Act of 1986 requires all states to meet the same minimum standards for testing and licensing commercial drivers.

10 This manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does NOT provide information on all the federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Contact the Department of Licensing for additional information ( ). - You must have a CDL to operate: Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).