• In Washington, you'll need a special license to drive a school bus.Square School Bus image by steverts from Fotolia.com
  
  A commercial driver license (CDL) is a specialized license for operators of vehicles used for commericial puposes, the transport of hazardous materials or all vehicles above a certain weight. A CDL differs from a standard driver's license in the methods they are acquired, maintained and suspended. In Washington state, before a CDL is granted, a driver must complete a state certified training course, meet minimum state health standards and submit to an alcohol and drug test.
  
  

Vehicles Required a CDL

• Washington CDL requirements are based on the type vehicle and its use. You will need a CDL to operate: a school bus, any private or public vehicle that is designed to carry sixteen or more people, any vehicle used to transport hazardous materials as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services. You will also need one to operate all single vehicles with a "weight of 26,001 pounds or more" and all trailers with a "weight of 10,001 pounds or more" or a trailer and cab with a combined "gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more," according the the Washington State Department of Licensing.
  
  

Exceptions to CDL requirements

• While operation of a restricted vehicle requires a CDL, there are several circumstances where Washington law allows you to operate an otherwise restricted vehicle without a CDL. For example, farmers or qualified farm employee using a farm vehicle (such as a tractor) do not need a CDL if they are: (1) going to or from a farm; (2) transporting farm supplies, equipment or products; (3) are within 150 miles from the farm and (4) the vehicle is not being used as a "common or contract motor carrier."
  
  

CDLs and DUI

• Washington's driving under the influence (DUI) and implied consent laws require that all CDL holders agree to submit to a test of their blood/breath alcohol content (BAC) if there is reason to believe that they are DUI. Failure to submit will result in the immediate suspension of the driver's CDL. a CDL holder is also held to a stricter standard in regards to the minimum amount of alcohol they may have in their body prior to driving and penalties of a DUI. Under the law, CDL holder's breath/blood alcohol content (BAC) may not surpass .04. The first DUI conviction will result in a one year suspension of a driver's CDL. A second DUI or DUI related-conviction will result in a permanent suspension of a CDL.