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Special Licenses in Washington
School Bus Requirements
To drive a school bus, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Possess at least one year of driving experience while holding a special commercial driving endorsement or at least three years of passenger vehicle driving experience.
- Successfully complete a bus driver training course.
- Pass the scrutiny of a criminal background check. For more detailed information consult Washington Statute 28A.400.
- Hold a valid first-aid card.
- Hold a valid medical examination certificate.
- Keep current with all continuing school bus driver requirements as defined in Washington Administrative Code 392-144-101.
Taxi License Requirements
Specific rules and regulations are governed by each municipality.
Shuttle Van Requirements
You do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a shuttle van carrying fewer than 16 passengers, including yourself.
Chauffeur License Requirements
You must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Own a Washington driver license.
- Have successfully completed a training course approved by the Department of Licensing.
- Have successfully passed a written examination.
- Pass a criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol.
- Own a medical certificate verifying that you're physically approved to be a chauffeur.
Chauffeuring in SUVs
The Department of Licensing (DOL) defines a sport utility vehicle as a vehicle which seats three to six passengers behind the driver, and possesses a minimum wheelbase of 116 inches.
If you're going to be driving one of these as a professional chauffeur, all license requirements fall under the chauffeur category as described above. If you're just driving your own personal SUV, you only need a Washington driver license.
Sport Vehicles
ATVs
You don't need a special license. If you're younger than 13, you must stay on roads designated off-highway and be with someone 18 or older who's got a driver's license.
Snowmobiles
No special license is needed, but if you're under age 12, you can't ride a snowmobile on public roads. If you're between ages 12 and 16, you must take a snowmobile safety class like the one offered by the Washington State Snowmobile Association, before you can ride on public roads.
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