Any person who is at least eighteen years of age and who meets the requirements of RCW 46.25.060(4) may apply to the department for an instruction permit for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. When operating a commercial motor vehicle on a highway, the instruction permit holder must be accompanied by the holder of a commercial driver's license valid for the vehicle being driven, with no less than two years of driving experience with the class of commercial motor vehicle being operated, and no less than five years of total driving experience. The holder of the commercial driver's license must occupy the seat beside the individual for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the commercial motor vehicle.