Washington DMV Guide: Permit, License, and Road Test
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Getting your first instruction permit in Washington follows a predictable set of steps handled through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). This guide explains who is eligible, the documents to bring, what the knowledge test involves, and the supervised driving that comes next, so you arrive ready rather than guessing.
Because requirements and fees can change, and because the process for teens differs from the one for adults, confirm the current details with the DOL before your appointment. A few minutes of preparation prevents a wasted trip.
15 (with driver education)
Permit age
40
Test questions
32 (80%)
To pass
$35
Permit fee
Step by step: getting your Washington permit
Step 1: Confirm you meet the age requirement
Teens in Washington can generally apply for an instruction permit at 15 if they are enrolled in an approved driver-education course. The driver-education requirement is a defining feature of the Washington teen path. Adults applying for a first permit follow a similar process without that youth education requirement.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Bring originals that establish your identity, your Social Security number, and your Washington residency. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian usually needs to be present to sign for you.
- Proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Proof of Washington residency
- Parent or guardian consent if you are under 18
Step 3: Complete or enroll in driver education
For teen applicants, Washington ties the permit to driver education, so you typically need to be enrolled in or have completed an approved course. Bring proof of enrollment or completion. Check the DOL guidance for your exact age, since the requirements shift once you turn 18.
Step 4: Pass the knowledge test
At the DOL or an authorized testing site you take the written knowledge test of 40 questions covering signs, signals, and the rules of the road. You must score 80 percent, which is 32 of 40 correct. Practicing in advance makes the wording and format feel familiar so you can focus on the content.
Step 5: Pass the vision screening and pay the fee
A short vision screening confirms you can see well enough to drive safely, so bring glasses or contacts if you use them. After you pass the vision check and pay the permit fee, the DOL issues your instruction permit and you can begin supervised practice.
After you pass the knowledge test
A Washington instruction permit lets you drive while a licensed adult who meets the state's requirements supervises from the front passenger seat. Washington's graduated licensing system generally expects new teen drivers to hold the permit for a set period and to complete a required number of supervised driving hours, including night driving, before moving on to the road test and an intermediate license.
Tips for Washington new drivers
Practice in the conditions you will actually face, including rain, wet pavement, and the glare of low sun, and work up to busier roads and highways as your skills grow. Keep your permit with you whenever you drive, follow the passenger and nighttime limits that apply to permit holders, and build habits like leaving extra following distance that keep you safe long after the test.
Washington permit and test fees
$35
Learner permit issuance, valid 1 year; the knowledge test is taken separately and testing fees vary by approved testing location
Retest: Not specified; fees for testing vary depending on where you take the test
The permit can be renewed twice. If you enroll in a driver training course, the knowledge test is taken as part of the course instead of at a separate testing location.
Washington permit restrictions and supervised driving
While you hold the permit
Supervised practice: 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night, certified by a parent, guardian, or employer
Hold period: Instruction permit must generally be held before licensing; intermediate license is available at age 16 after completing driver education and the supervised driving requirement
- Must drive with a supervising licensed driver in the vehicle
- Issued as part of the steps for ages 16 to 17 first-time drivers
- Supervised practice hours must be logged before the intermediate license
After you upgrade (provisional/intermediate)
- Intermediate (restricted) license: no driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver age 25 or older is in the vehicle
- First six months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family
- Second six months: no more than three passengers under 20 who are not immediate family
- Restrictions expire after one year of safe driving or at age 18, whichever comes first
Restriction details change. Confirm current rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Washington road test requirements
The drive test assesses safe vehicle operation and compliance with Washington traffic laws.
What to bring
- Instruction permit
- Proof of completed driver education
- Items required for the ages 16 to 17 application
Vehicle requirements
- A safe, legally registered and insured vehicle must be provided for the drive test
- Specific test-vehicle equipment is verified by the examiner; not separately itemized on the teen licensing page
Washington driver handbook summary
Washington teens ages 16 to 17 use an instruction permit and must log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before an intermediate license. The intermediate license bans driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a qualifying adult and phases passenger limits: no under-20 non-family passengers in the first six months, then up to three in the second six months. Restrictions end after a year of clean driving or at 18.
Practice for the Washington test
The fastest way to pass is to rehearse real test format. Our Washington questions are balanced across the categories the DOL tests.
Find a DOL office in Washington
Most permits are issued in person. Find your nearest DOL location before you go, and check whether you need an appointment.
Map results come from Google and may include third-party services. Always confirm the office location, hours, and whether an appointment is required on the official DOL website before visiting.
Official Washington sources
Washington licensing FAQ
How much does the Washington permit cost?
$35. Learner permit issuance, valid 1 year; the knowledge test is taken separately and testing fees vary by approved testing location The permit can be renewed twice. If you enroll in a driver training course, the knowledge test is taken as part of the course instead of at a separate testing location. See the full Washington fee breakdown and official source on our permit cost page.
What score do I need to pass the Washington written test?
The Washington knowledge test has 40 questions and you must answer 32 correctly (80%) to pass.
How many supervised driving hours does Washington require?
50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night, certified by a parent, guardian, or employer. Confirm the current requirement and any logging rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
How old do I have to be for a Washington permit?
Generally 15 if you are enrolled in driver education. Confirm the current rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
What documents do I need?
Proof of identity, your Social Security number, Washington residency, and parental consent if you are under 18.
Do I have to take a test?
Yes. You take a 40-question written knowledge test covering signs and rules of the road, plus a vision screening.
Is there a fee?
Yes, a permit fee applies. Check the current amount with the Washington DOL before your visit.