Washington learner permit and knowledge test
Washington lets teens in approved driver training apply for a learner permit from age 15. Without driver training, you must wait until 15½ for the permit and until 18 for the first license.
Independent guide. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by a DMV, DPS or other government agency. Use the official state links below when a rule, fee or procedure matters.
- 40knowledge-test questions
- 32 / 40correct answers to pass
- $35one-year learner permit
Washington knowledge test format
The Washington knowledge test is written multiple choice. You need 32 correct answers out of 40 to pass, and a passing score is valid for two years. DOL lists the test in 12 languages; testing fees vary by location.
| multiple-choice questions | 40 |
|---|---|
| correct to pass | 32 / 40 |
| passing score validity | 2 years |
Passing score
Washington requires 32 correct answers out of 40. A passing knowledge-test result is valid for two years while you complete the licensing process.
Twelve listed test languages
DOL lists English, Spanish, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Punjabi, Tagalog and Ukrainian. Confirm language availability with the testing location.
The steps to a Washington driver license
Washington's learner-permit path depends on age and driver training. Teens in approved driver training can apply from age 15; without training, the permit is available from 15½ and the first license must wait until age 18.
- Step 1. Get or confirm your WDL number.
- Step 2. If you want a license before 18, enroll in approved driver training.
- Step 3. Study the Driver Guide and pass the knowledge test when required.
- Step 4. Complete the permit application and identity requirements.
- Step 5. Pay the learner-permit fee and follow the supervision rules.
Before you go: requirements and documents
Washington learner permit requirements
Washington learner-permit requirements by age: driver training, knowledge test, WDL number, identity, permit fee and the path to a first license.
Open the requirements guide →Documents for a Washington learner permit
Washington learner-permit document guide: proof of identity, Social Security number when applicable, address information and parental authorization for minors.
Open the document checklist →Choose an accepted identity-document combination
DOL publishes several ways to meet the identity standard, including a stand-alone document or combinations from its A- and B-lists. Use the current official list before your visit.
Minors need permission
Applicants under 18 need parent or guardian permission. If the adult is not present, Washington provides a parental authorization affidavit process.
Fees
Washington DOL publishes statewide credential fees, while knowledge and drive testing fees vary by testing location.
| first learner permit | $35 |
|---|---|
| permit renewal | $25 |
| first standard license, 6 / 8 years | $111 / $131 |
See the full Washington fee guide →
Washington teen learner permit and first license
If you plan to get a Washington driver license before 18, approved driver training is required. Enrollment lets you apply for a learner permit from age 15.
Complete approved driver training
Washington requires an approved course for a first license before 18. Out-of-state training must meet the state's minimum standard of 30 classroom hours and 6 behind-the-wheel hours.
Complete 50 supervised hours
Before the teen license, complete at least 40 hours of daytime and 10 hours of nighttime driving with a licensed driver who has at least three years of driving experience.
Upcoming under-25 safety course
For a first Washington license issued on or after November 1, 2026, applicants younger than 25 must complete the free online work-zone and first-responder safety course.
Washington first driver license for adults
Washington gives first-time adult drivers several routes. You can pass the knowledge and skills exams directly, or pass the knowledge exam, get a learner permit, practice with an experienced licensed driver and then take the skills exam.
Choose the route that fits your experience
Adults can use testing directly, practice with a learner permit after the knowledge exam, or use approved training and the permit route described by DOL.
A learner permit lets you practice legally
If you need practice, the learner permit allows supervised driving before the skills test. Check the current supervision rule in the Driver Guide.
Finish at DOL
After meeting the testing requirements, make a driver-licensing-office appointment, complete vision screening, provide the required documents and pay the driver-license fee.
Appointments and office visits
Washington uses both DOL driver licensing offices and approved driver training/testing locations. License Express is the main DOL account for appointments and permit applications.
Make a driver-licensing-office appointment
DOL recommends appointments because they reserve a service time and reduce the chance that an office at capacity sends you elsewhere.
Testing may be at DOL or a driving school
Washington says knowledge and drive tests can be taken through approved driver training/testing locations, and some driver licensing offices also offer testing. Fees vary by location.
Check documents and payment before the visit
DOL advises checking the transaction-specific document list and current fees before arriving.
Washington driver licensing and testing locations
Washington separates driver licensing offices from many approved private training/testing locations. Use DOL's official tools to choose the location that offers the service you need.
Find the right office
Find Washington driver licensing offices and approved driver training/testing locations for permits, first licenses, knowledge tests and drive tests.
Open office locations →Check the service first
Office types, appointment rules and testing availability can differ by location. Confirm the exact service before you travel.
Check appointment rules →After the permit: prepare for the road test
Washington's behind-the-wheel drive test measures whether you can apply traffic laws safely in real driving. You need at least 80 points out of 100 to pass.
Pass with at least 80 points
The examiner evaluates safe operation and application of Washington traffic laws. A passing drive-test score is valid for one year.
Bring insurance and a roadworthy vehicle
DOL requires proof of auto liability insurance and a vehicle with valid registration, tabs and plates in safe operating condition.
Use an approved testing location
Testing is available through approved training/testing providers and eligible DOL offices. Fees and retest waiting periods can vary by location.
Open the full road-test guide →
Practice for the Washington knowledge test
Washington missions are not live in Road to Permit yet. For now, use the current DOL Driver Guide, official practice test and the free Washington guides on this site.
Washington road signs study guide
Washington does not describe a separate road-sign exam for the regular personal license. Signs, signals and pavement markings are part of the knowledge you need for the 40-question written test.
Study road signs →Washington State Driver Guide for the knowledge test
Washington DOL publishes the State Driver Guide as the main study source for personal driver licensing. It explains the learner permit, testing, traffic laws, road signs and the steps to a first Washington license.
Open the handbook study guide →What to study
Use the official handbook as the source of truth, then practice the same subjects in short sessions. These are the major study areas covered across the official guide and Road to Permit resources.
- Use the current DOL guide
- Study the rules the exam measures
- Pair the guide with official practice
- Learn shape, color and driver response
- Use DOL practice after studying
- Passing score
- Twelve listed test languages
- Testing fees and locations vary
Washington permit test: questions and answers
What is the Washington knowledge-test format?
The Washington Driving Knowledge Exam is a 40-question written multiple-choice test. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass.
What do I need before I apply in Washington?
Washington's learner-permit path depends on age and driver training. Teens in approved driver training can apply from age 15; without training, the permit is available from 15½ and the first license must wait until age 18.
Which documents should I prepare?
Washington requires proof of identity for a standard instruction permit or driver license. Driver-license applicants also provide a Social Security number if they have one and their current Washington residential and mailing addresses.
How much does the permit or first license cost?
Washington DOL publishes statewide credential fees, while knowledge and drive testing fees vary by testing location.
Where do I make an appointment?
Washington uses both DOL driver licensing offices and approved driver training/testing locations. License Express is the main DOL account for appointments and permit applications.
Complete Washington driver guide
Open the exact part of the licensing process you need. Every page below is backed by official state sources.
Washington State Driver Guide for the knowledge test
Use the official Washington State Driver Guide for the 40-question knowledge test, traffic signs, safe-driving rules and first-license process.
Open guide →Washington learner permit requirements
Washington learner-permit requirements by age: driver training, knowledge test, WDL number, identity, permit fee and the path to a first license.
Open guide →Documents for a Washington learner permit
Washington learner-permit document guide: proof of identity, Social Security number when applicable, address information and parental authorization for minors.
Open guide →Washington learner permit and driver-test appointments
How to schedule Washington driver-license office visits and knowledge/drive tests, including DOL offices and approved driver training/testing locations.
Open guide →Washington road signs study guide
Prepare for Washington road-sign questions using the official State Driver Guide and DOL practice materials.
Open guide →Washington knowledge test format
Washington knowledge-test format: 40 multiple-choice questions, 32 correct to pass, 12 languages, score validity and testing locations.
Open guide →Washington teen learner permit and first license
Washington teen learner-permit guide: age 15 with driver training, six-month permit hold, 40 day + 10 night supervised hours, exams and new Nov. 2026 course.
Open guide →Washington first driver license for adults
Washington first-license options for adults 18 and older: knowledge and drive tests, learner permit for practice, driver training and office application.
Open guide →Washington driving skills test
Washington drive-test guide: 80/100 passing score, vehicle insurance and registration, testing locations, score validity and scheduling.
Open guide →Washington learner permit and first-license fees
Current Washington DOL fees: $35 first learner permit, $25 renewal, and first standard driver-license totals for six- or eight-year credentials.
Open guide →Washington driver licensing and testing locations
Find Washington driver licensing offices and approved driver training/testing locations for permits, first licenses, knowledge tests and drive tests.
Open guide →Official sources
Facts on this hub were checked against the linked state sources on September 30, 2026. Procedures and fees can change, so recheck the official page before you apply.