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Washington DOL Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Washington License
  • Preparing For Your WA Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your WA Permit Test
  • Renewing Your WA License
  • Taking Your WA Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your WA Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Washington or Just Visiting?
When should my teen get car insurance?

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

If you have an instruction permit:

  • You must have a supervising driver who has held their own driver's license for at least 5 years.
  • Your supervisor must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.

If you have an intermediate license:

  • You may not drive between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless you're accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years old.
    • Exceptions are only made if you're driving for agricultural purposes and/or transporting farm supplies.
  • You may not use a cell phone or hands-free device while driving, unless it is to contact emergency services.
  • For the first 6 months, you may not have any passengers under 20 years old unless they are immediate members of your family.
  • For the next 6 months, you may not have more than 3 passengers (non-family) under 20 years old with you.

What happens after I pass my WA road test?

After you pass, your results will be sent to the DOL. If you opted for a photo permit, you can upgrade your permit to a new license online. If you didn't get a photo permit, you'll head to your local DOL licensing center to have your picture taken and get your new license.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

You may drive only when accompanied by a supervising driver who has held their own driver's license for at least 5 years.

Once I get my WA permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

You may begin practicing with your parents right away, but you must also sign up for a state-approved driver's training course if you wish to get a driver's license before you turn 18 years old.

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How To Get A Washington Driver’s License

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) requires potential drivers to complete training and demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving with no restrictions. This is required for all new drivers, as well as those moving to Washington whose licenses have expired before arrival.

The requirements to obtain a WA driver’s license will vary slightly based on whether you are a minor or adult, as well as whether you’re applying for a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).

WA Instruction Permit Requirements for Minors

If you’re under 18 years old, you must first obtain an instruction permit before graduating to a driver’s license. You can apply for your permit as early as 15 years old, if you’re also planning to take a driver training course. Note that you MUST complete driver training if you wish to get an intermediate license at 16 years old; otherwise, you must wait until you’re 18 to get your unrestricted driver’s license.

If you’re not planning on taking the course and applying for an intermediate license, you must be at least 15 ½ years old to get your permit.

To get your instruction permit, you’ll need to:

  1. Enroll in your driver training course, if you wish to apply at 15 years old (and eventually get an intermediate license).
  2. Pre-apply online with the Department of Licensing before making an appointment. If you’re taking driver’s training, wait to pre-apply until at least 10 days or fewer before your course starts.
  3. Make an appointment with the DOL to complete your application in person.

If you’re enrolled in a driver training course, you can request a waiver from your course that lets you bypass the knowledge test at this time—just know that you’ll still need to take the test when you apply for your instruction permit.

Your parent or guardian must accompany you to your appointment and bring proof of their relationship to you. At your appointment, be ready to:

  • Pass the written knowledge exam, unless you’re enrolled in a driver training course.
  • Submit:
    • Proof of identity, if you wish to have a photo on your permit.
      • If you get a photo permit now, you’ll be eligible to apply for your intermediate license online. Otherwise, you’ll need to provide your identity documents when you apply for your intermediate license.
    • A completed Parental Authorization Affidavit. Your parent or guardian should wait to sign this in front of the DOL agent.
    • Proof of driver training enrollment, if you’re younger than 15 ½ years old.
    • A testing waiver from your training course, if you wish to bypass the knowledge test at this time.
  • Have your photo taken, if you choose to get a photo permit.
  • Pass a vision and medical screening.
  • Pay the $25 instruction permit fee.

Your permit will be valid for 1 year. With your permit, you may only drive under the following conditions:

  • You must have a supervising driver who has held their own driver’s license for at least 5 years.
  • Your supervisor must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.

If you opted not to take a driver training course, you must follow these restrictions until you are 18 years old and can apply for an unrestricted driver’s license. If you’ve enrolled in a driver training course, you’ll be eligible to apply for an intermediate driver’s license once you turn 16 years old and have held your permit for at least 6 months.

Washington Intermediate Driver’s License Requirements

You can apply for an intermediate driver’s license in Washington once you’ve turned 16 years old. Before you can take your road test, you’ll also need to have:

  • Held your permit for 6 months without any moving violations.
  • Completed your driver training course.
  • Completed your required practice hours.

WA Driver’s Training and Practice Hours

To be able to get a driver’s license in Washington before you’re 18 years old, the WA DOL requires that you complete a state-approved driver training course and get some practice behind the wheel before taking your road test.

Your driver training course must consist of:

  • 30 hours of classroom lessons.
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction.
  • 1 hour of behind-the-wheel observation.

Along with your WA driver training course, you’ll also have to practice driving with a supervising adult driver. This should equal 50 total hours of behind-the-wheel driving, which must consist of:

  • 40 hours of daylight driving
  • 10 hours of night driving

Your parent/guardian will need to sign the Parental Authorization Affidavit again to certify that you’ve completed your required practice hours.

Road Testing and License Application

When you’re ready, schedule your road test online. At your road test, you’ll need to bring:

  • Your instruction permit.
  • A reliable vehicle to take your test in.
  • The registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
  • Your parent/guardian.
  • Payment for the applicable testing fee. (Fees vary by location.)

Once you pass your road test, the examiner will send your results to the Department of Licensing. If you already have a photo permit, you can apply for your intermediate license online. You’ll need:

  • Your instruction permit.
  • Your parent or guardian.
  • A printer (to print your receipt).
  • Payment for the applicable licensing fee:
    • Standard driver’s license: $89
    • EDL: $113.

If you didn’t get a photo permit, make an appointment with your local office to apply for your intermediate license. Bring with you:

  • Your instruction permit.
  • Your parent or guardian.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity and lawful presence.
    • Social Security number.
    • Washington residency, if you’re applying for a REAL ID-compliant EDL.
  • Payment for the applicable licensing fee:
    • Standard driver’s license: $89
    • EDL: $113.

You’ll also need to:

  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pass a vision screening.
  • Pass the knowledge exam, if you waived it for your instruction permit.

With your WA intermediate driver’s license, you can only drive under the following provisions:

  • You may not drive between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless you’re accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years old.
    • Exceptions are only made if you’re driving for agricultural purposes and/or transporting farm supplies.
  • You may not use a cell phone or hands-free device while driving, unless it is to contact emergency services.
  • For the first 6 months, you may not have any passengers under 20 years old unless they are immediate members of your family.
  • For the next 6 months, you may not have more than 3 passengers (non-family) under 20 years old with you.

At 18 years old, your restrictions will fall off and your intermediate license will now be considered a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Adult Drivers in WA

If you are 18 years old or older but have never held a driver’s license before in any state, you have a few options when it comes to how to apply for a Washington driver’s license. You can:

  • Pass the written knowledge test, apply for an instruction permit, and practice driving before taking your road test.
  • Pass the written knowledge test and take the road test without driving practice.
  • Take a driver training course to fully prepare you for both the knowledge test and driving exam.

Getting some driving practice before your skills exam is highly recommended, and to do so, you’ll need an instruction permit. If you choose not to get a permit, though, you can skip down to the steps for taking your road test and applying for your license without one.

Unrestricted License with Instruction Permit

To apply for your WA instruction permit:

  1. Pre-apply for your permit online.
  2. Make an appointment with your local testing center.
  3. Submit proof of your:
    1. Identity and legal presence.
    2. Social Security number.
    3. Washington residency, if you’re applying for a REAL  ID-compliant EDL.
      1. The DOL offers guides to acceptable proof of identity for standard licenses and EDLs.
  4. Pass a vision screening and medical screening
  5. Pass the written knowledge test.
  6. Have your photo taken, if you choose to have a photo permit.
  7. Pay the $25 permit and application fee.

With your permit, you can practice driving as long as you’re supervised by a licensed driver in the passenger seat who has held their license for at least 5 years. You may not use any kind of handheld electronic device, unless it’s to call emergency services.

As an adult, the WA DOL doesn’t require you to hold your instruction permit for a specific length of time, like teens must, nor do you have to practice a designated number of hours before you can take your road test. Once you’re ready, schedule your road test online with a testing center. You’ll need:

  • Your instruction permit.
  • A testing vehicle.
  • Proof of registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.

Once you pass your road test, the examiner will send your results to the Department of Licensing. If you already have a photo permit, you can then apply for your unrestricted license online. You’ll need:

  • Your instruction permit.
  • A printer (to print your receipt).
  • Payment for the $89 licensing fee.

If you didn’t get a photo permit, make an appointment with your local office to apply for your license. Bring with you:

  • Your instruction permit.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity and lawful presence.
    • Social Security number.
    • Washington residency, if you’re applying for a REAL ID-compliant EDL.
  • Payment for the applicable licensing fee:
    • Standard driver’s license: $89
    • EDL: $113.

Unrestricted License without Instruction Permit

If you did NOT apply for an instruction permit, you’ll need to pre-apply online for your license before you can take both your written knowledge exam and road test. You’ll also need to visit a DOL testing center to pass the knowledge exam before you can schedule your skills test.

Make an appointment at a training and testing location once you’ve pre-applied. Depending on where you take your test, be prepared to bring:

  • Proof of your identity.
  • Payment for the testing fee.

Once you’ve passed your knowledge test, you can schedule your driving test. At your road test, you’ll need to bring:

  • A reliable vehicle to take your test in.
  • The registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
  • Payment for the applicable testing fee. (Fees vary by location.)

Your testing center will send your scores to the Department of Licensing. If you passed, make an appointment to return to a driver licensing center to apply for your unrestricted driver’s license. You’ll need to bring:

  • Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • Washington residency, if you’d like a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).
  • Payment for the applicable licensing fee:
    • Standard driver’s license: $89
    • EDL: $113.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Washington Residents

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to Washington, you must apply for your WA driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

Unlike many other states, Washington does allow you to transfer an out-of-state learner’s permit, as well as a provisional license.

Transferring an Out-of-State Permit to Washington

To qualify for conversion to a Washington learner’s permit, you’ll need to meet the following provisions:

  • You’ve held your permit for at least 6 months.
  • If you’re under 18 years old, you’ve taken a driver training course that meets Washington’s minimum requirements.

Follow the steps outlined above for obtaining a WA learner’s permit. You likely won’t have to take the knowledge exam again, but be prepared to pay the $25 permit fee.

Transferring an Out-of-State Intermediate/Graduated License to Washington

In order to convert your provisional or junior license from your previous state to a Washington intermediate license, there are a few prerequisites you’ll have to meet.

  • You must have taken an out-of-state driver training course that meets Washington’s minimum requirements.
  • You must have held your out-of-state license for at least 6 months.

Under most circumstances, you will not be required to retake the driving skills exam. When you’re ready to apply, make an appointment at an RMV service center and follow the steps outlined above for applying for your intermediate license.

Transferring an Out-of-State Unrestricted License to Washington

If you have a full, unrestricted out-of-state driver’s license, the process of converting it to a WA driver’s license is relatively simple. First, pre-apply online to begin the process and receive your driver’s license or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) number. You’ll need this number in order to make your appointment with the DOL.

Once you’ve pre-applied, make an appointment at your local DOL office. Gather the following documents:

  • Your out-of-state driver’s license.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity and lawful presence.
    • Social Security number.
    • Washington residency, if you’re applying for a REAL  ID-compliant EDL.

At your appointment, you’ll also be required to:

  • Undergo a vision screening.
  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pay the applicable application and license fee:
    • Standard license: $89
    • Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): $113

Washington DOL Motorcycle Permit & License Info

WA Motorcycle Permit Requirements

All new motorcycle riders in Washington must obtain a motorcycle permit before getting your WA motorcycle license/endorsement. You must be at least 16 years old to apply and already have a valid Washington driver’s license. You must also first pass both a basic knowledge test and a basic skills exam to earn your permit, unlike many other states.

You can take these exams as part of a basic rider course, which is required for all applicants under 18 years old and highly recommended for all other riders. If you’re 18 or older and choose not to take a course, you’ll need to schedule your exams at an approved motorcycle training school.

Once you’ve passed both tests, you can apply for your permit. If you’re under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must sign a consent form in person at a DOL office, so make an appointment and bring your current driver’s license with you. Your permit fee will be $15.

if you’re at least 18 years old, you can apply for a motorcycle permit online by renewing or replacing your driver’s license and adding a restricted endorsement to it. Here’s how to do so:

  1. Log into or create your account (or continue without creating one).
  2. Select the option to either:
  3. Renew your license, if it’s within 1 year of its expiration date.
  4. Replace your license, if it’s not up for renewal.
  5. Verify all relevant information and add the “O” motorcycle endorsement to your license. It will show as an “O” endorsement with a “J” restriction.
  6. Pay the $15 motorcycle permit fee.
  7. Print your temporary license—you will need to keep this on you in order to practice riding until your updated permanent license arrives after you pass your exams.

Your motorcycle permit will be valid for 180 days. While riding with your permit, you may not carry any passengers or ride anytime after nightfall.

WA Motorcycle License Requirements

Once you’ve practiced with your permit, you can take your advanced knowledge and skills exams and apply for your full WA motorcycle endorsement.

If you’re under 18 years old, you’re required to pass a state-approved safety course before you can apply for your endorsement, but your second set of exams—the advanced knowledge and road skills exams—will be part of your course. You do not need to schedule separate exams with a training center.

If you are 18 years old or older, you are NOT required to take a motorcycle training course to get your motorcycle license, but it’s highly recommended. If you do, you can also bypass the second DOL knowledge and road tests, as they will be included as part of your course. Otherwise, you’ll need to schedule your exams with a training facility. The fees for your exams will vary based on where you take your test, so call ahead to ask about costs and payments.

Once you’ve passed your advanced knowledge and skills exams, either as part of your course or through a training facility,  you can apply for your full WA motorcycle endorsement. You’ll need to wait at least 3 days for your safety course or training facility to send your test results to the DOL.

Then, follow the same process for updating your license as you did for your motorcycle instruction permit (i.e., applying for a renewal or a replacement). The fee for your first endorsement is:

  • $15 for the license/application
  • An additional $2 per year for each remaining year on your license before its expiration date

Washington CDL Requirements

Washington CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Washington State, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

  1. Have a valid Washington driver’s license.
  2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 2 weeks.

Getting Your WA Commercial Learner’s Permit

To get your CLP:

  1. Make an appointment with a testing location that offers CDL knowledge tests.
  2. Submit your self-certification documents online before your appointment (you can also bring them with you if you choose).
  3. Head to your appointment and provide your:
    1. WA driver’s license.
    2. Proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
    3. Social Security number.
      1. The DOL offers a guide to acceptable citizenship/legal presence documents.
  4. If required (based on your self-certification), provide a completed:
    1. Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875).
    2. Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) filled out by a medical professional.
      1. You may also be able to submit these online before your appointment when self-certify.
  5. Take the commercial learner’s permit knowledge exam, along with any other exams that pertain to specific CDL endorsements you’re applying for.
  6. Pay the applicable fees:
    1. Written knowledge test: $35.
    2. Commercial learner’s permit: $40.

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days, during which time you can practice for your commercial driver’s license road test. Depending on your license class, there are specific training requirements you must meet before being eligible to apply for your CDL. However, if you previously drove trucks as a member of the U.S. military, you may be eligible to apply without completing these requirements. See the state’s guide to military experience waivers for details.

You can only drive with your Washington commercial learner’s permit when accompanied by another CDL holder with at least 5 years’ experience in the front seat next to you. Their CDL must be of the appropriate class and have the proper endorsements for the vehicle you’re practicing in.

Applying for a WA Commercial Driver’s License

After practicing with your CLP and holding it for at least 2 weeks, you are eligible to apply for your full WA commercial driver’s license. First, you’ll need to take and pass a skills test for the vehicle class you’ll be driving.

  1. Contact the DOL to schedule your skills test, if an examiner hasn’t already been assigned to you.
  2. At your test, bring:
    1. Your valid WA driver’s license and CLP.
    2. A valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, if applicable.
    3. A vehicle representative of the class and type you’ll be driving, which meets all safety standards.
    4. Proof of insurance for your testing vehicle, or a letter from the titled owner authorizing you to use it for testing.
    5. Payment for the $250 testing fee, plus any applicable fees for additional endorsement tests.

The DOL Commercial Driver Guide has helpful info on how to prepare for your CDL skills exam. Once you pass your test, you’ll need to wait at least 1 day for the results to be transferred to the DOL. After that time, make another appointment with your local driver licensing office and submit your:

The fees for adding a CDL endorsement to your license are as follows:

  • $10 for your initial CDL endorsement.
  • $10 each for any additional special endorsements.
  • $17 for each year left on your original driver’s license.

 

Washington DOL Handbooks

Washington CDL Handbook

Washington CDL Handbook

Washington CDL Handbook
Washington Driver's License Handbook

Washington Driver's License Handbook

Washington Driver's License Handbook
Washington Motorcycle Handbook

Washington Motorcycle Handbook

Washington Motorcycle Handbook