Washington

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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, if you're under 18 years old.
• 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, or you're over 18 years old and opted not to get a permit at all, make an appointment with your local office to apply for your license. Bring with you:

• Your non-photo instruction permit, if you have one.
• Your parent or guardian, if you're under 18 years old.
  • If they can't visit with you, have them complete the Parental Authorization Affidavit again and have it notarized. Bring this with you to your appointment.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and lawful presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Washington residency, if you're applying for a REAL ID-compliant EDL.
    • The DOL offers guides to acceptable proof of identity for standard licenses and EDLs.
• Payment for the applicable licensing fee:
  • Standard driver's license: $89
  • EDL: $113.

You'll also need to have your photo taken and pass a vision screening.

You can apply at any DOL driver licensing center.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

To apply for your Washington driver's license when you're at least 18 years old, you'll need:

• Your instruction permit, if you opted to get one.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and lawful presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Washington residency, if you're applying for a REAL ID-compliant EDL.
    • The DOL offers guides to acceptable proof of identity for standard licenses and EDLs.
• Payment for the applicable licensing fee:
  • Standard driver's license: $89
  • EDL: $113.

Before applying, you'll need to make a road test appointment. At your appointment, provide:

• Your instruction permit.
• 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.)

For your license application once you've passed your test, you'll need:

• Your instruction permit.
• A Parental Authorization Affidavit, completed by your parent/guardian and notarized if they can't accompany you to your appointment.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and lawful presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Washington residency, if you're applying for a REAL ID-compliant EDL.
    • The DOL offers guides to acceptable proof of identity for standard licenses and EDLs.
• Payment for the applicable licensing fee:
  • Standard driver's license: $89
  • EDL: $113.

To apply for a WA intermediate license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have earned your learner's permit and held it for at least 6 months.
• Complete a state-approved driver's training course.
• Complete your required behind-the-wheel practice hours.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a license, you must pass the driving skills road test. Earning an instruction permit is optional, but it allows you to practice driving before taking your skills test.

You can take your road test once you are at least 16 years old and you have:

• Earned your learner's permit and held it for at least 6 months, if you're under 18 years old.
• Completed your driver's training course and behind-the-wheel practice hours, if you're under 18 years old.

If you're at least 18 years old, you can take your road test any time.

You can apply for an occupational/restricted license (ORL), which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on your personal circumstances and why your license was initially suspended. All applicants will have to:

• Fill out an application.
• Show proof of financial responsibility.

You can request an ORL by:

• Applying online or completing a Restricted Driver License Application.
• Providing proof of financial responsibility in the form of either:
  • An SR-22 insurance certificate
  • A $60,000 State Treasurer's certificate of deposit (or equal collateral).
  • A surety bond.
• Paying the $100 application fee.

If your application is approved, the DOL will mail your ORL to you.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to taking your road test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The biggest tip is to study the Washington Driver Guide! Everything you need to know to pass your skills exam is in the guide.

A licensed driver may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with WA laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at testing and training locations throughout the state.

• Instruction permit: $25
• Standard driver's license: $89
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL): $113

The Washington Driver Guide is available online.

You can get an intermediate driver's license once you're at least 16 years old and you've completed driver's training. Otherwise, you can get your license when you turn 18 years old.

• Instruction permit: $25
• Standard driver's license: $89
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL): $113

No, but there will be a basic medical screening at your appointment.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your application and the Parental Authorization Affidavit.

Bring the following items to the DOL licensing center:

• 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 Âœ years old.
• A testing waiver from your training course, if you wish to bypass the knowledge test at this time.
• Payment for your $25 permit fee.

You can apply for your permit as early as 15 years old, if you're also planning to take a driver training course. If you're not planning on taking the course and applying for an intermediate license, you must be at least 15 œ years old to get your permit.

To apply for a Washington instruction permit, you'll first need to pre-apply online with the Department of Licensing before making an appointment. If you're under 18 years old and you're enrolling in driver's training, wait to pre-apply until at least 10 days or fewer before your course starts.

Then, make an appointment online. At your appointment, you'll need to:

1. Pass the written knowledge exam, unless you're enrolled in a driver training course.
2. Submit:
   1. Proof of identity, if you wish to have a photo on your permit.
      1. 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.
   2. A completed Parental Authorization Affidavit, if you're under 18 years old. Your parent or guardian should wait to sign this in front of the DOL agent.
   3. Proof of driver training enrollment, if you're younger than 15 œ years old.
   4. A testing waiver from your training course, if you wish to bypass the knowledge test at this time.
3. Have your photo taken, if you choose to get a photo permit.
4. Pass a vision and medical screening.
5. Pay the $25 instruction permit fee.

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. Between 30 minutes before sundown and 30 minutes after sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

The maximum posted speed limit on state highways is:

1. 55 MPH
2. 60 MPH
3. 65 MPH

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free Washington practice test.

No. To obtain a learner's permit, you must only pass knowledge and vision tests with the DOL. If you're under 18 years old, you will need to take a driver training course before you can obtain your intermediate license.

The Washington Driver Guide has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit and/or license applications.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a WA permit, but you will undergo a medical screening during your application.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and provide proof of relationship.

You can contact the DOL online or by phone, or call your local driver license office.

You can apply once you're 15 years old if you're enrolled in driver's training. If you opt not to take driver's training, you can apply when you're 15 œ years old.

If you hold a learner's 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 hold 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.

• 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.

You may need to complete your application that you started when you pre-applied online. Otherwise, if you're under 18 years old, your parent or guardian will need to complete the Parental Authorization Affidavit.

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

Driver's Ed isn't required in Washington. However, if you wish to get an intermediate driver's license when you turn 16 years old, you must complete a state-approved driver's training program otherwise, you must wait until you're 18 to get your license.

This course must consist of at least:

• 30 hours of classroom lessons
• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
• 1 hour of in-car observation.

There are no prerequisites to obtaining your permit, other than being minimum age (15 years old if enrolled in driver's training; 15 œ years old if not) and being prepared to pass your knowledge test.

To apply for your WA instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old if you're enrolled in driver's training, or 15 Âœ years old if you choose not to take driver's training.
• 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.
• Make an appointment with the DOL to complete your application in person.
• 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 Âœ 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.

No, you do not need to repeat your eye exam for license renewals.

You can renew by mail if your notice gives you the option. Generally, the DOL encourages you to renew online.

Most drivers can renew online, and the DOL highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal. The DOL offers a step-by-step guide to renewing online.

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This includes:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the applicable renewal fee:

• Standard driver's license: $54
• Enhanced driver's license: $78

To renew by mail, you will need all documents listed on your renewal form, plus payment for your renewal fee.

You can renew your WA driver's license online or by mail. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Washington expire every 6 years. You can renew it up to 1 year before and 60 days after its expiration date.

Standard license renewals cost $54 in Washington. Enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) cost $78 to renew.

Ask your examiner before your test whether you are allowed a supervising driver with you in the vehicle.

No, you must take your exam in person at a licensing center.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity and residency, plus payment for your $25 permit application fee. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to sign your Parental Authorization Affidavit.

The Washington permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Washington Driver Guide,, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, appointments are required to take your permit test. You must also pre-apply before making your appointment so that you have a driver number (WDL) issued.

Use the scheduling portal to see if a DOL branch near you has any Saturday appointment openings.

Your exam will be on a computer if you take it at a DOL driver licensing center. If you take it at a driver training facility, the format may differ.

No, instruction permits aren't required for adult drivers at least 18 years old. However, without an instruction permit, you will not be able to practice driving before taking your knowledge and skills exam for your driver's license.

First, make sure you've pre-applied online and that you have received a driver number (WDL). Then, make an appointment with your chosen testing and training location.

After passing your WA permit exam, the next steps differ by your age:

If you're under 18 years old, you'll need to pass an approved Washington driver training course that include at least:

• 30 hours of classroom study. Your parent or guardian must join you for at least 2 hours of your instruction.
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
  • 1 hour of in-car observation.

You'll also need to hold your permit for at least 6 months, during which you'll complete the required 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your intermediate license.

If you're over 18 years old, you'll need to practice driving until you feel confident enough behind the wheel to take your road test. There are no driver training requirements or minimum holding periods for adults with an instruction permit.

You can take your knowledge test at the DOL licensing center.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, there may be a waiting period before you can test again. Your examiner will let you know your next steps. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you're able to come back for a retest.

Your examiner will let you know if there is a waiting period before you can retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting Washington, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Washington driver's license within 30 days.

If you're under 18 years old, your permit may be accepted as long as you can prove you've met the following criteria:

• You've held your out-of-state permit for at least 6 months.
• You've completed a driver training course that meets Washington's minimum standards (online and parent-taught courses will not be accepted).

If you have an unrestricted out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to pass the road test if it's currently valid/unexpired. If it has expired, you must take both the knowledge and skills tests.

If you have a graduated/teen license from another state, you do not need to pass the road test if all of the following are true:

• Your out-of-state unrestricted driver's license is currently valid/unexpired.
• You've held your license for at least 6 months.
• You took an out-of-state driver training course that meets Washington's minimum standards.

You must obtain a Washington license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

You must answer 32 of the 40 total questions on the exam correctly.

There are 40 questions on the test. You must answer 32 of them correctly to pass.

You can miss up to 8 questions.