Free Washington Permit Practice Tests 2025

You can apply for an instruction permit in Washington at 15 years old if you’re enrolled in a driver education course. If you’re not taking a driver ed course, you need to be at least 15½ years old. This age requirement applies to all first-time permit applicants, regardless of previous driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Washington, you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other approved document)
• Proof of Washington residence (showing you live in the state)
• Social Security number (or a signed declaration if you don’t have one)
• Payment for the application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license (Enhanced Driver License), additional documentation may be required. Check the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Accompany you to the DOL office when you apply

The application process in Washington is as follows:

1. Pre-apply online at the Washington DOL website
2. Visit a DOL office in person with your required documents
3. Pass a vision screening
4. Pay the application fee
5. Take the knowledge test
6. Have your photo taken for your permit
7. If you’re under 18, have a parent or guardian sign your application

Washington allows you to start the application process online through the DOL website. However, you must visit a DOL office in person to complete the application, bring your documents, take your vision test, and get your photo taken. The knowledge test can be taken at a DOL office or an approved driver training school or testing location.

The Washington DOL charges a fee for an instruction permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, taking your photo, and issuing your permit. Visit the Washington DOL website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Washington, you must pass:

• A vision screening
• A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Washington permit knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass.

The Washington permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Rules for sharing the road with other users
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The best ways to prepare for your Washington permit test:

• Study the Washington Driver Guide thoroughly, available on our website at this link
• Take free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to make sure you understand the key concepts
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the Washington permit test:

• You can retake it
• You may need to wait before retrying
• You’ll need to pay an additional testing fee for each retake
• There’s no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you’ll need to pay the fee each time

With a Washington instruction permit, you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who has at least five years of licensed driving experience
• The supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your driving test and eventual driver’s license

When driving with a permit in Washington you:

• Must have a licensed driver with at least five years of licensed driving experience in the front passenger seat
• Cannot use any electronic devices while driving, even in hands-free mode, if you’re under 18
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts

In Washington, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking the driving test
• You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night
• You must be at least 16 years old to get your license

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period; practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your driving test

Washington requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 18: You must complete a driver education course before getting your intermediate license. You can get your permit at 15 if you’re enrolled in a course (15½ if not).
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended.

In Washington, before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:

• If you are under 18, you must complete:
  • A driver education course approved by the DOL
  • At least 30 hours of classroom instruction
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction
  • 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• If you are 18 or older: No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial.

You can find Washington-approved driver education programs by:

• Visiting the Washington DOL website
• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Making sure the program is approved by the DOL

The Washington driving test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, you’ll need to demonstrate various vehicle controls and safety features.

You can schedule your driving test in Washington by:

• Contacting a DOL-approved driver training school or testing location
• Making an appointment through their scheduling system

On the day of your driving test in Washington, bring:

• Your instruction permit
• A licensed driver who can drive you to the test
• A properly registered and insured vehicle
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• Payment for the testing fee

Common reasons for failing the Washington driving test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in Washington:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months
• Complete an approved driver education course
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• Be at least 16 years old
• Pass the driving test
• Pay the licensing fees

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the driving test
• Pay the licensing fees

Washington’s graduated licensing program for minors has these stages:

• Instruction Permit: Must be at least 15 years old if enrolled in driver education (15½ if not). Valid for one year while you practice with a licensed driver who has at least five years of experience.
• Intermediate License: Must be at least 16 years old, have held your permit for at least 6 months, completed driver education, completed 50 hours of practice driving, and passed the driving test. Restrictions include limits on passengers and nighttime driving.
• Full License: Intermediate restrictions end when you turn 18 or after holding an intermediate license for 12 months without violations.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the driving test.

As a new driver under 18 in Washington, your intermediate license will have these restrictions:

• For the first 6 months, you cannot have passengers under 20 years old who aren’t part of your immediate family
• For the second 6 months, you cannot have more than three passengers under 20 years old who aren’t part of your immediate family
• You cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old (with exemptions for agricultural, employment, school, or medical emergencies)
• You cannot use wireless devices while driving—except to report an emergency

These restrictions end when you turn 18.

Washington does not recognize out-of-state permits for driving in Washington. If you are moving to Washington with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Washington permit
• If you’re under 18, you’ll need to satisfy Washington’s requirements for getting an intermediate license

Washington offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver guide
• Oral knowledge tests
• Sign language interpreters
• Extended testing time
• The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your local DOL office or testing location before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, Washington issues driver’s licenses and permits to all residents, regardless of immigration status. Non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Washington residence
• Other required documents

Visit the Washington DOL website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens.

You can download a copy of the Washington Driver Guide here. Physical copies are also available at any DOL office or testing location.

Yes! We offer free Washington-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your actual exam.

For more information about the Washington permit process:

• Visit the Washington DOL website at dol.wa.gov
• Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 during business hours
• Visit your local DOL office
• For hearing impaired assistance, call 360-664-0116

If you lose your Washington permit:

• You can request a replacement through the DOL website
• You may need to visit a DOL office
• You may need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the Department of Licensing. The teen won’t be able to get another license or permit until they turn 18 or have the consent of the parent or guardian who requested the cancellation.