Washington learner’s permit requirements

Everything here comes from Washington State Department of Licensing pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where Washington doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.

Last checked September 22, 2026.

At a glance

Minimum age
15 years
To pass the knowledge test
32 of 40 correct (80%)
Fees
$35 total
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)

The knowledge test and your permit

Test format
40 questionsSources 123
Passing score
32 of 40 correct (80%)Sources 123
Time limit
None published
Permit and test fees
$35 totalDOL charges $35 for the instruction permit (since Jan 1, 2026; it was $25 before); the knowledge test is given by approved driver-training schools and testing sites, which set their own fee.Sources 123
Minimum age for a permit
15 years15 if enrolled in an approved driver training course; otherwise 15 years 6 months after passing the knowledge exam. Motorcycle (2-wheel) instruction permit: 16+, must already hold a valid Washington driver license and pass the permit knowledge and riding skills tests at an approved training school (parent/guardian consent under 18).Sources 356
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)Sources 356
Hold your permit
6 months minimumSources 356
Test languages
12 languagesEnglish, Spanish, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Punjabi, Tagalog, UkrainianSources 123
Take it online
No, in personSources 123
If you fail
DOL states only that 'there may be a waiting period before you can retest'a passing score is valid for 2 years.Sources 123
Vision standard
20/40 Snellen with both eyes combined (corrected or uncorrected)worse requires an eye examination; cannot be licensed if not correctable to 20/100Sources 356

From permit to full license

  • Learner (instruction) permit at 15 with driver training (15.5 without); drive only with a licensed driver with 5+ years experience.
  • To license at 16-17: hold permit 6 months, complete an approved traffic safety course (30 h classroom, 6 h behind the wheel), 40 h day + 10 h night supervised driving (certified hours supervised by someone 21+ licensed 3+ years), no violations for 6 months, pass knowledge and drive tests.
  • From November 1, 2026, first-time license applicants under 25 must also pass a free online work zone and first responder safety course.
  • Intermediate license until 18: first 6 months no passengers under 20 except family, then max 3; no driving 1-5 a.m. unless with parent/guardian or licensed driver 25+ (expires after one year of safe driving); no wireless devices.

Before you go

Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official Washington State Department of Licensing website: dol.wa.gov.

Sources

  1. dol.wa.gov: do i need take test
  2. dol.wa.gov: get your learner permit
  3. dol.wa.gov: download
  4. app.leg.wa.gov: default
  5. dol.wa.gov: driver license application ages 16 17
  6. app.leg.wa.gov: default
  7. app.leg.wa.gov: default
  8. app.leg.wa.gov: default
  9. dol.wa.gov: get 2 wheel motorcycle permit or endorsement

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