Driving Skills Exam (behind-the-wheel drive test)

Washington Road Test (2026) What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips

Washington's drive test is an on-road exam with an examiner riding along, given by a DOL-approved driver training school or at a driver licensing office by appointment, after you pass the knowledge test. The examiner checks your vehicle, then scores everyday driving plus set maneuvers: arm signals, an emergency stop, parking on a hill, parallel parking, and backing around a corner. You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass. DOL does not publish how long the test takes.

Checked October 4, 2026 against official Washington State Department of Licensing sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.

See the 9 maneuvers
Maneuvers in official sources
9
Score needed to pass
80/100
Listed automatic failures
None listed

Who can take the Washington road test

You must pass the knowledge test first and take the skills test within 2 years. You need a Washington instruction permit (or a temporary authorization to drive, or a valid foreign license) and must be at least 15. If you are under 18, you must have completed a traffic safety (driver ed) course. To get the license at 16 or 17, you must also have held the permit 6 months, logged 40 hours of day and 10 hours of night driving with a licensed driver who has 3+ years' experience, and had no violations in the previous 6 months. Without driver ed, you must wait until 18 to take the skills exam. Official source 1dol.wa.gov“You must first pass the knowledge exam before you can take the Driving Skills Exam. After you pass the knowledge exam, you have 2 years to complete the skills exam.”“You can take the knowledge exam after you turn 15½. Once you pass, you’ll get your permit. However, you need to wait until you’re 18 to take the skills exam and get your license.”“Have your instruction permit for at least 6 months. Be at least 16 years old and a Washington resident. Complete a traffic safety course at an approved driver training school.”“Complete at least 40 hours of day driving and 10 hours of night driving with a licensed driver who has 3 or more years of experience.”“Be without any traffic violations or convictions for 6 months prior to applying for the license.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2app.leg.wa.gov“Prior to administering the skills exam, schools must ensure that applicants are at least 15 years of age. When the applicant is less than 18 years of age, the applicant must have successfully completed a traffic safety education course.”“Applicants must possess one of the following to participate in the skills testing portion of the examination: (a) A Washington instruction permit issued under RCW 46.20.055;”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

What to bring on test day

Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.

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SourcesOfficial source 3dol.wa.gov“To be able to take the drive test, you must bring: Proof of auto liability insurance for the vehicle you are using to test. A vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs, and plates.”“You will not be allowed to take the drive test without these 2 items. You may use a rental car for the drive test.”“You'll need to pay a fee to take the test that varies by location—check with your testing location for the exact amount. You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass the test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4dol.wa.gov“The document needs to state the: Name of the policy holder. Vehicle description. Dates the policy begins and ends. Any delay in providing current liability insurance may result in rescheduling your appointment.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle requirements

The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.

  • Legally licensed and registered, with valid license plate and tabs, and current liability insurance
  • Brake lights work, including the center brake light
  • Turn signals work (hand signals may be used before sunset)
  • Seat belts lock and unlock properly
  • Parking brake works
  • Windshield free of items or cracks that block safe vision
  • Passenger door opens and closes from inside and outside
  • Driver's window rolls down far enough for hand signals
  • Mirrors: outside left plus inside rearview, or outside left plus outside right
  • Windshield wipers, headlights and defrosters work if the weather calls for them
  • If any equipment is not working, the examiner will not give the test
  • Only you, the examiner, a service animal and a deaf or hard-of-hearing interpreter in the car (a DOL observer may ride along); no weapons
  • Parking-assist features may not be used for parallel parking
SourcesOfficial source 1dol.wa.gov“A legally licensed and registered vehicle must be used for the driving exam. The vehicle needs to have proof of current liability insurance (showing the policy holder’s name or the vehicle’s description) and be in safe operating condition.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4dol.wa.gov“Brake lights (including the center light). Turn signals (hand signals can be used before sunset). Seat belts (must lock and unlock properly). License plate (must be valid). Parking brake.”“Windshield (checked for any items or cracks that impair safe vision). Passenger door (must open and close from the inside and outside).”“Driver’s door window (must roll down far enough to allow you to use hand signals). Mirrors (the law requires outside left and inside rearview or outside left and outside right).”“Windshield wipers, headlights, and defrosters (if weather requires use). If any vehicle equipment is not working, the examiner will not conduct your drive test.”“Only you, an examiner, a service animal, and an interpreter for the deaf or hard of hearing are allowed in the vehicle during the test. Sometimes one of our supervisors or a staff-in-training may ride along as an observer.”“If you have an objection, please tell us at the start of the test. No weapons are allowed in the vehicle.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

How the Washington road test is scored

Scored out of 100; you must score at least 80 to pass. The examiner discusses your results with you afterward. A passing score is good for one year, and a school sends it to DOL for you. DOL does not publish point values for individual errors. Official source 2app.leg.wa.gov“Skills test results may be used to obtain a driver license for no more than one year from the date of completion.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dol.wa.gov“You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass the test. Your examiner will discuss your results with you, and if you do not pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retest. A passing score is good for one year.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Automatic failures

We found no official list of automatic failures for Washington. Treat any dangerous action, a crash, or breaking a traffic law as likely to fail the test.

Maneuvers on the Washington driving test

Steps and scoring come from Washington State Department of Licensing’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.

Vehicle safety check

Always tested

How it’s scored

Before the drive, the examiner checks your insurance and the vehicle's equipment; if anything is not working, the test is not given.

Steps

Not officially described by DOL.

SourcesOfficial source 4dol.wa.gov“We will need to see proof of current liability insurance. We will check your vehicle to make sure it’s in good working order.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Arm signals

Always tested

How it’s scored

You show the arm signals for a right turn, a left turn, and slowing or stopping. You may use arm signals during the test.

Steps

Not officially described by DOL.

SourcesOfficial source 4dol.wa.gov“Arm signals for right/left turn and slow or stop (you may use your arm signals during the test)”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Brake reaction test / emergency stop

Always tested

How it’s scored

With your foot on the gas, you move to the brake as fast as possible when told to stop; the examiner checks that you stop quickly and safely.

Steps

  1. Keep your foot on the gas pedal as instructed
  2. When the examiner says stop, step on the brake as fast as possible
SourcesOfficial source 4dol.wa.gov“A brake reaction test/emergency stop: you will be asked to put your foot on the gas pedal and step on the brake as fast as possible when told to stop”“Stop smoothly and at the right spot Stop quickly and safely in an emergency”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parking on a hill

Always tested

How it’s scored

You park as if you were leaving the car unattended: set the parking brake and turn the wheels correctly for the slope and curb.

Steps

  1. Always set the parking brake
  2. Facing uphill with a tall curb: turn the wheel away from the curb until the back of the front tire touches the curb
  3. Facing uphill with a low or rounded curb: turning the wheel toward the curb may be safer
  4. Facing downhill: turn the wheel toward the curb until the front of the front tire touches the curb
  5. No curb: turn the wheels toward the edge of the road
SourcesOfficial source 1dol.wa.gov“Always set your parking brake when you park on a hill. You need to make sure your vehicle doesn’t roll into the road.”“On hills with tall curbs, turn your steering wheel away from the curb until the back of your front tire touches the curb.”“On hills with lower or rounded curbs, turning your steering wheel toward the curb might be safer because your vehicle would roll away from the road if your parking brake failed.”“Turn your steering wheel toward the curb until the front of your front tire touches the curb. If your vehicle starts to roll, it will roll forward into the curb.”“Turn your steering wheel and tires toward the edge of the road. This way, if your vehicle starts to roll, it will roll away from traffic.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4dol.wa.gov“Parking on a hill: you will park as if you were going to leave your car there unattended”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parallel parking

Always tested

How it’s scored

You parallel park without using any parking-assist feature.

Steps

  1. Pick the space, check traffic and signal
  2. Shift to reverse and look in the direction the car will move
  3. Back slowly until your front bumper lines up with the rear bumper of the car you are parking behind
  4. Turn the wheel sharply and back slowly into the space
  5. Turn the wheel quickly to center the car in the space
  6. Stop before touching the bumper of the car behind you
  7. Pull forward to adjust; end no more than 12 inches from the curb
SourcesOfficial source 1dol.wa.gov“Identify the space where you’ll park, check traffic, and signal. Reverse and look in the direction the vehicle will be moving. Back slowly until your front bumper is in line with the rear bumper of the vehicle you’re parking behind.”“Turn your steering wheel sharply and back slowly into the space. Turn the steering wheel rapidly to center the vehicle into the space. Stop before touching the bumper of the vehicle behind you.”“Move forward to adjust your vehicle in the parking space. Make sure your vehicle is no more than 12 inches from the curb.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4dol.wa.gov“Parallel parking: you will parallel park without parking assist features on your vehicle”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Backing around a corner (simulated driveway or alley exit)

Always tested

How it’s scored

You back around a corner to the right, staying as close to the curb as you can, then continue backing straight until told to stop. While backing, the examiner looks for you to look over your right shoulder, back in a straight line, and keep full control of the car.

Steps

  1. Look over your right shoulder while backing
  2. Back around the corner to the right, staying as close to the street edge as you can
  3. Keep backing in a straight line until the examiner tells you to stop
SourcesOfficial source 4dol.wa.gov“Simulating backing out of a driveway or alley into traffic using a corner: you will be directed to back your vehicle around the corner to the right, staying as close to the street as you can, and continue backing in a straight line until directed to stop.”“Backing up Look over your right shoulder Back in a straight line Have complete control of your car”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Leaving the curb

Always tested

How it’s scored

You signal and wait until it is safe before re-entering traffic.

Steps

Not officially described by DOL.

SourcesOfficial source 4dol.wa.gov“Leaving the curb Signal and wait until it's safe to re-enter traffic”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Lane changes

Always tested

How it’s scored

Signal, turn your head and look back, and change lanes carefully.

Steps

Not officially described by DOL.

SourcesOfficial source 4dol.wa.gov“Use the proper lane Signal to change lanes Change lanes carefully Follow other vehicles at a safe distance Turn your head and look back before changing lanes Signal the proper distance before turning”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Turns and blind or crowded intersections

Always tested

How it’s scored

Turn into the proper lane without cutting it or swinging wide; scan for signs, signals, pedestrians and vehicles; yield and take the right-of-way correctly.

Steps

Not officially described by DOL.

SourcesOfficial source 4dol.wa.gov“Turn into the proper lane without cutting the lane or going wide into the improper lane Scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles, yield, and take the right-of-way correctly”“Driving through blind or crowded intersections Scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles Yield and take the right-of-way correctly”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Skills the examiner watches the whole time

  • Starting your vehicle

    The first item scored on the test. Official source 4dol.wa.gov“Below is a list of what we will test you on once you're behind the wheel: 1. Starting your vehicle”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Controlling the vehicle and speed

    Use the gas, brake, steering and other controls correctly, and adjust speed for traffic, pedestrians, road and weather, construction, light and how far ahead you can see. Official source 4dol.wa.gov“Use the gas pedal, brake, steering wheel, and other controls correctly Change your speed to meet: The number and speed of other vehicles and pedestrians Road and weather conditions Construction Amount of light The distance you can see ahead”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Following distance and space

    Keep a safe distance from vehicles you follow or pass and from people walking or riding on the road. Official source 4dol.wa.gov“Judging distance Stay a safe distance away from: Other cars when following or passing People walking or riding on the roadway”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Stopping

    Stop smoothly and at the right spot. Official source 4dol.wa.gov“Stopping Stop smoothly and at the right spot”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Respectful driving

    Be courteous to drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, and pay full attention to driving. Official source 4dol.wa.gov“Respectful driving Be courteous to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists Pay full attention to the driving task”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Safe, legal driving

    The test measures whether you drive legally and safely; the examiner will not try to trick you or ask you to do anything illegal. Official source 4dol.wa.gov“The driving test measures your ability to drive legally and safely. An examiner rides with you to evaluate your driving. They won't try to confuse, trick, or ask you to do anything illegal.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

If you fail the Washington road test

The examiner goes over your results with you. There may be a waiting period before you retest, but DOL leaves retesting rules, refunds and the test fee to each testing location, and each school must tell you its policies before the test. Official source 2app.leg.wa.gov“Schools must also inform applicants of the school's current retesting, refund, and grievance policies and procedures.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dol.wa.gov“Your examiner will discuss your results with you, and if you do not pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retest.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Washington permit (knowledge) test retake rules.

Waivers and third-party testing

Most drive tests are given by DOL-approved driver training schools whose licensed instructors are approved as examiners; DOL offices also test by appointment. DOL may waive the drive test for a new resident who surrenders a valid license from their previous home state, or who has a valid license from a foreign jurisdiction DOL has an agreement with, unless they were disqualified on an earlier Washington driving test. Official source 1dol.wa.gov“Find a driver training school exam location by searching approved driver training school at dol.wa.gov . Schedule an appointment at a driver licensing office in License Express .”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2app.leg.wa.gov“"Examiner" means a driver training instructor licensed under chapter 46.82 RCW, who has been approved by the department as meeting department qualifications, education, and training standards for administering examinations.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 5app.leg.wa.gov“All or any part of the examination involving operating a motor vehicle if the applicant: (i) Surrenders a valid driver's license issued by the person's previous home state; or”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 6app.leg.wa.gov“Not taken a Washington driving test on which the applicant has been disqualified; and”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Washington road test questions

What is on the Washington road test?

Washington's drive test is an on-road exam with an examiner riding along, given by a DOL-approved driver training school or at a driver licensing office by appointment, after you pass the knowledge test. The examiner checks your vehicle, then scores everyday driving plus set maneuvers: arm signals, an emergency stop, parking on a hill, parallel parking, and backing around a corner. You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass. DOL does not publish how long the test takes. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Vehicle safety check, Arm signals, Brake reaction test / emergency stop, Parking on a hill, Parallel parking, Backing around a corner (simulated driveway or alley exit), Leaving the curb, Lane changes, Turns and blind or crowded intersections.

How is the Washington driving test scored?

Scored out of 100; you must score at least 80 to pass. The examiner discusses your results with you afterward. A passing score is good for one year, and a school sends it to DOL for you. DOL does not publish point values for individual errors.

What do I need to bring to the Washington road test?

Your Washington instruction permit (or a temporary authorization to drive, or a valid foreign driver's license); Proof of current auto liability insurance for the test vehicle, showing the policy holder's name, the vehicle description, and the policy start and end dates; A vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs and plates (a rental car is allowed); and The testing location's fee (it varies by location).

What are the vehicle requirements for the Washington road test?

Legally licensed and registered, with valid license plate and tabs, and current liability insurance; Brake lights work, including the center brake light; Turn signals work (hand signals may be used before sunset); Seat belts lock and unlock properly; Parking brake works; Windshield free of items or cracks that block safe vision; Passenger door opens and closes from inside and outside; Driver's window rolls down far enough for hand signals; Mirrors: outside left plus inside rearview, or outside left plus outside right; Windshield wipers, headlights and defrosters work if the weather calls for them; If any equipment is not working, the examiner will not give the test; Only you, the examiner, a service animal and a deaf or hard-of-hearing interpreter in the car (a DOL observer may ride along); no weapons; and Parking-assist features may not be used for parallel parking.

When can I take the Washington road test?

You must pass the knowledge test first and take the skills test within 2 years. You need a Washington instruction permit (or a temporary authorization to drive, or a valid foreign license) and must be at least 15. If you are under 18, you must have completed a traffic safety (driver ed) course. To get the license at 16 or 17, you must also have held the permit 6 months, logged 40 hours of day and 10 hours of night driving with a licensed driver who has 3+ years' experience, and had no violations in the previous 6 months. Without driver ed, you must wait until 18 to take the skills exam.

What happens if I fail the Washington road test?

The examiner goes over your results with you. There may be a waiting period before you retest, but DOL leaves retesting rules, refunds and the test fee to each testing location, and each school must tell you its policies before the test.

Can the Washington road test be waived?

Most drive tests are given by DOL-approved driver training schools whose licensed instructors are approved as examiners; DOL offices also test by appointment. DOL may waive the drive test for a new resident who surrenders a valid license from their previous home state, or who has a valid license from a foreign jurisdiction DOL has an agreement with, unless they were disqualified on an earlier Washington driving test.

Notes from our check

DOL publishes the list of what is tested and the 80-of-100 pass mark, but no score sheet, per-error point values, list of automatic failures (disqualifications), or test length. The examiner score sheet used by driver training schools is not public; the DOL 'Master Examiner' training PDF now returns 404, and the only drive-test 'what to expect' handout still online is in Spanish. WAC 308-104-047 refers to being 'disqualified' on a driving test but does not list causes. Retest waiting periods and fees are set by each testing location, not by state rule. The page lists 'Obeying traffic signals and signs' as a separate scored item; its sub-points are covered under the intersection entry.

Sources

Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.

dol.wa.gov

  1. washington state driver guide text only
  2. do i need take test
  3. what expect your drive test

app.leg.wa.gov

  1. default
  2. default
  3. default

This guide summarizes official Washington sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DOL examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Washington State Department of Licensing before test day.

Washington permit practice testsSupervised driving log