Washington Permit Test Practice
Washington handles the knowledge test differently from most states: the Department of Licensing (DOL) doesn't give it at its licensing offices. Instead, you take it at an approved driver training school or testing location, often the same school where you take driver ed. The test has 40 questions from the Washington Driver Guide, and you need 32 correct (80%).
You can get an instruction permit at 15 if you're enrolled in driver ed, or at 15 and a half otherwise. Your supervising driver must have at least five years of driving experience, and teens hold the permit six months while logging 50 hours, 10 at night, before an intermediate license. Washington's test leans on rules like its strict distracted-driving law and keeping right except to pass, so practicing free on DMV Permit Prep is a smart way to prepare before you book a test slot.
- Questions
- 40
- To pass
- 32 correct · 80%
- Permit age
- 15 (in driver ed); 15 and a half otherwise
- Practice
- 50 hours, 10 at night
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5 free tests per license. No sign-up needed.
Washington permit test sample questions
Tap an answer to check yourself.
1. In Washington, if you are NOT enrolled in driver education, how old must you be to get an instruction permit?
2. In Washington, may an intermediate license holder use a phone hands-free while driving?
3. How many hours of supervised driving must a Washington teen complete before getting an intermediate license?
4. In Washington, what is the youngest age you can get an instruction permit if you're enrolled in driver education?
5. Even a small amount of alcohol can:
How to get your learner's permit in Washington
- 1Study the Washington Driver Guide and take practice tests.
- 2Enroll in an approved driver training school if you're under 18.
- 3Book and pass the 40-question knowledge test at an approved testing location.
- 4Prequalify online with DOL, then visit a licensing office with proof of identity and a parent or guardian if under 18.
- 5Pass the vision screening, pay the $35 permit fee and get your instruction permit.
- 6Drive with a licensed driver who has 5+ years of experience and log 50 hours (10 at night) over 6 months.
Intermediate license holders can't drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a licensed driver 25+ and may carry no passengers under 20 except family for the first six months. Permit holding period: 6 months. Fee: $35 (first instruction permit; test fees vary by location).
The Washington knowledge test
Taken in person on an electronic device at an approved driver training school or testing location (not at DOL offices), in several languages; fees vary by location.
Study tips for Washington
- Book your knowledge test early; slots at driver training schools fill up, especially in summer.
- Know Washington's E-DUI law, which bans holding a phone while driving, even at a stoplight.
- Learn the intermediate license passenger rules for the first and second six months.
CDL in Washington
Washington DOL issues a commercial learner permit after you pass the CDL knowledge tests, and first-time Class A or B applicants must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test with an approved CDL tester.
Motorcycle in Washington
Washington drivers 16 and older with a valid license can get a two-wheel motorcycle instruction permit, valid 180 days, for daylight riding without passengers. Approved motorcycle training schools also give the endorsement knowledge and skills tests.
Washington permit test FAQ
Where do you take the permit test in Washington?
The knowledge test is given at approved driver training schools and testing locations, not at DOL licensing offices. Fees vary by location.
How many questions are on the Washington permit test?
The Washington knowledge test has 40 questions, and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass.
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Washington?
You can get an instruction permit at 15 if you're enrolled in driver education, or at 15 and a half if you're not.
How much does a learner's permit cost in Washington?
DOL lists $35 for a first instruction permit, plus whatever your testing location charges for the knowledge test.
Official information: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
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