Who needs a Washington learner's permit or driver's license?
Every resident who wants to operate a motor vehicle in the state.
I recently moved to Washington. Do I need a WA driver's license?
Yes. You have 30 days after becoming a WA resident to get a Washington state driver's license.
What is the age requirement for a Washington driver's license or a learner's permit?
If you are enrolled in a traffic safety course, you may apply for your permit at age 15.
If you are not enrolled in a driver's safety course, you must reach age 15 ½ before getting your permit.
You must be at least 16 before applying for your driver's license.
How many hours of driver education are required for applicants who are 15 years old?
- 30 hours of classroom instruction;
- 5 hours of training in a car (only one spent observing).
Which documents are required to apply for a license in Washington?
- Proof of Identity;
- Parental Authorization Statement (if you are under 18);
- Signed certificate from driving instructor, if enrolled in a driver's education class;
- Proof of address;
- Social Security number.
Can undocumented immigrants apply for a Washington driver's license?
Yes, unauthorized immigrants can apply for a Washington driver's license, if the required documentation is provided. Applicants must provide alternate documentation to show proof of residence in the state of Washington, such as home utility bills and tax identification numbers.
Can I sign my application if I am younger than 18 years old?
No, your parent or legal guardian must sign a Parental Authorization Statement allowing you to apply for a permit.
Which tests do I have to take to obtain a WA permit or driver's license?
- Vision screening;
- Knowledge test;
- Road test.
How can I practice driving with my learner's permit?
You are allowed to drive with your WA permit only if accompanied by a licensed driver who had held a valid driver's license for at least 5 years.
You must complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (including 10 hours at night).
How can I prepare for the knowledge test?
Study the Washington driver's handbook and practice with our
Washington practice permit tests.
How can I pass the knowledge test in Washington?
The Washington permit test has 40 questions. You must correctly answer at least 32 of those questions to pass.
I failed my WA knowledge test. What's next?
You are allowed to make a second attempt in 4 hours.
The second time you fail, you can retake the exam in 1 day.
- Parallel parking;
- Going through intersections;
- Merging and passing;
- Using the gas pedal, brake, steering wheel, and other controls properly;
- Changing lanes carefully;
- Turning your head and look back when changing lanes;
- Obeying traffic signals and signs;
- Responding to crowded or blind intersections;
- Stopping quickly in an emergency;
- Reacting to other drivers;
- Parking on a hill.
Do I have to provide a vehicle for my road test in Washington?
Yes. You must also provide proof of insurance for the vehicle.
Which actions will make me automatically fail my road test?
- Failing to carefully scan signs, pedestrians and other vehicles;
- Failing to stop smoothly;
- Following other cars too closely;
- Forgetting to look over your shoulder when changing lanes.
Can a parent or a friend ride in the car with during my road test?
No. Only you and the examiner are allowed in the car.
I failed my WA road test. When can I retake it?
- The 1st time you fail, you can retake it in 1 week.
- The 2nd time, you can retake it in 1-3 weeks.
- The 3rd time, you can retake it after 3 months.
Which restrictions apply to my Washington license after I get it?
For the first 6 months: you are not allowed to carry any passengers under 20 unless they are immediate family.
For the first 12 months: you are not allowed to carry more than 3 people in the car with you under 20 years old. You can't drive between 1 am and 5 am unless you are with a licensed driver at least 25 years old.