Two basic requirements stand in the way of obtaining your Washington learner’s permit: the vision screening and a written permit knowledge test. The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, driving under the influence, and what to do in case of an accident, as outlined in the state’s Washington DOL 2025 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 80% (32 out of 40 questions) and testing must take place in person at the DOL. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it only after paying a retest fee, so use our practice resources to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Washington’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program gradually introduces driving privileges to persons under 18. The process begins with the learner’s permit being granted to teens at least 15 1⁄2 years of age (or 15 when enrolled in a driver training course) who pass the written knowledge test and vision screening. During this phase, drivers must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has held a driver’s license for at least five years. Additionally, you cannot use mobile devices (even hands-free ones) during this phase. Once you reach the age of 16, having held the learner’s permit for at least six months and graduated from a driver education program (with no tickets or violations), you can take the road test. If you pass, you graduate to the intermediate driver’s license, where some restrictions are lifted. Once you reach the age of 18, and assuming all requirements have been met, you can become fully licensed with all restrictions lifted.
When the time comes to take the knowledge test, go to the DOL to apply for a permit. Present your Social Security number, proof of Washington residency, and proof of identity. If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must provide these documents, proof of relationship to you, and a parental authorization affidavit. Updated for February 2025, our free online Washington DOL Permit Practice Test is designed with questions and answers based on the state manual. The instant feedback we provide has been scientifically shown to improve retention. Once you feel prepared, submit the documents, pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and take the official written test.