Washington Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Washington learner's permit — age, fees, documents for the written test, supervised-hours rules, and what the road test itself checks — summarized from the official DOL pages and linked to the source.
WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Washington DOL — Get Your Learner Permit ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
The Washington licensing timeline
Each stage below carries what DOL itself publishes, the people it applies to, the page it came from, and the date we last checked it. Where DOL publishes no figure, the card says so instead of guessing one.
1Eligibility
Minimum permit age15WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
15 if enrolled in an approved driver training course; 15½ without one
2Documents
DOL lists these for the knowledge-test visit:
- Proof of identity
- Parent/guardian permission, submitted online, for under-18 applicants
The knowledge test and the permit itself are handled in the same visit.
WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
3Required education
Washington's own published steps name a training requirement:
- Apply for the learner permit ($35) — at 15 with driver training, otherwise at 15½ after passing the knowledge test
- Complete the driver training course (30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel) if licensing before 18
WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
4Application
First instruction permit, valid for one year; testing fees vary by location.
What the permit itself takes, once you pass:
- Permit fee ($35)
5Knowledge test
Wait before a retakeDOL does not publish a verified retake waitWashingtonDOLWA official knowledge-test sourceChecked 2026-08-12Official source
State site states 40 questions and a 80% (or equivalent) passing score.
6Permit restrictions
Permit validity12 monthsWashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Renewable twice
Restrictions Washington puts on a new driver:
- Passenger rule: First 6 months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family. Next 6 months: no more than 3 passengers under 20 outside immediate family. Expires after 1 year of safe driving
- Curfew: No driving 1–5 a.m. unless with a licensed driver 25+. Expires after 1 year of safe driving
- Cell phone: No wireless devices while driving, even hands-free (911 calls excepted)
WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
7Supervised driving
Supervised driving for applicants under 1850 hours (10 at night)WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
40 daylight hours + 10 night hours. That is a graduated-licensing rule — an applicant who is already 18 follows a different path, so check the official source below rather than assuming this figure is yours to meet.
8Road test
Minimum permit hold6 monthsWashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
9Full licence
Unrestricted driving age16WashingtonDOLWashington DOL — Get Your Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Intermediate license with restrictions until 18
How to get your permit in Washington
- Apply for the learner permit ($35) — at 15 with driver training, otherwise at 15½ after passing the knowledge test
- Complete the driver training course (30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel) if licensing before 18
- Hold the permit at least 6 months while logging 40 daylight and 10 night practice hours
- Pass the driving test for the intermediate license (passenger and 1–5 a.m. limits for the first year)
- Restrictions lift after a year of safe driving; full license terms at 18
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Washington?
You can get a learner's permit in Washington at 15. 15 if enrolled in an approved driver training course; 15½ without one.
How much does a Washington permit cost?
The Washington permit fee is $35. First instruction permit, valid for one year; testing fees vary by location..
How long do you have to hold your permit in Washington?
You must hold your Washington permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Washington require?
Washington requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving for applicants under 18, including 10 at night. That is a graduated-licensing rule — an applicant who is already 18 follows a different path, so check the official source below rather than assuming this figure is yours to meet.
Where can I practice for the Washington permit test?
Right here — take a free Washington practice test, review every answer, and build readiness in your browser. The free DMV Prep app adds offline study and native reminders.
