What you need to do to get a Washington driver's license

Washington issues driver's licenses through the Department of Licensing (DOL). You will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test. The process takes at least two visits — one to explore and test, and a second to take the driving exam — and you cannot schedule the driving test until you pass the knowledge test first.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit, and at least 16 years and 6 months old to take the driving test. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person.

The entire process from process to receiving your license in the mail typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after you pass your driving test, depending on how quickly you schedule your appointments and pass each test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DOL office to explore, pass a knowledge test and vision screening on the same day, then return for a separate driving test appointment.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) to your first appointment.
  • The knowledge test covers Washington traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the free online manual at dol.wa.gov.
  • You must pass the driving test with a licensed instructor or examiner; you cannot use a family member's car or an unlicensed person to supervise.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 2 to 4 weeks; you will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment to use until it arrives.

Documents you need to bring to the DOL office

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement.

You also need proof that you live in Washington. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

Bring one form of photo identification: a valid passport, an original or certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a consular ID. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DOL office can help you order one, but this adds time to your appointment.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with you at the process appointment and sign the process form in person. Bring their ID as well.

How to prepare for the knowledge test

The knowledge test has 35 questions about Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice and takes about 30 minutes.

Study the free Washington Driver Guide, available at dol.wa.gov or in print at any DOL office. The guide covers everything on the test: right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Read through it at least once before your appointment.

You can also take practice tests online through the DOL website. These are free and show you the same types of questions you will see on the real test. Many people take the practice test several times until they consistently score above 28 correct.

The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, tell the DOL office when you schedule your appointment, as not all locations offer all languages.

Scheduling your appointments at the DOL

You can schedule your process appointment online at dol.wa.gov or by calling 1-360-902-3900. Online scheduling is usually faster. You will choose a DOL office location near you and pick a date and time that works for you.

Bring all your documents to your first appointment. The office will verify your documents, take your photo, collect your fee (currently $72 for an eight-year license), and administer the knowledge test and vision screening on the same day.

After you pass the knowledge test, you can schedule your driving test appointment. Some offices let you book it on the spot; others require you to schedule it online or by phone. The driving test is usually available within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how busy your local office is.

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

What happens during the driving test

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. A DOL examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on local roads. They will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic and pedestrians.

You must use a vehicle that is registered in Washington, has valid insurance, and passes a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). The vehicle can belong to you, a family member, or a friend. The person whose name is on the registration must be present during the test.

You cannot use a vehicle with more than two passengers in it during the test. If you bring a parent or guardian, they can be in the car, but no one else.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no extra fee, but you must schedule a new appointment, which may be weeks away depending on availability.

What to expect after you pass

When you pass your driving test, the examiner will give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at your process appointment. It typically arrives within 2 to 4 weeks. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 4 weeks, contact the DOL office where you applied. They can check the status and reissue your license if needed.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to Washington without retaking the knowledge and driving tests. You still need to visit a DOL office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Washington, and proof of your Social Security number.

The DOL will take your photo, collect the license fee, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent Washington license will arrive by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. You must surrender your out-of-state license.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take the knowledge test and driving test as if you were a new driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in my own car?

Yes, as long as it is registered in Washington, has valid insurance, and passes a safety check (working brakes, lights, wipers, horn). The registered owner must be present in the vehicle during the test. You cannot use a vehicle with more than two passengers.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or schedule another appointment. Most people who study the Washington Driver Guide pass on their second attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

No. You pass the knowledge test at your first DOL appointment, and that counts as your learner's permit. You can then schedule your driving test. You do not need to wait any specific amount of time between passing the knowledge test and taking the driving test.

What if I am under 18?

Your parent or guardian must be present at your process appointment and sign the process form in person. They do not need to be present during the driving test. You must be at least 16 years and 6 months old to take the driving test.

How much does a Washington driver's license cost?

A standard eight-year driver's license costs $72. The fee includes the process, knowledge test, vision screening, and driving test. You pay this fee at your first appointment, before you take any tests.