The Washington knowledge (permit) test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can describe the test format and the score you need.
• You can name the places that are allowed to give the test.
• You can explain when the test can be waived for a permit.
• You can build a study plan around the Driver Guide.

What you need to know and understand

• According to DOL, the test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you need 32 correct (80 percent).
• DOL, licensed driver training schools and school district traffic safety programs can all give the test.
• Testing fees are set by the testing location, so ask when you book.
• DOL may waive the written test for a permit while you are enrolled in driver training, but you must pass it before you are licensed.
• DOL says a passing score stays valid for two years. Check this with your test site.
• The test places weight on distraction, impairment, speed and hazard awareness.

Inside the test

Expect 40 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Driver Guide. You can miss up to eight. Some are plain recall, such as speed limits or the meaning of a sign. Others describe a situation and ask what the safest legal choice would be.

When Washington updated the test, it added more questions on the leading causes of serious crashes: distraction, alcohol and drugs, speeding and spotting hazards. Give those chapters extra time.

Where and when you can test

State law allows DOL, licensed driver training schools and school districts with a traffic safety program to give the knowledge test. In areas where schools provide enough testing, DOL still offers appointments for applicants 18 and older at one or more offices.

If you are enrolled in driver training, your school may test you during the course. If you fail, DOL says there may be a waiting period before you can retest, so check with your testing location.

A study plan that works

Our deeper guides to the Washington knowledge test and the Washington permit practice test go further.

1. Read the whole Washington Driver Guide once, start to finish.
2. Make flash cards for every number: speed limits, distances and teen license rules.
3. Reread the chapters on alcohol, drugs, distraction and speed.
4. Take practice tests, and look up every answer you get wrong.
5. For scenario questions, pick the choice that is both legal and the most cautious.

Common mistakes

• Memorizing practice questions instead of reading the Driver Guide. The real test words things differently.
• Skipping the impairment and distraction chapters. They are a focus of the Washington test.
• Choosing the fastest option in scenario questions. The safest legal answer is usually right.
• Not asking about the testing fee in advance. It varies by location.

Test yourself: The Washington knowledge (permit) test

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Washington Knowledge Test
• Washington Permit Practice Test
• Learning to Drive in Washington State