Category: Washington

Photo: Lin Zhu, Pexels

Washington’s distracted driving law, known as E-DUI (driving under the influence of electronics), bans holding a phone or other personal electronic device while driving. That includes time stopped at a light or in traffic. A second offense costs double. A separate “dangerously distracted” infraction covers any other distraction. This guide explains what is and is not allowed under RCW 46.61.672 and 46.61.673, and the stricter rules for teens.

Key facts (Washington, as of November 2026)

• You may not hold a personal electronic device in either hand while driving, including at red lights and in stopped traffic.
• Second and later offenses: twice the penalty.
• Offense in a crash prevention zone: base penalty doubled.
• Dangerously distracted: $30 base penalty, secondary offense only.
• Permit and intermediate license holders: no wireless device use at all while driving, except emergencies.

What does the Washington E-DUI law ban?

Under RCW 46.61.672, while driving you may not:

• hold a personal electronic device in one or both hands;
• use your hand or finger to compose, send, read, view, browse, save or retrieve email, texts, instant messages, photos or other data;
• watch video on the device.

Allowed: minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate or start a function of the device.

A “personal electronic device” includes a cell phone, tablet, laptop, two-way messaging device or electronic game. It does not include two-way radio, CB radio or amateur radio, or devices built mainly for hands-free use in a vehicle.

Does it apply at a red light?

Yes. “Driving” includes being temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or sign, or other short delays. It does not include being pulled over to the side of, or off, the active roadway in a place where you can safely stay stopped.

Exceptions

• Contacting emergency services.
• Transit employees using a dispatch relay system.
• Commercial drivers using a device within the scope of their job where federal rules allow it.
• Operators of authorized emergency vehicles.

The state law overrides any local city or county phone laws.

Fines and penalties

Situation	Penalty
First E-DUI offense	Traffic infraction; amount set by the Washington Supreme Court’s penalty schedule under RCW 46.63.110
Second or later offense	Two times the penalty
Offense in a crash prevention zone	Base penalty doubled; cannot be waived, reduced or suspended
Dangerously distracted (RCW 46.61.673)	$30 base penalty, added on top of the ticket you were stopped for

The dollar amount for a first E-DUI ticket is set by court rule rather than the statute, and total penalties include extra statutory assessments. Check the amount on the notice of infraction or with the court.

What is “dangerously distracted”?

Any activity not related to actually operating the vehicle, done in a way that interferes with safe driving. It is a secondary offense, so an officer can only add it after stopping you for another infraction. The money goes to a distracted driving prevention account.

Stricter rules for permit and intermediate drivers

If you hold an instruction permit (RCW 46.20.055) or an intermediate license (RCW 46.20.075), you may not use a wireless communications device while driving at all. The only exceptions are to report illegal activity, call for emergency help or prevent injury. Unlike passenger and night limits, police can enforce this rule on its own. A violation also counts toward the intermediate license warning and suspension steps (see intermediate license rules).

Practical setup before you drive

• Set navigation and music before moving.
• Mount the phone; never hold it, even at a stop.
• Turn on a driving focus or do-not-disturb mode.
• If you need to text, pull off the active roadway to a safe place first.

Common questions

Can I use my phone as GPS in Washington?

Adults can, if the phone is not held and you only tap minimally to start or stop a function. Permit and intermediate drivers may not use a wireless device while driving except in emergencies.

Is it legal to text at a red light in Washington?

No. Being stopped at a light or in traffic still counts as driving.

Can I call 911 while driving?

Yes. Contacting emergency services is exempt.

Is eating while driving illegal?

Not by itself. If it interferes with safe driving and you are stopped for another infraction, you can also be cited for driving dangerously distracted.

Do cities have their own phone rules?

No. State law preempts local rules on device use while driving.

Back to the Washington learning to drive guide. Compare other states: hands-free and texting laws for US drivers. Knowledge test tip: distraction is a focus topic, see the knowledge test guide.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.61.672 Using a personal electronic device while driving” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.61.673 Dangerously distracted driving” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.63.110 Monetary penalties” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.055 Instruction permit” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)

Photo: Ciar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Washington is extending mandatory driver training to young adults. Under RCW 46.20.1191, added by a 2025 law, first-time license applicants aged 18 must complete a driver training course from January 1, 2027, and the age band widens each year to cover everyone 18 to 21 by 2030. Applicants under 25 already need a free online work zone safety course. This page explains who is covered, when, and the exemptions.

Key facts (Washington, as of November 2026)

• Driver training becomes mandatory for first-time applicants aged 18 from January 1, 2027.
• Phase-in reaches ages 18 to 21 (under 22) from January 1, 2030.
• Work zone and first responder safety course: required for first-time applicants under 25 from May 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031.
• Safe driving course after two moving violations, for new license holders under 25, from January 1, 2027.
• DOL may pause or delay a phase if there are not enough courses or instructors.

Who needs driver training, and from when?

From	First-time applicants who must complete a course
January 1, 2027	Age 18 (under 19)
January 1, 2028	Age 18 to 19 (under 20)
January 1, 2029	Age 18 to 20 (under 21)
January 1, 2030	Age 18 to 21 (under 22)

Drivers under 18 already have to take driver training (see the teen course and 50-hour guide). The statute’s stated aim is for young adults under 25 to complete training before a first license. The course requirement written into law, however, stops at under 22.

If you are 18 now: getting licensed before January 1, 2027 avoids the course requirement under the current schedule. Check DOL first, because the department can change phase timing by rule.

What course counts?

• A driver training education course from a DOL-licensed driver training school, meeting DOL standards; or
• A traffic safety education course run by a school district or approved private school. These are only open to students enrolled in a public or approved private school, or in home-based instruction.

Schools may offer up to four hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in one day in hardship cases. The law also encourages DOL-certified self-paced online components for the classroom part. DOL sets the course standards for adults, so ask the school what its adult course includes.

Exemptions and waivers

• Licensed elsewhere: if you held a license from a reciprocal jurisdiction outside Washington, you are exempt.
• Equivalent training: DOL may waive the course if you show equivalent education from a reciprocal jurisdiction.
• Hardship: DOL may waive it if you could not take or complete a course, you need to drive, and you can drive safely.
• System capacity: DOL may pause or delay a phase by rule if there are not enough courses or instructors for that age group.

Work zone and first responder safety course (under 25)

Since May 1, 2026, anyone under 25 applying for a first Washington license must pass an online course on driver work zone and first responder safety. State law requires it to be free for these applicants. DOL can waive it if the course is unavailable when you apply. The requirement ends January 1, 2031.

Related reading: move over laws in the US, pulling over for emergency vehicles.

After you are licensed: the two-violation rule

From January 1, 2027, if you got your first Washington license and you are 18 to 21, two moving violations mean you must complete a safe driving course. If you do not finish within 180 days of DOL’s notice, your license is suspended until you do.

Drivers 22 to 24 face the same rule from 2027 until 2031. From January 1, 2031, they must complete a condensed traffic safety education course instead. Several tickets from one traffic stop count as one occasion.

Coming in 2031: shorter first licenses under 21

From January 1, 2031, a first license issued to someone under 21 expires on the later of their 21st birthday or their second birthday after issue. To renew it, they must complete a driver training refresher course set by DOL.

Common questions

Do I need driver’s ed at 18 in Washington?

Not if you are licensed before January 1, 2027. From that date, first-time applicants aged 18 need an approved course.

Does the course rule apply to 24-year-olds?

The course requirement in law covers ages 18 to 21 by 2030. Under-25s do need the online work zone and first responder safety course, and new license holders under 25 face the two-violation safe driving course rule.

I have a license from another state. Do I need the course?

No, if it was issued by a reciprocal jurisdiction. You are exempt.

Can I take the course at my high school after I turn 18?

School district courses are limited to students enrolled in a public or approved private school, or in home-based instruction. Otherwise use a licensed driver training school.

Could the dates change?

Yes. DOL may pause or delay a phase by rule if training capacity is short. Check DOL before you plan around a date.

Back to the Washington learning to drive guide. See also the knowledge test and the drive test.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.1191 Driver training education course, motorcycle safety education course, driver work zone and first responder safety, exemption, waiver, report, safe driving course” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.100 Persons under 18” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 28A.220.020 Definitions” (app.leg.wa.gov)

Photo: olycopwatchphoto, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are under 18 in Washington, you need two things before an intermediate license: a state-approved driver training course and 50 hours of supervised practice, 10 of them at night. This checklist sets out exactly what the course must include under Washington rules, who can supervise your practice and what to bring when you apply.

Key facts (Washington, as of November 2026)

• Course: at least 30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel and 1 hour in-car observation (WAC 308-108).
• Practice: 50 hours, 10 at night, supervised by a licensed driver 21+ who has held a license for at least 3 years (RCW 46.20.075).
• A parent, guardian, employer or approved responsible adult certifies the hours.

Where to take driver training in Washington

Two kinds of provider can run the required course:

• A school district or approved private school with a traffic safety education program authorized by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. These are open to students enrolled in a public or approved private school, or receiving home-based instruction.
• A driver training school licensed and approved each year by DOL.

Enrolling lets you apply for your instruction permit at 15 instead of 15 and a half, and DOL may waive the permit knowledge test while you are enrolled.

What a Washington teen driver training course must include

For students under 18 at a licensed driver training school, WAC 308-108-150 and 308-108-160 require:

Part	Minimum
Classroom	30 hours, instructor-led (lecture, group work, discussion)
Behind the wheel	6 hours with a licensed instructor, or 5 hours plus 4 hours of driving simulation
In-car observation	1 hour or more
Course length	Not completed in fewer than 30 calendar days
Daily limits	1 to 2 hours classroom and no more than 1 hour behind the wheel per day (make-up classes up to 4 hours)
Parent night	At least 1 hour (can count as one of the 30 classroom hours)
Exams	Final written and behind-the-wheel exams

State law allows up to four hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in a single day in hardship cases, such as long travel distances. It also encourages schools to use DOL-certified self-paced online components for classroom content. Ask your school how it delivers the classroom part.

The course must cover Washington’s intermediate license rules and organ and tissue donation awareness. The parent night covers parent responsibilities, intermediate license laws and a parent guide to teen driving.

The 50-hour supervised practice rule

Under RCW 46.20.075 you must present a certification that:

• you have had at least 50 hours of driving experience;
• at least 10 of those hours were at night;
• each session was supervised by someone at least 21 who has held a valid license for at least 3 years;
• you have no pending ticket or traffic citation.

The certification is signed by your parent, guardian, employer or a responsible adult. A responsible adult is someone over 21 approved by DOL who has a family, kinship or caretaker link to you, or supports you in a professional role (for example a social worker).

Watch the supervisor ages. On a permit, the person beside you can be a driver training instructor or any licensed driver with five years of driving experience. For hours to count toward the 50, the supervisor must be 21+ with at least three years licensed.

Practice log checklist

• Record date, start and end time, day or night, and the supervisor’s name for every drive.
• Get the night hours done in different seasons, not all in summer.
• Cover freeways, rain, city traffic, rural roads, hill parking and parallel parking.
• Total the log before you book the drive test. Short logs mean a wasted appointment.

National ideas for what to practice: supervised driving hours by state, freeway driving, snow, fog and rain.

Also required: work zone and first responder safety course

From May 1, 2026 until January 1, 2031, first-time applicants under 25 must pass a DOL-approved online course on driver work zone and first responder safety. State law requires it to be free for these applicants.

Common questions

How many hours of driver’s ed do you need in Washington?

At a licensed school, at least 30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel (or 5 plus 4 simulator hours) and 1 hour of observation.

Do driver training hours count toward the 50?

The law asks for 50 hours of driving experience supervised by a person 21+ licensed for 3 years. Check with DOL or your school whether instructor hours can be included on your certification.

Can a grandparent supervise my practice?

Yes, if they are at least 21 and have held a valid license for at least 3 years. A parent or guardian still needs to sign the certification, unless an employer or approved responsible adult signs instead.

Can I skip driver training?

Only in narrow cases. DOL may waive it if you could not take a course, need to drive and can drive safely. It may also waive it if you were licensed in, or completed equivalent training in, a reciprocal jurisdiction.

Can I finish the course in two weeks?

No. The rules say a course cannot be completed in fewer than 30 calendar days.

Back to the Washington learning to drive guide. Next: the drive test and intermediate rules. Over 18? See driver training rules for new drivers 18 to 24.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “WAC 308-108-150 Course requirements” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “WAC 308-108-160 Behind the wheel instruction and observation” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.100 Persons under 18” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.055 Instruction permit” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.1191 Driver training education course, driver work zone and first responder safety” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 28A.220.020 Definitions” (app.leg.wa.gov)

Photo: dumitru bumbu, Pexels

In Washington, every driver’s license issued to someone under 18 is an intermediate license with passenger, night and phone restrictions set by RCW 46.20.075. This page explains each rule, the exceptions, how restrictions can lift early and what happens if you break them.

Washington intermediate license at a glance (as of November 2026)

Rule	What it says
Passengers, first 6 months	No passengers under 20 unless immediate family
Passengers, after 6 months	No more than 3 passengers under 20 who are not immediate family
Night	No driving 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., with exceptions
Phones	No wireless device use while moving, except emergencies
Ends	At 18 (RCW 46.20.161)

Who can ride with a 16-year-old in Washington?

For the first six months (or until you turn 18, if sooner), you may not carry any passenger under 20 who is not a member of your immediate family. After six months, you may carry up to three passengers under 20 who are not immediate family.

Passengers 20 and older do not count toward these limits.

“Immediate family” is defined broadly in the law. It covers your spouse or domestic partner, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, brothers, half-brothers, sisters and half-sisters, foster children living in your home, and the same relatives of your spouse or domestic partner.

What time can a 16-year-old drive until in Washington?

You may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. The two exceptions:

• A licensed driver who is at least 25 is with you.
• You are driving for school, religious or employment activities for yourself or a member of your immediate family.

Phone and wireless device rule

You may not drive a moving vehicle while using a wireless communications device. The only exceptions are to report illegal activity, call for medical or emergency help, or prevent injury to a person or property. The law gives no separate allowance for hands-free use. Permit holders have the same rule.

All Washington drivers, of any age, also fall under the E-DUI law. See Washington E-DUI and distracted driving law.

How police enforce the rules

Passenger and night violations are secondary offenses. An officer can only cite you for them after stopping you for something else. The phone rule is different: it can be enforced on its own.

Exceptions and early release

• Agriculture: you may drive at any hour, with any number of passengers, if necessary for agricultural purposes.
• Clean first year: passenger and night limits lift if, in the 12 months after your intermediate license is issued, you have:
  • no single-vehicle crash;
  • no crash where you were cited or found at fault;
  • no crash where no one was cited or found at fault;
  • no traffic offense conviction and no intermediate restriction violation.

The phone rule does not lift early. It applies until you are 18.

What happens if you break the rules?

Under RCW 46.20.267, any traffic offense or restriction violation counts:

Violation	Result
First	DOL mails your parent or guardian a warning letter
Second	Suspension for 6 months, or until 18 if sooner
Third	Suspension until 18

One ticket listing several offenses counts as one.

Before you get the license

To qualify at 16 you must have held your permit for six months, passed driver training and the drive test, and have 50 certified practice hours (10 at night). You also need a clean six months with no violations. See the driver training and 50-hour log guide and the drive test.

Common questions

Can I drive my siblings on a Washington intermediate license?

Yes. Immediate family members, including brothers, sisters, half-siblings and foster children living in your home, are not counted.

Can I drive a friend who is 20?

Yes. The limits only apply to passengers under 20.

Can I drive home from work at 2 a.m.?

Yes. Employment activities are an exception to the 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. rule.

Can I use hands-free calling at 17?

The intermediate rule bans using a wireless communications device while moving, with emergency exceptions only. It does not carve out hands-free use.

Do the rules stop when I turn 18?

Yes. A license issued under 18 is an intermediate license only until your 18th birthday.

Will my parents be told about a ticket?

Yes. DOL mails your parent or guardian after the first violation, and again with any suspension notice.

Back to the Washington learning to drive guide. Compare other states: GDL rules compared, zero tolerance under 21.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.267 Intermediate licensees” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.161 Issuance of license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.055 Instruction permit” (app.leg.wa.gov)

Photo: Alex Kovshovik, Pexels

The Washington drive test is a road test with an examiner who scores you out of 100. DOL states you need at least 80 to pass. You can take it at a DOL office or with a licensed driver training school or school district program. This guide covers who gives the test, what you will be asked to do, what your car needs and how to prepare.

Key facts (Washington, as of November 2026)

• Pass mark: 80 out of 100 (DOL). A pass is valid for one year (DOL).
• Given by DOL, licensed driver training schools and school district programs (RCW 46.20.120).
• Teens: must be 16+, hold the permit at least six months and have no traffic violations in the previous six months (RCW 46.20.075).
• Fee: set by the testing location.
• Bring proof of insurance and a legally registered car in good working order.

Who conducts the Washington drive test?

State law lets three types of tester give the driving portion of the exam:

• DOL licensing offices.
• Driver training schools licensed by DOL.
• School districts with a traffic safety education program.

Where schools cover testing in a region, DOL must still offer exams by appointment to applicants 18 and older at one or more licensing offices in that region. Book with your driver training school or check DOL for locations.

Are you eligible? Teen checklist

• At least 16.
• Instruction permit held at least six months.
• Driver training course passed.
• Parent, guardian, employer or responsible adult certifies 50 hours of driving, 10 at night.
• No pending tickets and no traffic violations in the six months before you apply.
• Knowledge test passed (see knowledge test guide).
• Work zone and first responder safety course passed (first-time applicants under 25, from May 1, 2026).

What is on the Washington drive test?

According to DOL, the examiner scores these skills:

• Starting and leaving the curb.
• Lane changes.
• Intersections.
• Stopping.
• Backing up.
• Parking on a hill.
• Parallel parking, done without parking-assist features.

The examiner will not try to trick you or ask you to do anything illegal. Only you, the examiner, a service animal and a sign language interpreter may be in the car, and no weapons are allowed.

Vehicle requirements

DOL says you will not be tested without:

1. Proof of current auto liability insurance for the car.
2. A car in good working condition with valid registration, tabs and plates.

Before the drive, the examiner checks the brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, plate, parking brake, windshield, doors and mirrors, plus wipers and headlights if the weather needs them. A rental car is allowed.

Quick pre-test check: walk around the car with a helper pressing the brake and signals. A dead bulb or cracked windshield can end the test before it starts.

How to prepare

• Hill parking: practice turning your wheels the right way for uphill and downhill, with and without a curb.
• Parallel parking: turn off any parking assist and practice using mirrors and over-the-shoulder checks. See parking rules for new drivers.
• Backing: look over your shoulder, move slowly, keep control.
• Observation: check mirrors and blind spots before every lane change and when leaving the curb.
• Stops: full stops at the line, no rolling.

The most common reasons for failing are covered in why people fail the US driving test.

If you fail

DOL says there may be a waiting period before you retest. Ask the examiner what to practice, and check the wait time with your testing location.

Common questions

What score do I need on the Washington drive test?

At least 80 out of 100, according to DOL.

Can I take the drive test at my driving school?

Yes. Licensed driver training schools can give the drive test under RCW 46.20.120.

Can I use my car’s backup camera?

DOL says parallel parking must be done without parking-assist features. Practice with them switched off.

Can my parent ride along?

No. DOL limits the car to you, the examiner, a service animal and a sign language interpreter.

Can I test in a rental car?

Yes, as long as it meets the insurance and condition rules.

How much does the drive test cost?

It varies by testing location. Ask when you book.

After you pass: intermediate license rules. Back to the Washington learning to drive guide. Compare: road tests by state.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.120 Examinations, waiver, fees” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.1191 Driver training education course, driver work zone and first responder safety” (app.leg.wa.gov)

Photo: dumitru bumbu, Pexels

The Washington knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions on the Washington Driver Guide, and DOL states you need 32 correct (80%) to pass. You can take it at a DOL office or, very commonly, at a licensed driver training school or school district program. This guide covers what the test covers, where to take it, what it costs and what happens if you fail.

Key facts (Washington, as of November 2026)

• 40 questions, 32 correct to pass (DOL).
• Pass is valid for 2 years (DOL).
• Given by DOL, licensed driver training schools and school district traffic safety programs (RCW 46.20.120).
• Fee: set by the testing location.
• Can be waived for your permit if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course (RCW 46.20.055).

How many questions are on the Washington knowledge test?

40. The test grew from 25 to 40 questions in August 2016, when Washington aligned its driver training curriculum, the Driver Guide and the test for the first time, according to the Washington State Transportation Commission. You need 32 right. That means you can miss no more than 8.

What the questions focus on

All questions come from the Washington Driver Guide. When the test was redesigned, the state added questions on the leading causes of serious crashes:

• Distracted driving, including phone use (see Washington’s E-DUI law).
• Impairment from alcohol, prescription drugs, marijuana and other drugs.
• Speed.
• Hazard awareness, using short scenario questions.

A sample scenario question published by the Commission described a student planning to drive across the state late at night. The correct answer was to leave the next morning after a good night’s sleep, not to drink coffee or take a nap first. Expect questions that test judgment, not just recall.

Also study the rules every Washington driver must know: right of way, signs, signals and markings, lane use, passing, parking and sharing the road. For national refreshers see road signs by shape and color, traffic signals and pavement markings.

Where to take the knowledge test in Washington

Under RCW 46.20.120, these can give the knowledge portion of the exam:

• Driver training schools licensed by DOL.
• School districts that run a traffic safety education program.
• DOL. In regions where schools provide enough testing, DOL must still offer exams by appointment to applicants 18 and older in at least one licensing office.

Most teens test through their driver training school. Adults often find a school or approved testing location easier to book too.

Do I need to pass the test before my permit?

Usually yes. Under RCW 46.20.055, a permit goes to an applicant who has passed all parts of the exam except the drive test. However, DOL may waive the written test for the permit if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course. In that case you still pass the knowledge test before your license.

What it costs

DOL says the knowledge test fee varies by location, so ask your school or testing site. Separately, the permit application fee in state law is $35 (from January 1, 2026). See the fee table in the Washington learning to drive guide.

If you fail

DOL says there may be a waiting period before you can retest. Ask your testing location how long, then use the time to reread the chapters you struggled with.

A study plan that works

1. Read the Washington Driver Guide once, start to finish.
2. Reread the alcohol, drugs and distraction sections. They carry extra weight since 2016.
3. Learn the numbers for the teen rules: passenger limits, the 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. limit, 50 hours with 10 at night (see intermediate rules).
4. Take DOL’s online practice test.
5. For each scenario question, ask which answer is the safest legal choice.

Common questions

How many can I miss on the Washington permit test?

8. You need 32 of 40 correct.

Can I take the Washington knowledge test online at home?

DOL describes the permit knowledge test as taken in person at an approved testing location. Check with DOL or your school for current options.

How long is my passing score good for?

DOL states a passing knowledge test score is valid for 2 years.

Is the test the same at a driving school as at DOL?

Schools give the same state knowledge exam portion under RCW 46.20.120. Fees and scheduling differ by location.

Do adults take the same test?

Yes. The knowledge test is the same for every new driver.

Next steps: driver training and the 50-hour log, the drive test. Compare other states: US permit test by state.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.120 Examinations, waiver, fees” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.055 Instruction permit” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Transportation Commission, “Driver Licensing Exam Update” (October 2016) (wstc.wa.gov)

Photo: Robert Schrader, Pexels

To get a driver’s license in Washington State as a teen, you get an instruction permit at 15 (if enrolled in driver training) or 15 and a half, complete an approved driver training course, log 50 supervised hours, hold the permit at least six months, then pass the knowledge and drive tests for an intermediate license at 16. Intermediate restrictions apply until you turn 18. This guide covers every step under Washington law and links to a detailed guide for each.

Key facts (Washington, as of November 2026)

• Agency: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Handbook: the Washington Driver Guide.
• Instruction permit: age 15 if enrolled in driver training, otherwise 15 and a half. Application fee $35 (on or after January 1, 2026).
• Under 18: approved driver training course (at least 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel) plus 50 supervised hours, 10 at night.
• Intermediate license: from 16, after at least six months on the permit. Passenger, night and phone limits apply.
• Full license: an under-18 license stays an intermediate license until your 18th birthday.
• New for 2027: drivers aged 18 who apply for a first license must also complete driver training, with the age band widening each year to 2030.

How to get a driver’s license in Washington State, step by step

Step	When	What the law requires	Detailed guide
1. Enroll in driver training	From 15	Course from a school district traffic safety program or a DOL-licensed driver training school	Driver training and 50 hours
2. Instruction permit	15 (enrolled) or 15 and a half	Pass the knowledge test (can be waived while enrolled in a course); valid one year	Knowledge test guide
3. Practice	While on the permit	50 hours, 10 at night, supervised by a licensed driver 21+ with at least 3 years licensed	Practice log
4. Drive test	16+, permit held 6 months	Pass the drive test; no traffic violations in the last 6 months	Drive test explained
5. Intermediate license	16 to 18	Passenger limits, no driving 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., no phone use	Intermediate license rules
6. Restrictions end	18	License is no longer an intermediate license

Instruction permit rules in Washington

Under RCW 46.20.055, you can apply for a permit at 15 and a half, or at 15 if you have applied and are enrolled in a driver training course that includes practice driving. While driving on a permit:

• Carry the permit with you.
• A driver training instructor, or a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience, must sit beside you.
• No wireless device use, except to report illegal activity, call for emergency help or prevent injury.

The permit lasts one year. DOL can issue a second one-year permit ($25), and a third only after finding you are diligently working on your driving.

Note the two different supervisor rules. The person beside you on a permit needs five years of driving experience. The person who supervises the 50 logged hours must be at least 21 with a license held for at least three years.

Driver training: required under 18, and from 2027 for older new drivers

Every applicant under 18 must pass an approved driver training course. Under WAC 308-108, a licensed school’s teen course has at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 6 hours behind the wheel (or 5 hours plus 4 hours of simulator). It also includes 1 hour of in-car observation and a parent night, and lasts at least 30 calendar days.

From January 1, 2027, first-time applicants aged 18 also need a course, and the age band widens each year to under 22 by 2030. All first-time applicants under 25 must also pass a free online work zone and first responder safety course (from May 1, 2026). Full details: Washington driver training rules for new drivers aged 18 to 24.

The two tests

• Knowledge test: 40 multiple-choice questions based on the Washington Driver Guide. DOL states you need 32 correct. Driver training schools and school districts can give it, as well as DOL.
• Drive test: an examiner rides with you and scores you out of 100. DOL states the pass mark is 80. Driver training schools and school districts can also give this test.

Fees for both tests are set by the testing location, so check with the school or office when you book.

Intermediate license limits (16 and 17)

• First 6 months: no passengers under 20 unless they are immediate family.
• After that: no more than 3 passengers under 20 who are not immediate family.
• No driving 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver 25+ is with you, or for school, religious or work activities.
• No wireless device use while moving, except emergencies.

Passenger and night limits lift early if you go 12 months with no crashes and no tickets. A second violation brings a suspension. See intermediate license rules.

Fees set in Washington law (as of November 2026)

Item	Fee	Source
Instruction permit application	$35 (from January 1, 2026)	RCW 46.20.055
Additional permit	$25	RCW 46.20.055
New license application	$50 (from January 1, 2026)	RCW 46.20.120
License issuance	$10 per year of the license	RCW 46.20.161
Knowledge and drive tests	Varies by testing location	DOL

DOL may charge other fees too, so check the current DOL fee list before you go.

Washington rules of the road: numbers to know

These come from Washington law (RCW), which the Driver Guide teaches.

• Speed limits unless posted: 25 mph on city and town streets, 50 mph on county roads and 60 mph on state highways. Always drive slower when conditions call for it.
• School and playground zones: 20 mph past a posted school or playground crosswalk, for 300 feet either side. Speeding there costs double, and the penalty cannot be reduced.
• School buses: stop for a school bus with its stop signals on, from either direction, until it moves or the signals go off. Oncoming traffic need not stop on a divided highway or a road with three or more marked lanes. The penalty is double and cannot be reduced.
• Emergency and work zones (200 feet before and after a stopped emergency, tow, roadside help, police or highway work vehicle with its lights on): on four or more lanes, slow down and move over a lane if you safely can. If you cannot, slow to at least 10 mph below the limit, or to 50 mph or less where the limit is over 60.
• Never follow a fire truck answering an alarm closer than 500 feet, or stop within 500 feet of one stopped at an alarm.
• Pedestrians, cyclists and riders on the right: on a road with two or more lanes your way, move fully into the next lane to pass. On a one-lane road, slow down and pass at a safe distance, at least 3 feet where practicable.
• Signal continuously for at least the last 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.
• Headlights: from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and whenever you cannot clearly see people and vehicles 1,000 feet ahead. Dim within 500 feet of an oncoming car and within 300 feet of a car you are following.
• Railroad crossings: when signals flash, a gate is down or a train is close, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. Never go around a lowered gate.
• Parking: not within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet before a stop sign, yield sign or signal at the roadside, or 50 feet of the nearest rail at a railroad crossing. No stopping on a crosswalk, sidewalk, bridge or railroad tracks.
• Seat belts: everyone 16 or older, in every seat. Children under 16 must be restrained by the driver: rear-facing under 2, a harnessed seat under 4, then a booster until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall.
• Under 21: an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more, or any THC above 0.00, within two hours of driving is an offense. For adults, DUI is 0.08 alcohol or 5.00 THC.

For safe driving tips, sharing the road and emergencies, read the current Driver Guide from DOL before your test.

What to study

Read the whole Washington Driver Guide from DOL. The knowledge test is based on it. National background on the main topics:

• Rules of the road: traffic signals, road signs, pavement markings, four-way stops, right on red, roundabouts, speed limits, parking, HOV lanes, freeway driving.
• Sharing the road: pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles and trucks, school buses, emergency vehicles, move over laws, railroad crossings.
• Driver condition: Washington E-DUI law, DUI and implied consent, zero tolerance under 21, cannabis and driving.
• Emergencies and after: snow, fog and rain, what to do after a crash, seat belts and child seats.
• Paperwork: insurance for new drivers, points and suspensions, REAL ID.

Common questions

Can I get a Washington permit at 15?

Yes, if you have applied and are enrolled in an approved driver training course that includes practice driving. Otherwise the minimum age is 15 and a half.

Do I need driver’s ed in Washington?

Yes, if you are under 18. From January 1, 2027, first-time applicants aged 18 need it too, and the age range grows each year to under 22 by 2030.

How long do I have to hold my permit?

At least six months before you can get an intermediate license, and you must be at least 16.

When do Washington intermediate restrictions end?

At 18. Passenger and night limits can lift sooner if you complete 12 months with no crashes and no traffic tickets.

Can I take my tests at a driving school?

Yes. State law lets licensed driver training schools and school district programs give both the knowledge and drive tests.

I’m moving to Washington with a permit from another state. What applies?

Contact DOL about transferring. See moving to a new state and driving on a permit in another state.

Compare Washington with other states: learning to drive in the USA, GDL rules compared, permit tests by state, road tests by state, supervised hours by state.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.055 Instruction permit” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.100 Persons under 18” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.1191 Driver training education course, driver work zone and first responder safety” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.120 Examinations, waiver, fees” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.161 Issuance of license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.267 Intermediate licensees” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “WAC 308-108-150 Course requirements” and “WAC 308-108-160 Behind the wheel instruction and observation” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.37.020, 46.37.230, 46.61.110, 46.61.212, 46.61.305, 46.61.340, 46.61.370, 46.61.400, 46.61.440, 46.61.502, 46.61.503, 46.61.570, 46.61.635, 46.61.687 and 46.61.688” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Transportation Commission, “Driver Licensing Exam Update” (October 2016) (wstc.wa.gov)

Photo: Jon Eliya, Pexels

Yes, you can get a Washington driver’s license without a Social Security number. Washington doesn’t issue a separate “privilege card”: if you have never been issued an SSN, you sign a sworn declaration saying so and apply for a standard license like anyone else. This guide covers what to bring, how identity is checked, which tests you take and what a standard license can’t do, as of November 2026.

Key facts

• No SSN? State rules (WAC 308-104-014) say you must sign a sworn affidavit, under penalty of perjury, stating you don’t have one. The Department of Licensing (DOL) may then ask for extra proof of your Washington address.
• Identity: you must prove who you are with documents on DOL’s list. Originals only: DOL doesn’t accept copies, scans or photos.
• Same tests and teen rules: vision, knowledge and drive tests, plus driver training and intermediate license rules for under-18s.
• Standard license only. The Enhanced Driver License (EDL) requires proof of US citizenship under RCW 46.20.202.
• No commercial license: DOL says it can’t issue a CDL without an SSN.
• New-license application fee: $50 from January 1, 2026, on top of the issuance fee (RCW 46.20.120).

What to bring for a Washington license without an SSN

1. Proof of identity

Washington law (RCW 46.20.035) lists documents with your signature and photo that prove identity, including:

• a valid or recently expired driver’s license or instruction permit showing your date of birth
• a Washington identicard or an ID card from another state
• a US government, state or agency employee ID card
• a military ID card
• a US passport
• a US Citizenship and Immigration Services form

If you don’t have one of those, DOL’s rule (WAC 308-104-040) lists documents it has found clearly establish identity, such as:

• a foreign passport with your signature and photo together with a valid I-94 entry form
• a tribal enrollment card with signature and photo, plus one other supporting document
• a Bureau of Indian Affairs ID card, plus one other supporting document
• a Washington city or county police employee ID, plus one other supporting document

DOL groups documents into a stand-alone list, an A-list and a B-list, and accepts set combinations (for example one stand-alone document, or two A-list documents). Check the current combinations on DOL’s “Documents for proof of identity” page before you go.

2. Proof of Washington residence

Bring documents showing your Washington home address. DOL’s rule allows it to ask applicants who sign the no-SSN affidavit for additional residence documents, so bring more than one.

3. The SSN declaration

You sign it at the office. The law treats false statements on a license application as false swearing, a gross misdemeanor (RCW 46.20.091), so answer accurately.

Teens under 18

A parent or guardian can establish a minor’s identity by affidavit. They must come with you, show one of the identity documents above for themselves, and bring documents showing their relationship to you. A parent, guardian or other responsible adult also signs your application.

If DOL can’t confirm your identity

You can ask DOL to review other documents. Under WAC 308-104-040 the review can go up the chain:

1. the licensing representative at the counter
2. an in-office document reviewer
3. a regional senior technician, if you ask
4. driver licensing headquarters for a final decision, if you ask

If identity still can’t be proved, RCW 46.20.035 says the license must be plainly labeled “not valid for identification purposes”. You can drive on it, but it won’t work as ID.

Tests you take

Test	What to expect
Vision	Anyone worse than 20/40 (both eyes, with or without glasses) is referred for an eye exam. Below 20/70 corrected means no night driving, and below 20/100 corrected is a fail (WAC 308-104-010)
Knowledge test	40 multiple-choice questions on the Washington Driver Guide; 32 correct to pass. Often taken at a driver training school. See the Washington knowledge test guide
Drive test	The same drive test as every first-time applicant

You don’t need an SSN to take the tests. Moving from another state with a license? See moving to Washington, which covers when tests are waived.

Teen and young adult rules still apply

• Under 18: instruction permit for at least six months, an approved driver education course, 50 supervised hours (10 at night) and the intermediate license limits on passengers, night driving and phones. Details: Washington intermediate license rules.
• 18 to 24: a work zone safety course is required for first-time applicants under 25, and driver training becomes mandatory for 18-year-old first-time applicants from January 1, 2027, widening each year. See Washington driver training rules for ages 18 to 24.

What a standard Washington license can’t be used for

• Boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal buildings: a standard Washington license is not REAL ID compliant. Use a passport or another document TSA accepts.
• Crossing into Canada by land: that needs an Enhanced Driver License, which is only for US citizens.
• Commercial driving: no CDL without an SSN.
• Identification, if your license is labeled “not valid for identification purposes”.

Some states don’t honor licenses issued without proof of lawful presence, so check before an out-of-state trip. Overview: driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status.

Common questions

Does Washington ask about immigration status for a standard license?

The state application rules ask for identity, date of birth, Washington address and an SSN where required, with a sworn affidavit if you have never been issued one. Proof of US citizenship is only listed for the Enhanced Driver License.

Can I use my foreign passport as ID?

DOL’s rule accepts a foreign passport with signature and photo when you also have a valid I-94. Without an I-94, ask DOL which document combinations work for you, or request a document review.

Can I use photocopies or phone photos of my documents?

No. DOL says to bring originals and doesn’t accept copied, scanned or photographed documents.

Is there a separate privilege card, like Virginia’s?

No. Washington issues the same standard license; the difference is only in how you handle the SSN question. Several other states, such as Virginia, use a separately named card instead.

Can my teen get a permit without an SSN?

The SSN affidavit rule applies to instruction permits too, and a parent can establish a minor’s identity by affidavit. Driver training schools usually start the process; ask the school what they need from you.

How much does it cost?

First-time applicants pay the $50 application fee (from January 1, 2026) plus the license issuance fee and any knowledge test fee charged by the testing location. Check current totals with DOL.

Back to the full route: learning to drive in Washington State.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.035: Proof of identity” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.091: Application” and “RCW 46.20.202: Enhanced driver’s license and identicard” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.120: Examinations, waiver, fees” and “RCW 46.20.075: Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “WAC 308-104-014: Application for driver’s license or identicard”, “WAC 308-104-040: Driver’s licenses for identification and identicards” and “WAC 308-104-010: Vision test” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Department of Licensing, “Documents for proof of identity” and “Washington State Driver Guide” (dol.wa.gov)

Photo: Alex Smith, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Washington State does not give tickets point values. Instead, the Department of Licensing (DOL) counts how many times you commit a moving violation: 3 occasions in one year, or 4 in two years, means a 60-day suspension and a year of probation for any driver. Intermediate license holders under 18 face a stricter count: a second offense brings a 6-month suspension and a third keeps you off the road until you turn 18. This guide explains both systems, the warning letters, and how the safe driving course and court deferrals work.

Key facts (Washington, as of November 2026)

• No points: RCW 46.20.2892 counts “occasions” of moving violations. Several tickets from one traffic stop count as one occasion.
• Warning notice: 2 occasions in one year, or 3 in two years.
• Suspension: 3 occasions in one year, or 4 in two years, means 60 days suspended plus one year of probation.
• Intermediate license (under 18): first offense, a warning letter to your parent; second, 6 months suspended or until 18; third, suspended until 18 (RCW 46.20.267).
• Since April 1, 2026: finishing the required safe driving course early can end a 60-day suspension early, once every five years.

What counts as a moving violation in Washington?

WAC 308-104-160 lists the offenses DOL counts. Parking, equipment and paperwork violations (insurance, registration, licensing) do not count. The list includes, among many others:

• Speeding, speeding in a school zone and speed too fast for conditions
• Failure to stop at a signal, stop sign or for a school bus
• Failure to yield, improper lane change, following too closely and improper passing
• Negligent driving in the second degree and failure to maintain control
• Using a personal electronic device while driving, and dangerously distracted driving
• Violating instruction permit or license restrictions
• Reckless driving, DUI, racing and hit and run (criminal traffic offenses)
• A driver under 21 driving after consuming alcohol or cannabis

Phone use is the one most likely to catch a new driver. See Washington E-DUI distracted driving law explained.

When does Washington suspend a license for too many tickets?

Moving violation occasions	What DOL does
2 in one year, or 3 in two years	Sends a notice that one more will mean a 60-day suspension
3 or more in one year, or 4 or more in two years	Suspends the license for 60 days, then one year of probation
Any moving violation during probation	Adds a further 30-day suspension

Before your license is reinstated you must complete a safe driving course recommended by DOL. DOL may not charge a reissue fee at the end of this suspension.

Ending the suspension early with the safe driving course

The version of RCW 46.20.2892 in force from April 1, 2026 lets you take the safe driving course any time after DOL sends notice of a pending suspension. When DOL receives proof you finished it, it must end the suspension (or pending suspension) before the 60 days are up, as long as reinstatement requirements and fees are met. Probation then starts that day. Two limits apply:

• Early termination is allowed only once every five years.
• It is not available for a suspension caused by a violation during probation.

A further change takes effect on January 1, 2029: if one of the counted violations was excessive speeding, you will have to drive a vehicle fitted with an intelligent speed assistance device for the first 120 days of probation.

Extra rules for intermediate license holders under 18

RCW 46.20.267 applies when an intermediate licensee is convicted of a traffic offense under chapter 46.61 RCW (the rules of the road) or breaks the intermediate license restrictions:

Offense	Result
First	DOL mails your parent or guardian a warning letter
Second	Intermediate license suspended for 6 months, or until you turn 18 if that comes first. Parent notified
Third	Intermediate license suspended until you turn 18. Parent notified

A single ticket listing more than one offense counts as one offense. The count is much tighter than the adult rule: two tickets in two years would only earn an adult a warning, but they cost a 17-year-old intermediate driver six months.

How tickets delay the next license stage

• Getting the intermediate license: you must have no traffic violation conviction in the 6 months before you apply, and no ticket pending at the time of application.
• Lifting the passenger and night limits early: after 12 months on the intermediate license, the limits drop only if you have had no traffic offense conviction, no restriction violation and no qualifying crash in that time.

The passenger, night and phone limits themselves are in Washington intermediate license rules for teens. Police can enforce the passenger and night limits only as a secondary action, but the phone ban for intermediate drivers can be enforced on its own.

Alcohol and drug rules for young drivers

• Under 21: it is an offense to drive with an alcohol concentration of at least 0.02 (RCW 46.61.503), and it is on DOL’s moving violation list.
• Juvenile alcohol, drug and firearm offenses: when a court reports certain offenses by a juvenile, DOL revokes all driving privileges: on the first notice, one year or until 17, whichever is longer; on a second or later notice, two years or until 18, whichever is longer (RCW 46.20.265).

Background: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.

Can a ticket be kept off your Washington record?

For a traffic infraction, a court hearing can defer findings for up to one year with conditions. If you meet the conditions and commit no other infraction in that time, the court may dismiss the ticket (RCW 46.63.070). You can receive only one deferral for a moving violation in any seven-year period, and commercial license holders are not eligible. A dismissed infraction is not a committed infraction, so it should not count toward the DOL totals. Confirm how your case will be reported with the court.

What to do in the days after a ticket: getting a traffic ticket as a new driver.

Common questions

Does Washington have a points system?

No. DOL counts moving violation occasions rather than points.

How many tickets before a suspension in Washington?

3 in one year or 4 in two years for any driver. For an intermediate license holder under 18, the second offense brings a suspension.

Do two tickets from one stop count twice?

Under RCW 46.20.2892, multiple infractions from a single traffic stop are one occasion. Under the intermediate license rule, a single ticket counts as one offense.

Will my parents find out?

Yes, if you hold an intermediate license. DOL writes to your parent or guardian after the first offense and with any suspension.

Does a suspension end when I turn 18?

The intermediate suspensions run until 18 at the latest. The adult 60-day rule applies to everyone, whatever their age.

How do other states compare?

See points systems and license suspensions in the US.

Main guide: learning to drive in Washington State.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, RCW 46.20.2892, “Traffic infractions for moving violations, suspension, probation, notice” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, RCW 46.20.267, “Intermediate licensees” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, RCW 46.20.075, “Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, RCW 46.20.265, “Juvenile driving privileges, revocation for alcohol or drug violations” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, RCW 46.61.503, “Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, RCW 46.63.070, “Response to notice” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, WAC 308-104-160, “Moving and nonmoving violations defined” (app.leg.wa.gov)

Photo: Timberly Hawkins, Pexels

The Washington knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions from the Washington Driver Guide, and the Department of Licensing (DOL) says you need 32 correct (80%). This practice test has the same 40-question length, with original, unofficial questions checked against the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Since the 2016 redesign the real test puts extra weight on distraction, impairment, speed and hazard judgment, so this set does too.

Washington knowledge test: key facts

• 40 questions; 32 correct to pass (DOL). You can miss 8.
• Given by DOL, licensed driver training schools and school district traffic safety programs.
• Fee set by the testing location.
• A pass is valid for 2 years (DOL).

Where to test and what happens if you fail: Washington DOL knowledge test guide.

Signs, signals and markings (questions 1 to 12)

1. What does an eight-sided red sign mean?

• A. Stop completely
• B. Yield
• C. Railroad crossing
• D. Do not enter

Answer: A. Only STOP signs are octagons. Driver Guide topic: signs.

2. A downward-pointing red and white triangle tells you to:

• A. Merge at full speed
• B. Stop always
• C. Turn right only
• D. Slow down and yield, stopping if needed

Answer: D. That is a YIELD sign. Driver Guide topic: signs.

3. A yellow diamond sign warns you of:

• A. A rule you must obey
• B. Services
• C. A route number
• D. A possible hazard or change ahead

Answer: D. Yellow diamonds are warning signs. Driver Guide topic: signs.

4. A five-sided sign means:

• A. Hospital
• B. School zone or school crossing
• C. No passing
• D. Railroad

Answer: B. Pentagons mark schools. Expect children and lower limits. Driver Guide topic: signs.

5. Orange signs and cones mean:

• A. A truck stop
• B. A hospital zone
• C. A work zone: slow down and watch for workers and flaggers
• D. A tourist route

Answer: C. Work zones need lower speeds and extra attention. Driver Guide topic: work zones.

6. Facing a steady circular red light, which turn may you make after stopping, if no sign forbids it?

• A. No turns at all
• B. A right turn, or a left turn from a one-way or two-way street onto a one-way street going left
• C. Any turn without stopping
• D. Only a U-turn

Answer: B. Washington allows right on red and left on red onto a one-way street after a full stop, yielding to traffic and pedestrians. RCW 46.61.055.

7. Facing a green light, you are turning right. A pedestrian is crossing the street you are turning into. You must:

• A. Stop and let the pedestrian cross
• B. Go first because you have a green light
• C. Honk and turn
• D. Turn around them

Answer: A. Drivers turning on green must stop for pedestrians lawfully in the intersection. RCW 46.61.055.

8. A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means:

• A. No left turn
• B. Protected turn
• C. Turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
• D. Stop and wait

Answer: C. Oncoming traffic may have a green light. Wait for a safe gap. Driver Guide topic: signals.

9. A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means:

• A. You may not pass
• B. You may pass
• C. Bikes only
• D. You must turn left

Answer: A. Pass only when a broken line is on your side and the road is clear. Driver Guide topic: pavement markings.

10. A white diamond painted in a lane means:

• A. A school zone
• B. Parking
• C. The lane is reserved for certain vehicles, such as HOV
• D. A crosswalk

Answer: C. Check nearby signs for who may use the lane and when. Driver Guide topic: pavement markings.

11. Lane control signals show a steady red X over a lane. You must:

• A. Not drive in that lane
• B. Use it for passing
• C. Use it only at night
• D. Turn from it

Answer: A. A red X means the lane is closed to you. Driver Guide topic: lane signals.

12. A flashing red light means:

• A. Slow down
• B. Speed up
• C. Stop, then proceed when safe
• D. Yield to trucks

Answer: C. Treat it like a STOP sign. Driver Guide topic: signals.

Right of way and intersections (questions 13 to 17)

13. Two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. Who yields?

• A. The driver on the right
• B. The faster driver
• C. The driver going straight
• D. The driver on the left

Answer: D. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Driver Guide topic: right of way.

14. You are entering a roundabout. You should:

• A. Speed up
• B. Stop in the circle
• C. Yield to traffic already in it and travel counterclockwise
• D. Enter to the left

Answer: C. Slow down, yield on entry and keep right. Driver Guide topic: roundabouts.

15. An emergency vehicle with siren and lights approaches from behind. You should:

• A. Pull to the right edge, clear of intersections, and stop until it passes
• B. Keep driving
• C. Stop in your lane
• D. Move left

Answer: A. Give emergency vehicles a clear path. Driver Guide topic: emergency vehicles.

16. You are leaving an alley onto a street. You must:

• A. Pull out slowly without stopping
• B. Expect traffic to stop
• C. Stop before the sidewalk and yield to pedestrians and traffic
• D. Honk

Answer: C. Drivers coming out of alleys, driveways and parking lots yield to everyone. Driver Guide topic: right of way.

17. Turning left at a light with a solid green ball, you must:

• A. Stop until red
• B. Turn from the right lane
• C. Go first
• D. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

Answer: D. A plain green light does not protect your left turn. Driver Guide topic: turns.

Speed, space and passing (questions 18 to 21)

18. Your speed should always be:

• A. Matched to the fastest car
• B. The posted limit
• C. No faster than is safe for conditions
• D. 5 mph over the limit

Answer: C. Rain, darkness and traffic all call for slower speeds. Driver Guide topic: speed.

19. You are passing a cyclist on a road with two lanes in your direction. Washington law requires you to:

• A. Move completely into the lane to the left of the right lane when safe
• B. Honk first
• C. Pass on the right
• D. Pass in the same lane

Answer: A. On a road with one lane in your direction, slow down and pass at a safe distance, where practicable at least 3 feet. RCW 46.61.110.

20. You may not pass another car when:

• A. It is daytime
• B. You are on a straight road
• C. The car is going under the limit
• D. You are approaching a hill or curve where you cannot see ahead

Answer: D. Pass only where you can see enough clear road to finish safely. Driver Guide topic: passing.

21. When merging onto a freeway you should:

• A. Stop at the end of the ramp
• B. Expect others to move over
• C. Use the ramp to match traffic speed and merge into a gap
• D. Merge slowly

Answer: C. Signal, check your blind spot and fit in at speed. Driver Guide topic: freeway driving.

Sharing the road (questions 22 to 27)

22. A school bus stops with red lights flashing on a two-lane road. You are coming toward it. You must:

• A. Stop, and stay stopped until the bus moves or the signals turn off
• B. Continue, because you are going the other way
• C. Slow to 20 mph
• D. Honk

Answer: A. Drivers from either direction stop. Oncoming traffic need not stop on a divided highway or on a road with three or more marked lanes. RCW 46.61.370.

23. You are driving on a road with three marked lanes and meet a stopped school bus with red lights on the other side. You:

• A. Must stop
• B. Need not stop, because you are meeting it on a road with three or more lanes
• C. Must turn around
• D. Must pull onto the shoulder

Answer: B. Traffic behind the bus must still stop. RCW 46.61.370.

24. On a four-lane highway you approach a stopped police car with lights flashing on the shoulder. You should:

• A. Slow down and, if safe, move to a lane away from it
• B. Flash your lights
• C. Keep your lane and speed
• D. Stop behind it

Answer: A. If changing lanes is unsafe, slow to at least 10 mph below the limit (or no more than 50 mph where the limit is over 60). RCW 46.61.212.

25. Railroad crossing lights start flashing as you approach. You must:

• A. Drive around the gate
• B. Slow down and look
• C. Stop and wait until the train has passed and the lights stop
• D. Speed up to cross first

Answer: C. Never race a train or go around lowered gates. Driver Guide topic: railroad crossings.

26. A large truck ahead is signaling a right turn and has swung left. You should:

• A. Stay back and give it room
• B. Honk
• C. Pass on its right
• D. Move up beside it

Answer: A. Trucks swing wide to turn right. Never squeeze into the gap. Driver Guide topic: sharing the road with trucks.

27. The Washington emergency or work zone around a stopped emergency vehicle covers:

• A. 200 feet before and after it
• B. Only the lane it is in
• C. 50 feet before and after it
• D. 1 mile ahead

Answer: A. The zone is the adjacent lanes 200 feet before and after the vehicle. RCW 46.61.212.

Alcohol, cannabis and impairment (questions 28 to 32)

28. What is the per se alcohol limit for adult drivers in Washington?

• A. 0.08
• B. 0.02
• C. 0.05
• D. 0.10

Answer: A. An alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher within two hours of driving is DUI. RCW 46.61.502.

29. What THC blood level is DUI for drivers 21 and older?

• A. Any amount
• B. 5.00 or higher
• C. 2.00
• D. There is no limit

Answer: B. A THC concentration of 5.00 or higher within two hours of driving is DUI. RCW 46.61.502.

30. A Washington driver aged 20 has an alcohol concentration of 0.03. What applies?

• A. Driving after consuming alcohol under 21, which applies from 0.02
• B. A warning only
• C. Only a fine if there was a crash
• D. Nothing; 0.08 is the limit

Answer: A. For under-21 drivers, 0.02 or more alcohol, or any THC above 0.00, is an offense. RCW 46.61.503.

31. You plan to drive across the state late at night after a long day. The safest choice is to:

• A. Drink coffee and go
• B. Sleep and leave in the morning
• C. Drive with the window open
• D. Take a short nap and go

Answer: B. Drowsy driving is impairment. The Washington test includes judgment questions like this. Driver Guide topic: fatigue.

32. Is it legal for a Washington driver to use a medical cannabis card as a defense to DUI?

• A. Only on rural roads
• B. Yes
• C. No. Being entitled to use a drug is not a defense
• D. Only under 21

Answer: C. RCW 46.61.502 says being entitled to use a drug is not a defense to DUI.

Washington teen license and phone rules (questions 33 to 38)

33. Under RCW 46.61.672, when may an adult Washington driver use a personal electronic device while driving?

• A. At stop lights
• B. To contact emergency services
• C. On empty roads
• D. Any time with a headset

Answer: B. Using a personal electronic device while driving is an infraction (E-DUI). A second offense doubles the penalty. RCW 46.61.672.

34. To get an intermediate license you must be at least 16 and have held your instruction permit for at least:

• A. 9 months
• B. 3 months
• C. 1 year
• D. 6 months

Answer: D. You also need driver education, a passed exam and 50 certified hours. RCW 46.20.075.

35. How many supervised practice hours must be certified for a Washington intermediate license?

• A. 60, with 15 at night
• B. 50, with 10 at night
• C. 40, with 10 at night
• D. 30, with 5 at night

Answer: B. The supervisor must be at least 21 with a valid license for at least three years. RCW 46.20.075.

36. For the first six months of an intermediate license, who may ride with you?

• A. One friend
• B. Anyone 16 or older
• C. No passengers under 20 who are not immediate family
• D. Up to three friends

Answer: C. For the rest of the intermediate period, no more than three passengers under 20 who are not family. RCW 46.20.075.

37. When may an intermediate license holder not drive, unless accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older or for school, religious or work activities?

• A. 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• B. 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• C. After sunset
• D. Midnight to 5 a.m.

Answer: B. The night limit is 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. RCW 46.20.075.

38. May an intermediate license holder talk on a hands-free phone while driving?

• A. Only on freeways
• B. Only with a parent in the car
• C. No. The law bans using a wireless device while driving, except to report illegal activity or summon emergency help
• D. Yes

Answer: C. RCW 46.20.075 gives no hands-free allowance for intermediate drivers.

Emergencies (questions 39 to 40)

39. Your car starts to skid on ice. You should:

• A. Brake hard
• B. Turn the wheel sharply the other way
• C. Accelerate
• D. Ease off the gas and steer where you want the front of the car to go

Answer: D. Smooth steering and no hard braking help you regain grip. Driver Guide topic: emergencies.

40. Your brakes suddenly fail. A good first step is to:

• A. Shift into park
• B. Open the door
• C. Pump the brake pedal and shift to a lower gear
• D. Turn off the engine immediately

Answer: C. Pumping may restore pressure, and a lower gear slows you. Use the parking brake gently if needed. Driver Guide topic: emergencies.

Your score against the Washington standard

Correct out of 40	What it means
36 to 40	Ready to test
32 to 35	A pass on DOL’s 32 of 40 standard. Review the misses.
Under 32	A fail. Reread the Driver Guide, then retest.

DOL also has an online practice test. The most-missed topics are the teen rules and phone law: see Washington intermediate license rules for teens and Washington’s E-DUI law explained.

Common questions

Are these the real Washington DOL questions?

No. They are original, unofficial practice questions based on Washington Driver Guide topics and RCW text.

How many questions can I miss on the Washington knowledge test?

8. DOL says you need 32 of 40 correct.

Do I have to pass the test before my permit?

Usually yes. DOL may waive it for the permit if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course, but you still pass it before your license.

Can I take the Washington knowledge test online?

DOL describes the knowledge test as taken in person at an approved testing location. Check current options with DOL or your driving school.

Is the test harder since 2016?

It grew from 25 to 40 questions and added more on distraction, impairment, speed and hazard judgment.

Where are tests for other states?

See US permit practice tests by state, or the full route in learning to drive in Washington State.

Sources

• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.61.055 Traffic control signal legend” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.61.110, 46.61.212 and 46.61.370” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.503 and 46.61.672” (app.leg.wa.gov)
• Washington State Transportation Commission, “Driver Licensing Exam Update” (October 2016) (wstc.wa.gov)