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:
- Proof of current auto liability insurance for the car.
- 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)