Select Your Free 2023 Washington Practice Permit Test to Get Started

Select Your Free 2023 Washington Practice Permit Test to Get Started
Did you know that statistics reveal that the majority of people fail the Washington permit test?  Failing the exam means having to head back to the DOL office again and retake the exam.  With today’s busy schedules, who has time for that? It’s not all doom and gloom though.  With the right study tools, you’ll be able to develop the confidence and knowledge needed to pass the test. Here you’ll find a list of resources below to help you get started.  We’ve put together everything you need. We even provide you with our sample interactive Washington practice permit tests, designed to give a better idea of what the real exam will look like.   You’ll also have quick access to the official Washington Driver’s Handbook for reference. You’ll find everything in one convenient place. Where else can you go for a drive and see the reflection of Mt. Ranier in a lake or experience the bustling harbor of Puget Sound. Driving throughout Washington State is an experience like no other. But before you can explore and discover all that this beautiful state has to offer you are going to need to get your learners permit or drivers license.  Whether you’re looking to get your learners permit or driver’s license, all aspiring drivers are required to pass the written drivers exam. While the exam has pretty high fail rate at a little over 50% it’s important to note that if you prepare now you don’t have to be another statistic. Start preparing for success now with our free practice tests. Here you’ll find a list of resources below to help you get started.  We’ve put together everything you need. We even provide you with our sample interactive Washington practice tests, designed to give a better idea of what the real exam will look like.   You’ll also have quick access to the official Washington Driver’s Handbook for reference.   Need a motorcycle permit?  Our study material can help you with that test too.

Permit Practice Tests (160 questions)

  • Questions 1-42
    Practice Test 1

    Get a sneak peak of what the real exam will look like with this popular WA DOL Practice Permit Test. Start preparing with 40 challenging questions on the rules of the road.

  • Questions 43-84
    Practice Test 2

    The second test in our series of Washington DOL practice permit tests will further test your knowledge of the rules of the road. Don’t skip out this extra practice. Ensure you’re ready to pass the first time.

  • Questions 85-126
    Practice Test 3

    The third test in our series of Washington DOL practice permit tests will help you take your study session even further. Get 40 additional questions on the rules of the road.

  • Questions 127-170
    Practice Test 4

    Improve your score with more practice test questions. Washington DOL Practice Permit Test 4 will challenge you with 40 additional questions. Prepare to pass now.

  • Questions 171-220
    Road Signs Test

    Put your knowledge of WA road signs to the test with our challenging new practice test. This exam features 25 multiple choice questions on road signs.

  • 50 random questions
    DOL Test Simulator

    Get a feel for the real exam before you visit your local DOL office. Designed to simulate the real test with randomized questions, no explanations, and new questions every time.

  • All 160 questions
    Endurance Test

    Ready to truly test your knowledge of Washington’s rules of the road?  This powerful WA DMV Practice Test features 150 questions that are sure to challenge.

Motorcycle Practice Tests (100 questions)

  • Questions 1-25
    Motorcycle Test 1

    Practice with the WA Motorcycle Practice Test 1 to help ensure you do your best on the state motorcycle written test. Take the test now to improve your motorcycle knowledge.

  • Questions 26-50
    Motorcycle Test 2

    Keep the review momentum going by taking our WA Motorcycle Practice Test Two. This test contains 25 more challenging questions to help you prepare for the state written test. Get started.

  • Questions 51-75
    Motorcycle Test 3

    The WA Motorcycle Practice Test Three helps you prepare to earn your motorcycle license. It contains 25 questions that are similar to those on the state official written exam. Get started.

  • Questions 76-100
    Motorcycle Test 4

    One of the best ways to discover how much you know about safe motorcycle operation is to take this WA Motorcycle Practice Test 4. Take it now to test your knowledge.

  • All 100 questions
    Motorcycle Endurance Test

    Prepare for the Washington motorcycle permit test with this comprehensive practice test featuring the largest number of questions we have for Washington. Test your knowledge and endurance now!

  • Washington DOL Handbook 2023

    The Washington Drivers Handbook is a powerful study tool to help you begin preparing for the WA permit test. Get your FREE copy here!

  • Washington DOL Motorcycle Handbook 2023

    The Washington motorcycle manual is a powerful study aid to help you begin preparing for the Washington motorcycle license test. Get your free copy here!

Washington Learner's Permit FAQ

Applying for Your WA License

What are the age requirements for getting started?

Washington’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program (GDL), which is designed to reduce the risks associated with first-time teen drivers, includes the following age requirements and stages:

  • 15 years old with driver’s ed – Instruction (Learner’s) Permit
  • 15 ½ years old without driver’s ed – Instruction (Learner’s) Permit
  • 16 years old – Intermediate Driver’s License
  • 18 years old – Unrestricted Driver’s License

What documents am I required to bring with me when applying for a license in Washington?

  • Proof of identity – acceptable documents
  • Proof of driver’s ed enrollment (if applicable)
  • Parental Authorization Affidavit
  • $25 for application fee

Where do I file my WA driver’s license application?

You can apply in person at a local driver licensing office.

How can I contact my local office?

Visit https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices/ for office locations, hours and contact information.

Do I have to take a Driver’s Ed Course?

Yes, drivers under the age of 18 are required to take a driver’s ed course to get their license.

What if I am new to Washington?

Those with a valid license must transfer it to Washington within 30 days. Teens under 18 will have their license transferred to a Washington Intermediate Driver’s License. Teens with a Learner’s Permit should contact the Washington Department of Licensing to determine if they can transfer their permit to the state. The DOL’s phone number is (360) 902-3900.

What subjects are commonly covered on the written test?

The Washington written test includes questions on road signs, traffic laws and safe driving. The questions are taken from the Washington Driver’s Manual. Here are two examples of content from the manual that you could be asked questions about on the written test:

  • Pedestrians and bicyclists have the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections, whether the crosswalk is marked or not.
  • Accelerate gradually and smoothly. Starting too fast can cause your wheels to spin, particularly on slippery surfaces, and cause the vehicle to slide.

How is the test formatted?

The test is multiple choice.

Are there a lot of “trick” questions on the written test?

No, questions all come from the material covered in the Washington Driver’s Manual. The questions are not meant to trick you but rather ensure that you have the knowledge to drive safely.

How many questions are on the test and how many do I need to answer correctly to pass?

There are 40 questions on the test and you must answer at least 32 of them correctly to pass.

What are the best ways to prepare for the written test?

You should study the Washington Driver’s Manual thoroughly as all test questions come from the content found in this guide. A good way to verify you are learning the information necessary to pass is to take practice tests online.

Where can I get a free Washington Driver’s Manual to study?

You can get a free manual here at this website.

How can I improve my odds for passing the first time I take the test?

Don’t assume you just naturally know how to drive. Study the content of the driver’s manual to ensure you understand traffic laws and recommended safe driving procedures. When studying the guide be sure to try to memorize road signs and numerical data such as lengths and speed limits.

What should I do the night before the test?

Review the manual, take a practice test and then be sure to get plenty of rest so that you are ready and at your best for the test the next day.

Do I need to make an appointment to take the written test?

Contact your local driver licensing office or an approved driver training school to see if they accept appointments. If they do, it is usually a good idea to schedule one.

Where do I take the written test?

You will take the test at a local driver licensing office or at any approved driver training school in the state.

What do I need to bring when I sit for the written test?

  • Proof of identity – acceptable documents
  • Proof of driver’s ed enrollment (if applicable)
  • Parental Authorization Affidavit
  • $25 for application fee

Who should accompany me to the written test?

You should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Do I need to pay a fee to take the written test?

Yes, you will need to pay a $25 fee.

What should I expect when I sit for the written test?

The written test features 40 questions on road signs, traffic laws and safe driving procedures. You will need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. When taking the test, you cannot receive help from anyone, refer to any notes or the driver’s manual or use your cell phone.

What happens after I pass the written test?

You will receive your Instruction Permit and can begin supervised driving practice with a supervising driver who has been licensed for at least five years. You need to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice, with at least 10 of those hours coming at night.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test but you will have to pay a fee each time. Check with your local testing facility for the exact amount.

How soon can I retake the written test?

If you fail the first time, you can retake it in four hours. If you fail a second time, you can retake it in one day.

I’ve passed the written permit test, what are the next steps?

You can now begin supervised driving practice. You need to log 50 total hours of driving practice with at least 10 of those hours coming at night. Your driving practice must be done with a supervising driver who has held his or her license for at least five years.

How long after getting my Learner’s Permit can I apply for a license?

In order to apply for a license, you must hold your Instruction Permit for at least six months, complete the 50 hours of driving practice and be at least 16 years of age.

Can I drive anywhere in Washington with my Learner’s Permit?

Yes, as long as you are accompanied by a qualified supervising driver, you can drive on any Washington public road or street.

Should I practice driving solely during the day?

No, you are required to complete at least 10 of your 50 supervised driving practice hours at night.

Does anyone have to be in the car with me when I’m driving with my Learner’s Permit?

Yes, you must be accompanied by an adult who has held their driver’s license for at least five years.

What should I do if I have a lost Washington Learner’s Permit?

You can replace your Instruction Permit by visiting a driver licensing office with proper identification.

How can I be sure I’m prepared to ace the driving test?

Make the most of your practice driving. Listen to your supervising driver and apply his or her suggestions. Also, read the Washington Driver’s Manual and apply the safe driving procedures it describes.

Are there particular driving maneuvers I should practice?

Yes, you should practice turns, quick stops, accelerating, parking and more. You should also practice safe driving methods, such as following at a safe distance, signaling and obeying road signs.

How can I simulate the driving test?

Be sure to practice maneuvers, such as parking, stopping and turning. Also, practice driving in traffic where you need to obey road signs and be observant of other cars and pedestrians.

How do I schedule my driving test?

Contact your local driver licensing office or driver training school to schedule an appointment.

Where do I take the driving test?

You will take the test at a local driver licensing office or at a driver training school.

What should I bring to the driving test?

  • Instruction Permit
  • Driver’s ed completion certificate
  • Social Security Number
  • Parental Authorization Affidavit
  • $35 for application fee and $54 for licensing fee
  • A vehicle to use for the driving test
  • Vehicle registration
  • Proof of insurance

Who should bring me to the driving test?

A licensed parent or legal guardian should bring you.

What will I be asked to do on the driving test?

The test is designed to show that you are able to legally and safely drive a vehicle. That means you will have to complete a series of basic maneuvers, such as parking, stopping, accelerating and turning, and you will also need to be able to drive safely in traffic on a public roadway.

What are the most common reasons new drivers fail the driving test?

Overconfidence/lack of practice, driving dangerously, committing numerous “minor” mistakes and failing to follow the examiner’s instructions are all common reasons for failure.

What are five mistakes I should be sure to avoid when taking the driving test?

  • Refusing to follow an examiner’s instruction
  • Speeding
  • Failing to signal when changing lanes
  • Failing to back up in a straight line
  • Not obeying a traffic sign or signal

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You must wait one week to retake it.

How many times can I retake the test if I failed?

The second time you fail you can take it again in 1 to 3 weeks and if you fail a third time you will have to wait three months to retake it.

I’ve passed the road test, now what?

You will receive your Washington Intermediate Driver’s License.

What restrictions come with a Washington license?

  • For first six months – no passengers under 20 who are not immediate family members
  • For second six months – only three passengers under 20 who aren’t immediate family members
  • For first 12 months – cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by licensed driver age 25 or older unless traveling for agricultural purposes

When you reach 18 all restrictions are removed.

What are the insurance requirements for drivers in WA?

Drivers in Washington are required to carry automobile insurance. State law requires that insurance to meet or exceed the following minimum standards:

  • Bodily Injury – $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
  • Property Damage – $10,000
  • Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury – $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
  • Underinsured Motorist Property Damage – $10,000 per accident
  • Basic Personal Injury Protection – $10,000 per accident

What if I need to renew my license or replace a lost/stolen license?

A valid Washington Driver’s License can be renewed up to one year before the expiration date. If your driver’s license has been expired for more than 60 days you can still renew it but you will need to pay a $10 late fee in addition to the regular renewal fee.

The state will send you a renewal notice with information on which renewal methods – online, in person and by mail – are available to you.

You can replace a lost or stolen license, in person at a driver licensing office, at a self-service station or online. You will need to pay a $20 replacement fee.

Where can I renew my Washington driver’s license?

You may be able to renew your license online, by mail or in person at a driver licensing office. The state will send you a renewal notice with instructions.

Will I be required to take a vision test when renewing my license?

When renewing in person you are required to take a vision test. To pass the test, you need to see at least 20/40 with both eyes with or without corrective lenses. Drivers who fail the vision-screening test are issued a Certificate of Visual Examination. They must take the certificate to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for completion, and then take or mail it back to the driver’s license office that issued the certificate within 30 days.

How to Get Your Washington Learner’s Permit in 2023

If you’re ready to begin preparing for your permit test but don’t know where to begin, we can help. Getting your permit can seem complicated at first, but our easy-to-follow guide will help you every step of the way, from earning your permit to eventually becoming a fully licensed driver.

Washington, like most other states, requires that all teen drivers complete a Graduated Driver’s License Program (GDL), a multi-stage process that allows teen drivers to learn crucial driving skills while remaining under the supervision of a licensed driver. GDL programs have been shown to reduce traffic collisions caused by inexperienced young drivers.

The Washington GDL process includes three different stages:

  • Instruction Permit
  • Intermediate License
  • Full License

On this page, we will teach you how to pass the Washington permit test and move forward through each stage of the GDL process.

Instruction Permit

When you are 15 years old, you can apply for your Instruction Permit (or learner’s permit) in the state of Washington, but you must first be enrolled in driver’s education. After you enroll in driver’s education, you will have 10 days to apply for your permit, which is required to complete the behind-the-wheel portion of your course.

If you don’t want to take driver’s education at 15, you can wait until you are 15 and a half years old to apply for your permit. This will require that you pass a written knowledge exam (or permit test), which will check your awareness of traffic laws and signs. Those enrolled in driver’s education can skip this step.

Note: Even if you skip driver’s education initially, you will still have to take it before earning your license.

The Washington DOL Practice Test — What You Need to Know

If you sincerely want to get your learner’s permit or drivers license, then continue reading.

Before you can take advantage of the benefits that come with a Washington learners permit, you will need to pass the mandatory permit test administered by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The permit test is a written test featuring questions in multiple-choice format that are designed to determine if you have the knowledge to be a safe driver.  You will be tested on your knowledge of the rules of the road, Washington state traffic laws, and various road signs.

Study for the Test

If you choose to skip driver’s education and do your testing as a part of your application process, you must study hard on your own. We offer a free copy of the Washington Driver Guide for you to use. Be sure to read each section carefully, devoting extra time to any subjects you don’t fully understand.

Don’t Miss out on Practice Tests

Practice tests are a wonderful resource for study. Our Washington practice permit test will help you prepare for the real test by exposing you to similar subject matter. After you pass it a few times, you should be prepared to try the real thing.

Visit the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

When you feel prepared, visit the DOL offices, bringing along:

  • Proof of identity (U.S. passport, birth certificate or other approved documents).
  • Proof of enrollment in driver’s education if required. Many schools will submit this proof directly to the DOL electronically, but if not, you will need to bring in a signed form.
  • Your Parental Authorization Affidavit (Form DLE-520-003).
  • Documents to prove your parent’s identity.
  • $25 in fees.

At this point, you will be given the permit test if you are not enrolled in driver’s education. Stay calm and do your best. You have studied hard, and now it’s your time to shine! When you pass, you will be given a simple vision test, and your picture will be taken for your license.

If you are already enrolled in driver’s education, you will simply pay your fees, pass your vision test and be given your permit.

Practice, Practice, Practice

While holding your Instruction Permit, you must complete at least 50 hours of practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver who has at least five years of driving experience. You must also sign up for driver’s education if you haven’t already.

Intermediate License

When you are 16 years old, and you have completed all of the practice-driving requirements, you can apply for your Intermediate License. However, first you must pass a behind-the-wheel road test, which will check how well you maintain control of the vehicle and observe traffic law. You can complete your road test at any DOL testing location.

When you do, visit the DOL offices, bringing along:

  • Your Instruction Permit.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • A signed certificate that shows you completed driver’s education.
  • A signed Parental Authorization Affidavit (Form DLE-520-003). If your parent or guardian cannot be there in person to sign, you must have the form notarized.
  • $80 in fees.

Your Intermediate License comes with a few restrictions. Unless supervised by a licensed driver age 25 or older, you may not:

  • Drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless driving for farm-work purposes.
  • Drive with an unrelated passenger under the age of 20 for the first six months.
  • Drive with more than three unrelated passengers under the age of 20 for the second six months.
  • Use any wireless device while driving, including hands-free devices.

Driver’s License

When you are 18 years old and you haven’t accumulated any traffic violations, the restrictions will be removed from your license.

Congratulations! You may now enjoy full driving privileges.

Additional Information

After passing your road test, you will have the option of applying for your Intermediate License online. You will need your Instruction Permit, the last four digits of your Social Security number, a credit or debit card, a printer and access to email. If you choose this option, be sure to have your parent or guardian present so he or she can answer some questions regarding your required practice driving.