What You Need to Do to Get a Washington Learner's Permit
To get a learner's permit in Washington, you must visit a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay the permit fee. You cannot get a Washington learner's permit online or by mail. The entire process takes one visit if you bring the correct documents and pass the test on your first attempt.
Washington issues learner's permits to people ages 15 and older. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present at the DOL office and sign the process. The permit is valid for five years from the date of issue.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DOL office in person with your parent or guardian if you are under 18; bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- The written knowledge test covers Washington traffic laws and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The learner's permit fee is $20 for a five-year permit, and you pay at the time of issue.
- Once you have your permit, you must follow Washington's restrictions: you cannot drive alone, and a licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front seat with you at all times.
- You can hold a learner's permit for up to five years, but you must pass the driving test and obtain a regular driver's license before that expiration date or renew the permit.
Documents You Must Bring to the DOL Office
Bring original or certified documents — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID or library card is not enough on its own.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your Washington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or a letter from a government agency. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.
If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation or a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you have a Social Security number but no card, you can provide a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.
How to Prepare for and Take the Knowledge Test
The Washington knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass (80 percent). The test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and safe driving practices. You have one hour to complete the test.
Study the Washington Driver Guide before you go to the DOL office. The guide is free and available on the DOL website. It covers everything on the test. Many people study it for one to two weeks before taking the test, though the time you need depends on your familiarity with driving rules.
You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Request your language when you arrive at the DOL office. If you need the test in a language not offered in-office, contact your local DOL office ahead of time to arrange it.
If you do not pass the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. You have up to three attempts per visit to the DOL office.
Where to Go and What to Expect at the DOL Office
Washington has DOL offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you on the DOL website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others; offices in larger cities often have longer wait times. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell staff you are explore for a learner's permit. You will receive a number and wait to be called. A DOL examiner will review your documents, confirm your identity, and have you sign the process form. The examiner will then give you the knowledge test.
The entire visit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and how quickly you complete the test. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to hand over.
The Learner's Permit Fee and Payment
The learner's permit costs $20 in Washington. You pay this fee at the time you receive your permit, after you pass the knowledge test. The DOL accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you cannot pay the fee on the day of your visit, you cannot receive the permit that day.
The $20 fee covers a five-year permit. If your permit expires before you turn 18, you can renew it at a DOL office for $20. If you lose your permit or it is damaged, a replacement costs $20.
Washington Learner's Permit Restrictions and Rules
Once you have your learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances. The supervising driver must hold a valid driver's license — an expired license or a suspended license does not count.
You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls, unless it is a true emergency. You must wear a seat belt at all times, and all passengers must wear seat belts.
You can drive during daylight hours and at night. There is no curfew on a learner's permit in Washington, but your supervising driver sets the rules for when and where you drive.
Moving Forward: From Learner's Permit to Driver's License
You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test and get a regular driver's license. If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver training course or hold your permit for at least 12 months. The driving test includes a written portion, a vision test, and a practical driving test with a DOL examiner.
Schedule your driving test at a DOL office. You can book online through the DOL website or call your local office. Bring your learner's permit, proof of residency, and proof of vehicle insurance. The vehicle you use for the test must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
If you pass the driving test, you will receive your regular driver's license on the same day. The license fee depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set period — usually a few days to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation or a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. The rest of the process is the same.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. You have up to three attempts per visit. If you fail all three times, you can return to the DOL office on another day and try again.
Do I need a parent or guardian with me if I am 18 or older?
No. If you are 18 or older, you can go to the DOL office alone. You still need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.
Can I drive with a learner's permit if the supervising driver is in the back seat?
No. Washington law requires the supervising driver to be in the front seat next to you. A licensed driver in the back seat does not meet the requirement.
How long is a Washington learner's permit valid?
A learner's permit is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you turn 18 before your permit expires, the permit remains valid until the expiration date. You do not need to renew it unless it is lost, stolen, or damaged.