Your expired Washington learner's permit cannot be used to drive, and you cannot renew it — you must retest and explore for a new one

Once your Washington learner's permit passes its expiration date, it is no longer valid for any driving purpose. You cannot straightforward renew an expired permit the way you would renew a standard driver's license. Instead, you must start over: take the written knowledge test again, pass a vision screening, and submit a new process to the Department of Licensing (DOL). The permit itself is free, but you will pay the exam fee again.

The timeline matters because you cannot legally drive with an expired permit while waiting for a new one. If you are caught driving with an expired permit, you face a traffic violation. The sooner you retest, the sooner you can resume supervised driving.

Key Takeaways

  • An expired learner's permit cannot be renewed; you must take the written test again and submit a new process.
  • You will pay the knowledge test fee again (the permit itself has no fee), and you must pass a vision screening at the same visit.
  • You can test at any DOL office or approved third-party testing location; the written exam takes about 30 minutes.
  • Once you pass, you receive your new permit on the spot, and it is valid for eight years from the issue date.

How to Retest and Get a New Permit

Visit a Department of Licensing office or an approved third-party testing provider in Washington. Bring your expired permit, a valid photo ID (passport, state ID, or tribal ID), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You do not need to bring the original documents; a photo of them on your phone is acceptable.

Tell the staff member you need to take the knowledge test. You will pay the exam fee at that time. The test itself covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. If you pass, you move directly to the vision screening. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, but you will pay the fee again.

After you pass the vision screening, the DOL staff will issue your new permit when ready. You walk out with it in hand. Your new permit is valid for eight years.

Where to Test and What It Costs

Washington has 34 DOL offices statewide, plus dozens of approved third-party testing locations run by private companies. Third-party locations often have shorter wait times and more flexible hours than DOL offices. You can find both on the DOL website by entering your county or city.

The knowledge test fee is $20 as of 2024, though this amount can change. The permit itself carries no fee. If you fail the test and retake it the same day, you pay the $20 fee again. Some third-party locations may charge a small service fee on top of the state exam fee; ask when you call or check their website.

Most DOL offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Many third-party locations offer evening and Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

What Happens If You Drive with an Expired Permit

Driving with an expired learner's permit is a traffic violation in Washington. You can be stopped and cited. The violation itself carries a fine (the amount varies by jurisdiction) and a traffic infraction on your record. If you are under 18, the violation may also trigger a license suspension or delay your ability to obtain a standard driver's license later.

If you are involved in an accident while driving with an expired permit, your insurance may deny a claim because you were not legally permitted to drive. This can leave you personally liable for damages.

Timeline From Expiration to New Permit

If you test on the same day you visit a DOL office or third-party location, you can have a new permit in your hand within hours. The entire process — process, test, vision screening, and permit issuance — typically takes 45 minutes to an hour at a third-party location, and may take longer at a busy DOL office.

The only delay occurs if you fail the knowledge test and choose not to retake it when ready. You can retake the test any day after, but you must return to the office and pay the fee again.

Preparing for the Knowledge Test

The Washington knowledge test covers the same material as when you first obtained your permit. You can study using the official Washington Driver Guide, available free on the DOL website in English and other languages. The guide covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices.

Many people study the guide for a few hours before retesting and pass on the second attempt. There is no waiting period between a failed test and a retake; you can test again the same day if you wish. Some third-party locations offer practice tests on their websites or in their offices.

If Your Permit Expired While You Were Out of State

If you were living outside Washington when your permit expired, you still must retest in Washington to get a new one. You cannot renew by mail or online. You will need to visit a DOL office or third-party location in person. If you have moved back to Washington, do this as soon as you can; do not drive with the expired permit.

If you are still living out of state and need a Washington permit, you will have to travel back to Washington to test. Some people in this situation choose to obtain a learner's permit in their current state instead, though that is a separate process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test online or by mail?

No. Washington requires the knowledge test to be taken in person at a DOL office or approved third-party testing location. You must also complete a vision screening in person on the same visit.

Do I have to take the driving skills test again?

No. A new learner's permit does not require a driving skills test. You only retake the written knowledge test and vision screening. The driving skills test is required later when you explore for a standard driver's license.

What if I fail the knowledge test twice?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you pay the $20 fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the Driver Guide more carefully.

How long is my new permit valid?

Your new learner's permit is valid for eight years from the date of issue. After eight years, you would need to retest and explore for another new permit if you have not yet obtained a standard driver's license.

Can I use my expired permit to drive while I wait for my new one?

No. Once your permit expires, it is no longer valid for any driving purpose. Driving with an expired permit is a traffic violation. You must obtain a new permit before you drive again.