What you need to do to get a Washington learner's permit

To get a Washington learner's permit, you visit your local Department of Licensing office in person, bring the required documents, pass a written knowledge test, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes one visit and a few hours. You do not need to schedule an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer them online.

A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. In Washington, you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to hold one. Once you have the permit, you can drive during daylight hours and some evening hours, but you cannot drive alone and you must follow other restrictions that come with the permit class.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to the Department of Licensing office.
  • The written knowledge test covers Washington traffic laws and safe driving practices, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The permit fee is $35 and the permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it.
  • You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old, a Washington resident, and have not held a learner's permit in the past 12 months.

Documents to bring to the Department of Licensing

You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, bring a state ID card, passport, tribal ID, or birth certificate. A school photo ID does not count on its own but can support other documents.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Washington address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

For your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN and bring documentation of that instead. Bring the original documents or certified copies—photocopies alone are not accepted.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 50 questions about Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You answer the questions on a computer at the Department of Licensing office. You need to score at least 40 correct answers (80 percent) to pass.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazards on the road. You can study using the Washington Driver Guide, which is free and available online from the Department of Licensing website. Many people also use practice tests online to get familiar with the question format.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people pass within one or two attempts.

Age and residency requirements

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old on the day you explore. You also must be a Washington resident. Washington defines a resident as someone who has lived in the state for at least 30 days and intends to stay. If you just moved to Washington, you can still get a permit as long as you meet the intent to stay requirement.

You cannot hold a learner's permit if you have held one in the past 12 months. This rule prevents people from getting multiple permits in a short time. If your previous permit expired more than 12 months ago, you can get a new one.

What happens after you pass and receive your permit

Once you pass the written test, you pay the $35 fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. It is valid for five years from the date you receive it.

With your learner's permit, you can drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. as long as a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sits in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive other passengers. You must follow all traffic laws and cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

You can hold a learner's permit for as long as you need to practice. When you are ready, you can take the road test to move toward a full driver's license. You must be at least 16 years old to take the road test.

Department of Licensing office locations and hours

Washington has Department of Licensing offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the Department of Licensing website by entering your city or zip code. The website shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. If you want to avoid a wait, you can call ahead to ask how busy the office is, or you can book an appointment online if your local office offers them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Washington does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You only need to meet the age, residency, and document requirements. Bring the same documents anyone else would bring.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass within one or two tries after studying the Washington Driver Guide.

Do I need a parent or guardian to come with me to get the permit?

No. If you are 15 years and 6 months or older, you can go to the Department of Licensing office by yourself. You do not need a parent or guardian to be present. You do need to bring your own documents and pay the fee yourself.

Can I use a digital copy of my documents instead of the original?

No. The Department of Licensing requires original documents or certified copies. Digital copies, screenshots, and photocopies are not accepted. Bring the actual documents with you to the office.

How long does the permit stay valid?

Your learner's permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You can hold it for as long as you need to practice driving before you take the road test for your full license.