What you need to get a Washington learner's permit

A Washington learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the driving test for a full license. You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs. You'll also need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the Department of Licensing office.

The written test covers Washington traffic rules, right-of-way, safe driving practices, and what road signs mean. You can study using the official Washington Driver Guide, which is free on the Department of Licensing website. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You get one free retest if you don't pass the first time; after that, you pay a retest fee.

Once you have your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work or a school-approved activity.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test on Washington traffic laws and road signs to get a learner's permit.
  • Bring a valid ID, proof you live in Washington, and your Social Security number to the Department of Licensing office.
  • The written test has 35 questions and you need 28 correct to pass; one retest is free.
  • With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. except for work or school.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for five years, but you must pass the driving test and get your license before it expires.

Documents to bring to the Department of Licensing

You need three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring a passport, a state ID card, a tribal ID, a school ID with a photo, or a birth certificate. If you bring a birth certificate, you'll also need a second document with your name on it, such as a school report card or a utility bill.

For proof that you live in Washington, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a letter from your school showing your address. The document must show your name and current address. If you don't have a document in your name, you can bring a letter from a parent or guardian on their letterhead, along with a document showing their address.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. If you don't have one, you can explore for one at a Social Security office or bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you've applied.

How to take the written test

Go to your local Department of Licensing office during business hours. You don't need to make an appointment. Tell the staff you want to take the learner's permit test. They will give you a form to fill out with your name, address, and date of birth. You'll pay a fee for the test and the permit.

The test is given on a computer at the office. You'll have time to answer all 35 questions. The test covers things like speed limits, when to yield, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. You'll get your score right away. If you pass, you'll get your learner's permit on the spot. If you don't pass, you can take the test again at no charge during your next visit.

Some people study by reading the Washington Driver Guide online or in print. Others use practice tests on the Department of Licensing website. You can also take a driver education course, which some insurance companies offer discounts for later.

Restrictions that come with your learner's permit

Washington has strict rules for learner's permit holders. You can only drive when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. That adult is responsible for your safety and must be able to take control of the car if needed. You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip.

You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., with two exceptions: you can drive to or from work, or to or from a school-approved activity like sports practice or a school event. If you're stopped by police during those hours, you'll need to show proof that you're going to or from one of those places.

Your learner's permit does not let you drive on the highway alone, and you must follow all other traffic laws. Speeding, running a red light, or texting while driving can result in a ticket and can delay when you're allowed to take your driving test.

How long your learner's permit lasts

Your Washington learner's permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it. During that time, you must pass the driving test and get your full driver's license. If your permit expires before you pass the test, you'll have to take the written test again and get a new permit.

You can take the driving test as soon as you've had your learner's permit for six months and have practiced enough to feel ready. The driving test checks whether you can start the car, steer, brake, park, and follow traffic laws. You'll drive with a Department of Licensing examiner in the car.

If you don't pass the driving test the first time, you can take it again. There is a fee for each test attempt. Many people take a few tries before they pass, so don't be discouraged if you don't pass on your first attempt.

Fees and how to pay

The Department of Licensing charges a fee for the learner's permit test and the permit itself. The exact amount varies, so check the Department of Licensing website or call your local office for current prices. You can usually pay with cash, debit, or credit card at the office.

If you need to retake the written test, the first retest is free. After that, you'll pay a retest fee each time. If you fail the driving test, there is also a fee to take it again. Some offices may offer online payment options, so ask when you visit or call ahead.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Department of Licensing office. There is a small fee for a replacement card.

What happens after you pass the driving test

Once you pass the driving test, you can get your full Washington driver's license. You'll no longer have the midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction, and you can drive alone. However, if you're under 18, you may still have some restrictions depending on your age and how long you've held your license. Washington has a graduated licensing system that adds more freedom as you get older and gain experience.

Your full license is valid for five years. You'll need to renew it before it expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You don't need to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You just need to be at least 15 years old and pass the written test. Bring the same documents (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number) to the Department of Licensing office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again at no charge during your next visit to the Department of Licensing office. Study the Washington Driver Guide and practice tests before you try again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Can I drive my parents' car with a learner's permit?

Yes, as long as a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. Your parents can be that adult. You must follow all the other rules, including the midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction and the requirement to obey all traffic laws.

Do I need to take driver's education to get a learner's permit?

No. Driver's education is not required to get a learner's permit in Washington. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a driver education course, so it may save you money later.

What if I move to Washington from another state?

If you already have a learner's permit from another state, you can use it in Washington while you're learning to drive. However, you'll need to get a Washington learner's permit or driver's license eventually. Contact your local Department of Licensing office to find out what documents you need to transfer your license.