Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
Washington Permit Test (2026)
Study for the official DOL knowledge test with free practice tests written from the state's own rules — plus the verified facts below: how many questions, the passing score, and what it costs.
Washington permit test: quick facts
- Questions on the exam
- 40
- Passing score
- 32 of 40 correct (80%)
- Minimum permit age
- 15
- Fee
- $35 instruction permit fee (permit valid 1 year, renewable twice). Knowledge and drive test fees are charged separately by approved testing locations and vary by location.
- If you fail
- If you fail the knowledge test you can retest, though a waiting period may apply. Tests are administered at DOL-approved driver training schools and testing locations, which set their own testing fees, so each attempt may cost that location's fee. A passing knowledge test score stays valid for 2 years.
- Online testing
- In person only
- Languages
- Knowledge test available in 12 languages (English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Punjabi, Tagalog, Ukrainian); availability varies by driver training school, so confirm with your testing location.
How it works
Step 1
Take Practice Test 1 like the real thing — no notes, one question at a time.
Step 2
Read every explanation, especially for questions you missed. That's where the learning happens.
Step 3
Repeat with Test 2 and the road signs test until you pass comfortably every time.
Free Washington practice tests
Washington Practice Test 1
30 questions — signs, rules, and state law
Washington Practice Test 2
30 fresh questions, no repeats from Test 1
Washington Road Signs Test
25 questions on signs, shapes, and signals
New-driver rules in Washington
Washington teens can apply for an instruction permit at 15 if enrolled in an approved driver training course, or at 15½ without one (but then can't be licensed until 18). To get a license at 16-17, they must hold the permit at least 6 months, complete driver training, and certify 50 supervised practice hours including 10 at night. The intermediate license then bars driving 1 a.m.-5 a.m. without a licensed driver 25+, bars passengers under 20 (except immediate family) for 6 months and limits them to 3 for the next 6, and bans all wireless device use.
Verified 2026-08-18 · Source: DOL
Washington permit test FAQ
How many questions are on the Washington permit test?
The official Washington knowledge test has 40 questions, according to the DOL (verified 2026-08-18).
What score do you need to pass the Washington permit test?
You must answer 32 of 40 questions correctly (80%) to pass the Washington knowledge test.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Washington?
You can apply for a learner's permit in Washington at 15, according to the DOL (verified 2026-08-18).
How much does the Washington permit cost?
$35 instruction permit fee (permit valid 1 year, renewable twice). Knowledge and drive test fees are charged separately by approved testing locations and vary by location. — as listed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), verified 2026-08-18. Always confirm current fees on the official site.
What happens if you fail the Washington permit test?
If you fail the knowledge test you can retest, though a waiting period may apply. Tests are administered at DOL-approved driver training schools and testing locations, which set their own testing fees, so each attempt may cost that location's fee. A passing knowledge test score stays valid for 2 years. (per the DOL, verified 2026-08-18).
Can you take the Washington permit test online?
No. The Washington knowledge test is administered in person through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), not online.
What languages is the Washington permit test offered in?
Knowledge test available in 12 languages (English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Punjabi, Tagalog, Ukrainian); availability varies by driver training school, so confirm with your testing location. (per the DOL, verified 2026-08-18).
Who runs the permit test in Washington?
Driver licensing in Washington is handled by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The official site is https://dol.wa.gov/.