How to Get a Driver's License in Washington State (Step by Step)

Step 1: Find your path by age

In Washington, driver licenses are issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL). Your path depends on when you want your license:

• Before 18: complete an approved driver training course, hold a learner permit for at least 6 months, then get an intermediate license.
• 18 and older: you can get your first license by passing the knowledge and drive tests, without a driver training course or a learner permit.

New for applicants under 25: starting November 1, 2026, first-time driver license applicants under 25 must pass a free online work zone and first responder course. It takes about an hour, includes a test at the end and is available in 14 languages.

The learner permit

If you are under 18, you must get a learner permit before you can get a driver license. There are two ways to get it:

• With driver training: you can apply as soon as you turn 15, but no earlier than 10 days before your course starts.
• Without a course: you must wait until you are 15 and a half and pass the knowledge test in person at an approved testing location. If you choose not to take a driver training course, you can't get your license until you turn 18.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be with you to give permission online. The permit costs $35, is valid for 1 year and can be renewed twice.

Permit rules: carry your permit, drive with a licensed driver who has at least 5 years of driving experience, and do not use a phone or other mobile device while driving unless you need to call 911.

Teens 16–17: the intermediate license

To get an intermediate license, you must:

• be at least 16
• complete an approved driver training program (online self-paced courses and parent-taught courses are not approved)
• have held a Washington learner permit for at least 6 months
• complete 40 hours of daylight and 10 hours of night driving practice
• have no traffic violations in the 6 months before you apply
• have a parent or legal guardian sign the parental authorization form
• pass the knowledge and drive tests

Restrictions until 18:

• first 6 months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family members
• next 6 months: no more than 3 passengers under 20 who are not immediate family
• no driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless a licensed driver 25 or older is with you
• no wireless devices while driving, even hands-free

A second violation means a suspension for 6 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first; a third means a suspension until 18. At 18, the intermediate license automatically converts to a regular license.

Adults: 18–24 and 25 and older

At 18 or older, you do not need a driver training course or a learner permit. You need a permit only if you enroll in driver training or want to practice driving; while practicing, a licensed driver with at least 5 years of experience must sit in the front passenger seat.

DOL's page for applicants 18 and older lists no driver training requirement for ages 18–24. The only extra step by age is the work zone course for first-time applicants under 25; at 25 and older it is not required.

1. Pass the knowledge and drive tests. If you have already passed the knowledge test, skip it.
2. Make an appointment at a driver licensing office and bring the required documents.
3. Take a vision screening and pay the license fees.
4. Get a temporary license before you leave. The permanent license is mailed within 7–10 days.

The knowledge and drive tests

There are 2 ways to take the exams: at a driver training school (private schools and select school districts) or at a driver licensing office. Test fees vary by location.

• Knowledge test: a written multiple-choice test. You need 32 out of 40 correct answers. It is available in 12 languages: English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog and Ukrainian. A passing score is good for 2 years.
• Drive test: an instructor checks whether you can drive safely while applying traffic laws to real-life situations. You need at least 80 out of 100. Bring proof of auto liability insurance and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs and plates; without these 2 items you will not be allowed to test. You may use a rental car. A passing score is good for 1 year.

If you do not pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retest.

Fees

• Learner permit: $35 for 1 year
• First driver license: $111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years
• Enhanced driver license (EDL): $153 for 6 years or $187 for 8 years
• Knowledge and drive tests: the cost varies by location

New residents: the 30-day rule

You have 30 days after you move to Washington to get a Washington driver license, and you need it before you can register any vehicles here. You must make an appointment.

• With a valid license from another U.S. state, D.C. or a U.S. territory, no tests are required if you are 18 or older. With an expired out-of-state license, you take the knowledge and drive tests.
• Valid licenses from Germany and South Korea are on the same no-test list for applicants 18 and older. Licenses from Taiwan and Japan require translated certification.
• With a license from any other country, you must complete all the steps for a first license.
• Bring proof of identity, including your out-of-state license. DOL punches a hole in it and gives you a temporary license that lets you drive for 45 days.

For documents and other questions immigrants often have, see our guide on driver's licenses for immigrants.