Washington DOL Permit Practice Test

The Washington DOL knowledge test has 40 questions; to pass you need 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%). Practice free with questions based on the official Washington driver handbook, with every answer explained.

Updated on 2026-11-06 · Ver en español

DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the Washington State Department of Licensing or any other government agency. Requirements were checked against official Washington sources (listed below) and can change: always confirm with the DOL before your test.

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Washington permit test at a glance

Agency	Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
Test questions	40
Passing score	32 correct answers out of 40 (80%)
Minimum permit age	15 years old
Permit holding period	6 months
Supervised driving	50 hours, including 10 at night, (drivers under 18).
Provisional license from	age 16
Full license	at 18
Test languages	Offered in 12 languages, including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Punjabi and Ukrainian; check that your testing location offers the language you need.
Official handbook	Washington State Driver Guide

Try 5 Washington permit test questions

How many questions are on the Washington DOL knowledge test? 30 / 50 / 60 / 40. Answer: 40. Multiple-choice test; a passing score stays valid for 2 years. To pass: 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%).
In Washington, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over? 0.02% / 0.05% / 0.08% / 0.10%. Answer: 0.08%. As in almost every state, the limit in Washington is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over; 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance under 21.
A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means: Passing is allowed / Do not pass / Lane for turning only / Bicycle lane. Answer: Do not pass. A solid yellow line on your side means passing is not allowed. A broken line on your side means you may pass when it is safe.
A round yellow sign with a black X and two R letters means: Road closed / Railroad crossing ahead / Rest area / Roundabout ahead. Answer: Railroad crossing ahead. This advance warning sign tells you a railroad crossing is ahead: slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop.
Two vehicles reach a 4-way stop at the same time. Which one goes first? The one on the left / The one on the right / The larger vehicle / The one going straight. Answer: The one on the right. At an all-way stop, the first to stop goes first. If two vehicles arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

How the Washington DOL permit test works

The Washington knowledge test (the learner's permit test) has 40 multiple-choice questions, and to pass you need 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%). Every question comes from the official DOL handbook, the Washington State Driver Guide.

Multiple-choice test; a passing score stays valid for 2 years.

Taken in person at an approved driver training school's testing location or at a DOL driver licensing office by appointment; the fee varies by location. Only the practice test is online.

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

Offered in 12 languages, including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Punjabi and Ukrainian; check that your testing location offers the language you need.

Washington learner's permit requirements

In Washington you can apply for a learner's permit at 15. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

To get a license before 18 you must complete an approved driver training course. You can apply for the permit at 15 if enrolled in a course, or take the knowledge test at 15½ without one.

Before the road test, teen drivers must hold the permit for at least 6 months. Supervised driving required: 50 hours, including 10 at night, (drivers under 18).

Proof of identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Your Social Security number, if you have one.
Proof of Washington residency.
A vision screening and the knowledge test.

The DOL publishes the exact document list: check it before your appointment, especially if you want a REAL ID-compliant card.

Washington graduated driver licensing (GDL)

After the learner stage and the road test, teens can get a provisional (intermediate) license from age 16.

Intermediate license: no passengers under 20 (except immediate family) for the first 6 months, then no more than 3; no driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless with a licensed driver 25 or older, with limited exceptions. These limits end after 12 months without violations; the license itself lasts until 18.

Restrictions end and you hold a full, unrestricted license at 18, provided your record stays clean.

Washington rules worth knowing for the test

Signs and most rules are the same nationwide, but each state has its own laws — and the DOL test asks about them.

Permit and intermediate license holders may not use any wireless device while driving, not even hands-free, except to report an emergency.
Since November 1, 2026, new drivers under 25 must also complete a free online work zone and first responder safety course before getting their license.
The learner permit is valid for one year and can be renewed twice.

What the Washington knowledge test covers

Topics follow the chapters of the DOL handbook. These are the ones asked most often:

Road signs by shape and color (federal MUTCD standard): see the road signs guide.
Right-of-way at 4-way stops, left turns, crosswalks and for emergency vehicles: right-of-way rules.
Speed limits in mph and the 3-second following rule: speed guide.
Alcohol and drugs: the 0.08% BAC limit, zero tolerance under 21 and implied consent.
Traffic signals and pavement markings, parking, passing, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycles and trucks.

How to study for the Washington permit test

Read the official DOL handbook once cover to cover, then take practice tests by topic to find your weak spots. Once you consistently score above 90%, take a full timed mock exam.

Drill the numbers — ages, distances, speed and BAC limits — they are the most-missed questions. More tips in how to pass the permit test.

How to get your learner's permit in Washington

Check the minimum age In Washington, you can apply for a learner's permit at 15.
Complete the required course To get a license before 18 you must complete an approved driver training course. You can apply for the permit at 15 if enrolled in a course, or take the knowledge test at 15½ without one.
Study the handbook and practice Read the official DOL handbook and take practice tests until you pass comfortably.
Gather your documents Proof of identity, Social Security number and Washington residency; parental consent if under 18.
Pass the vision and knowledge tests To pass you need 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%).
Drive supervised Hold the permit for at least 6 months. Supervised driving: 50 hours, including 10 at night, (drivers under 18).
Take the road test From age 16 you can get a provisional license.

Washington permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the Washington permit test?

The Washington knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. Multiple-choice test; a passing score stays valid for 2 years.

What score do you need to pass the Washington permit test?

You need 32 correct answers out of 40 (80%).

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Washington?

You can apply at 15. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

How long do you have to hold your permit in Washington?

At least 6 months for teen drivers. Supervised driving required: 50 hours, including 10 at night, (drivers under 18).

Can I take the Washington permit test in Spanish?