Washington DOL permit practice test 2026
The Washington DOL knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need 32 right to pass (80%). Our 302 practice questions are written from the Washington Driver Guide (April 2025), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.
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All 12 Washington practice tests
Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.
- Practice test 125 questions
- Practice test 225 questions
- Practice test 325 questions
- Practice test 425 questions
- Practice test 525 questions
- Practice test 625 questions
- Practice test 725 questions
- Practice test 825 questions
- Practice test 925 questions
- Practice test 1025 questions
- Practice test 1125 questions
- Practice test 1227 questions
The Washington DOL knowledge test
Written multiple-choice test, taken in person at an approved driver training school or a DOL testing location; the fee is set by the testing location. A passing score is good for 2 years, which is how long you then have to pass the skills exam.
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing, checked 2026-10-27.
What the test covers
Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:
| Topic | Practice questions |
|---|---|
| Safe and defensive driving | 50 |
| Licensing laws and penalties | 38 |
| Sharing the road | 34 |
| Road signs | 28 |
| Emergencies | 22 |
| Signals and pavement markings | 21 |
| Turns and intersections | 18 |
| Parking | 18 |
| Hazards, weather and night driving | 16 |
| Right of way | 14 |
| Alcohol and drugs | 13 |
| Lanes, highways and freeways | 12 |
| Speed limits | 9 |
| Following and passing | 9 |
Washington learner's permit rules
- Minimum age: 15 if enrolled in an approved driver training course (apply 1-10 days before the course starts); 15½ without a course (but then no license until 18)
- Hold the permit for at least 6 months (under 18) before the road test
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- Carry the permit and drive with a licensed driver who has at least 5 years of driving experience. Other passengers of any age are allowed. Check with DOL before you go
- No phone or mobile device use while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911
- The permit is valid 1 year and can be renewed twice
- Under 18: you must complete an approved driver training course (30 hours classroom plus 6 hours behind the wheel) to be licensed before 18. Online self-paced and parent-taught courses are not approved
- 40 hours of day driving plus 10 hours of night driving (50 total), confirmed by a parent or guardian
- No traffic violations or convictions in the 6 months before applying, and no alcohol or drug offenses while holding the permit
- Parent or guardian permission (in person or a notarized Parental Authorization Affidavit)
Fees: Learner (instruction) permit $35 for 1 year; Renew learner permit $25 for 1 year; Replace learner permit $20; Knowledge test Varies by testing location.
The official handbook
Everything on the test comes from the Washington Driver Guide, also available in Spanish, zh-Hans, zh-Hant, ru, vi, am, ar, prs, fa, hi, ja, ko, pa, so, tl, uk. Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.
Renewing your license
No age-based knowledge or road test. Drivers 70+ must renew in person (vision screening). Licenses renew up to 1 year early; expired 8+ years requires knowledge and skills exams. DOL lists approved collision prevention courses for drivers 55+ (insurance discount).
Questions
How many questions are on the Washington permit test?
The Washington DOL knowledge test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct to pass (80%).
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Washington?
15 if enrolled in an approved driver training course (apply 1-10 days before the course starts); 15½ without a course (but then no license until 18). You then hold the permit for at least 6 months (under 18) before the road test and 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What happens if I fail the Washington permit test?
You can retake it: If you don't pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retest.
Can I take the Washington permit test in Spanish or another language?
12 languages: English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog and Ukrainian. Check that your school offers your language.
What do I need to bring for the Washington permit test?
WDL number (from License Express pre-application); Proof of identity documents (originals); Parent or guardian (under 18) to give permission, with documents showing the parent/guardian connection (e.g. birth certificate, adoption or school records) if you apply in person for a photo permit; Enrollment in an approved driver training course (if applying at 15); $35 permit fee.
What is the vision requirement in Washington?
Vision screening at a licensing office. If your acuity is worse than 20/40 (both eyes together, with or without glasses or contacts), you need an eye exam. Vision that can't be corrected to 20/100 fails, and vision that can't be corrected to 20/70 fails for night driving. Corrective lenses are noted on the license.
Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the Washington State Department of Licensing. Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.