Washington DOL road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• starting the vehicle
• leaving the curb
• controlling the vehicle and speed
• driving in traffic (lanes, signals, following distance, head checks)
• obeying signals and signs; proper turns
• blind or crowded intersections
• stopping smoothly and emergency stop
• backing (look over right shoulder, straight line)
• judging distance (following, passing, people on the roadway)
• respectful driving (courtesy, full attention)
• specific maneuvers: arm signals, brake reaction/emergency stop test, parking on a hill

How it's scored

Must score 80 out of 100 to pass; a passing score is good for one year. There may be a waiting period before a retest.

Your car

• Brake lights incl. center light
• Turn signals (hand signals OK before sunset)
• Seat belts
• Valid plate
• Parking brake
• Windshield without vision-impairing cracks/items
• Passenger door opens from inside and outside
• Driver window rolls down for hand signals
• Mirrors (outside left + inside, or outside left + outside right)
• Wipers, headlights, defrosters if weather requires

After you pass

Drivers under 18 (restrictions lift automatically; no new card needed) get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• First 6 months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family
• 6 months to 1 year (or 18): no more than 3 passengers under 20 who aren't immediate family
• No driving 1 a.m.-5 a.m. unless with a parent, guardian or licensed driver 25 or older (expires after 1 year of safe driving)
• No cell phone or wireless device use, even hands-free, except to report an emergency
• Penalties: 1st violation — restrictions apply until 18 (warning letter); 2nd — 6-month suspension or until 18; 3rd — suspended until 18
• Exceptions: agricultural purposes
• Early warning letters to drivers 18-21 after their first moving violation

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.