What to bring to the Washington DOL permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge 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

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 vision test

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.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• Proof of current liability insurance for the test vehicle (policy holder name, vehicle description, policy dates)
• Vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs and plates (rental cars allowed)
• Only you, the examiner, a service animal and an interpreter for the deaf/hard of hearing may be in the vehicle; no weapons

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least 6 months (under 18) before the road test.
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them 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)

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DOL says copies are accepted.