About the Washington DOL written test
The Washington knowledge test (often searched as the Washington permit test or Washington DMV test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Washington driver handbook published by the Washington Department of Licensing.
Washington's knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly. You can apply for a learner permit at 15 if enrolled in driver training, or at 15 and a half otherwise.
Washington permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You can apply for a permit as soon as you turn 15 with an approved driver training course, or at 15 and a half without one.
- Questions on the real test
- 40
- Passing score
- You must answer at least 32 of the 40 questions correctly.
- Permit fee
- $35 for the permit; testing fees vary by location.
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% for drivers 21+; 0.02% for drivers under 21; THC above 5.00 ng/mL for adults, above 0.00 for under 21.
- Seat belt law
- Children over 4 feet 9 inches use an adult belt; younger children ride in a car seat or booster, and children under 13 should not ride in front.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Washington Department of Licensing before you test.
What Washington drivers should know
- School zones: 20 mph.
- Leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist.
- Intermediate license: no passengers under 20 except family for 6 months; no driving 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- Permit and intermediate holders may not use a phone at all while driving.
- Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail at a crossing.
Topics covered in our Washington practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Washington permit test
- Read the official Washington driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the DOL.