How many questions are on the Washington permit test?

The Washington written permit test contains 40 multiple-choice questions that cover traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the Washington Driver Guide.

What's the passing score for the Washington written test?

You must answer at least 32 of the 40 questions correctly to pass, which equals an 80% passing score.

How much does the Washington written knowledge test cost?

The permit test costs $25, though exact fees may vary slightly by testing location. Contact your local Department of Licensing office for current pricing.

How old do I have to be to take the Washington permit test?

You must be at least 15.5 years old to apply for a learner's permit in Washington, or 15 if you're enrolled in an approved driver training course.

Can I take the Washington DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, the Washington permit test is available in multiple languages at select Department of Licensing locations, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, and Korean. Contact your local office to confirm language availability.

How many times can I retake the Washington written test?

You can retake the written test as many times as needed. Retake policies vary by testing location and driving schools, so check with your local Department of Licensing office for specific waiting periods between attempts.

Is the Washington permit test online or in person?

The written permit test is administered in person at approved Department of Licensing offices throughout Washington. While Washington offers online practice tests, the actual permit test must be taken at an approved testing location.

What documents do I need to bring to the Washington DMV?

To take the permit test, bring a valid photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must provide proof of relationship and sign a parental authorization affidavit. You'll also need to provide proof of Washington residency.

Washington DMV Practice Test

Washington's permit test is your first step toward becoming a licensed driver in the Evergreen State. The Washington Department of Licensing administers a comprehensive written knowledge test that evaluates your understanding of state traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Aspiring drivers must be at least 15.5 years old (or 15 if enrolled in a driver training course) to apply for a learner's permit. The written test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering essential topics from the Washington Driver Guide, with a focus on real-world driving scenarios specific to Washington's diverse road conditions—from urban Seattle streets to rural mountain passes. The test is administered in person at approved Department of Licensing locations throughout the state, ensuring accessibility for all applicants. Whether you're a teenager eager to get behind the wheel or an adult applying for your first license, understanding what to expect from Washington's permit test will help you prepare confidently.

Available Washington practice tests

What's on the Washington written test

When you arrive at a Washington Department of Licensing office to take your permit test, you'll be seated at a testing terminal where you'll answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer. The test environment is quiet and controlled to minimize distractions. You'll have approximately one hour to complete the exam, though most applicants finish within 30-45 minutes. Questions will cover topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, traffic signals, parking regulations, and safe driving techniques specific to Washington's road conditions. Some questions may reference Washington-specific road conditions or rules unique to the state. After completing the test, you'll receive your score immediately. If you pass with 32 or more correct answers, you'll move forward in the permit application process. If you don't pass, you can retake the test after following your testing location's waiting period requirements. The Department of Licensing staff will guide you through any necessary next steps, whether that's scheduling a retake or moving forward with additional requirements for your permit.

Car / standard license

The Washington written permit test for car licenses consists of 40 multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices outlined in the Washington Driver Guide. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80%) to pass. The test takes approximately one hour to complete and costs $25, though fees may vary by location. You can attempt the test as many times as needed; specific retake policies vary by testing location and driving schools, so contact your local Department of Licensing office for details. The test is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, and Korean at select locations. Applicants must be at least 15.5 years old, or 15 if enrolled in an approved driver training course.

Motorcycle endorsement

To obtain a motorcycle instruction permit in Washington, you must be at least 16 years old and already have a valid Washington driver's license. The motorcycle written knowledge test covers operation rules, safety practices, and hazard awareness specific to motorcycles. If you complete an approved motorcycle safety training course, you can bypass the written test entirely and go straight to obtaining your endorsement. The motorcycle permit is valid for 180 days and comes with restrictions: you cannot carry passengers and cannot ride during darkness.

Commercial driver license (CDL)

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) applicants in Washington must pass knowledge tests for the general class they're seeking plus any endorsements they plan to obtain. The CDL knowledge test is available only in English; language interpreters and audio assistance are not permitted during CDL testing. Applicants must study the CDL manual extensively, as questions cover pre-trip inspections, cargo securement, hazardous materials handling, and air brake systems. Washington offers CDL practice tests online and endorsement options include Hazmat, Tanker, Passenger, and School Bus, each with specific knowledge test requirements.

Study tips for the Washington written test

Use the official Washington Driver Guide, available free online at dol.wa.gov, as your primary study resource—it contains all test material
Practice with free online tests at dol.wa.gov's Driver License Practice Test to familiarize yourself with the computer-based test format
Study Washington-specific road conditions: understand how to handle mountain passes, rain, fog, and coastal highways unique to the state
Focus on right-of-way rules and traffic signal interpretation, as these are heavily emphasized on Washington's permit test
Take practice tests multiple times until you consistently score above 85%—this provides a safety margin above the 80% passing requirement
Pay special attention to Washington's teen driving restrictions and graduated licensing rules if you're under 18
Review sections on weather-related hazards: rain, snow, and fog are common in Washington and frequently appear on the test

More Washington resources

Official agency: Washington Department of Licensing.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Washington permit test?: The Washington written permit test contains 40 multiple-choice questions that cover traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the Washington Driver Guide.
What's the passing score for the Washington written test?: You must answer at least 32 of the 40 questions correctly to pass, which equals an 80% passing score.
How much does the Washington written knowledge test cost?: The permit test costs $25, though exact fees may vary slightly by testing location. Contact your local Department of Licensing office for current pricing.
How old do I have to be to take the Washington permit test?: You must be at least 15.5 years old to apply for a learner's permit in Washington, or 15 if you're enrolled in an approved driver training course.
Can I take the Washington DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, the Washington permit test is available in multiple languages at select Department of Licensing locations, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, and Korean. Contact your local office to confirm language availability.
How many times can I retake the Washington written test?: You can retake the written test as many times as needed. Retake policies vary by testing location and driving schools, so check with your local Department of Licensing office for specific waiting periods between attempts.
Is the Washington permit test online or in person?: The written permit test is administered in person at approved Department of Licensing offices throughout Washington. While Washington offers online practice tests, the actual permit test must be taken at an approved testing location.
What documents do I need to bring to the Washington DMV?: To take the permit test, bring a valid photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must provide proof of relationship and sign a parental authorization affidavit. You'll also need to provide proof of Washington residency.