What you need to do to get your first Washington driver's license

Getting your first driver's license in Washington requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a driving test, and a vision screening. You will need to visit a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person, bring specific documents to prove your identity and residency, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though the actual test appointments can be scheduled within days of your process.

Washington does not require you to hold a learner's permit before taking your driving test, though many new drivers do get one first to practice. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process. If you are 18 or older, you can explore on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Washington residency to start the process.
  • The written knowledge test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Washington Driver Guide available on the DOL website.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the DOL office before you can take your driving test.
  • The driving test is conducted by a DOL examiner in your own vehicle or a DOL vehicle, and you must demonstrate basic vehicle control and traffic law knowledge.
  • The license fee is $72 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older; the cost is lower for drivers under 18.

Documents you need to bring to the DOL office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card as proof of identity. You will also need your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card or a tax return or W-2 form that shows it. Washington requires proof that you live in the state, so bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign the process in person. They will need to show their own ID. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

Taking the written knowledge test

The written test has 50 questions and covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, and others — ask at the DOL office which languages are available at your location.

Study using the free Washington Driver Guide, which is available as a PDF on the DOL website and covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours over several days before taking the test. You can take the test the same day you explore, or schedule it for another day. If you do not pass, you can retake it after one business day has passed.

Passing the vision screening and driving test

Before you take the driving test, you must pass a vision screening at the DOL office. The screener will check that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be allowed to take the driving test that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with corrective lenses or a vision correction letter.

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and is conducted by a DOL examiner. You can use your own vehicle if it is registered and insured, or you can use a DOL vehicle for a small additional fee. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, and will observe how you handle traffic situations. You must demonstrate that you understand traffic laws and can control the vehicle safely. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after one business day has passed.

Scheduling your appointments and paying the fee

When you visit the DOL office to explore, staff will give you a knowledge test date and time on the spot, or you can schedule it for a later date. After you pass the knowledge test, you will schedule your driving test appointment. Both tests can usually be scheduled within a few days to a week, depending on how busy the office is.

The fee for an eight-year driver's license is $72 if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the license is valid until your 18th birthday and costs less. You pay this fee when you pass your driving test and receive your license. Payment methods vary by office, but most accept cash, debit, and credit cards.

What happens after you pass your driving test

Once you pass your driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive without either the temporary license or the permanent license once it arrives. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive until the permanent one arrives.

Your new license will have your photo, signature, and all the restrictions that explore to you. If you are under 18, your license will have an "under 18" designation and may have restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can have — check your license to see what applies to you.

Getting a learner's permit first (optional)

Washington does not require a learner's permit before you take your driving test, but many new drivers get one to practice driving with a licensed adult before the test. A learner's permit requires you to pass only the written knowledge test — no driving test. You can then drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting next to you.

A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for five years. You can explore for one at any DOL office using the same documents you would need for a full license. Once you have the permit and have practiced driving, you can return to the DOL office to take your driving test without retaking the knowledge test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my driving test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered to you. The owner must give you permission to use it for the test. If you do not have access to a registered vehicle, you can use a DOL vehicle for an additional fee, usually around $15 to $20.

What if I fail my driving test?

You can retake the driving test after one business day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will pay the license fee each time you pass. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner noted you need to improve.

Do I need to take a driver education course?

Washington does not require a driver education course to get your license. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved course may lower your car insurance rates. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer a discount for completing a course.

How long does the whole process take?

From your first visit to the DOL office to receiving your permanent license in the mail usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. The actual test appointments can be scheduled within days, but the waiting time depends on how busy your local DOL office is. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I move to a different state after I get my Washington license?

Your Washington license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. When you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. Most states will let you transfer your Washington license without retaking the tests, but rules vary by state.