Washington learner's permit restrictions at a glance
A Washington learner's permit (also called a permit or instruction permit) lets you drive before you pass your full license test, but only under specific conditions. You must have a licensed driver 21 or older sitting next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — even hands-free. These rules exist for the first six months you hold the permit, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.
The restrictions are stricter than a full license but less restrictive than having no license at all. Understanding exactly what you can and cannot do prevents you from driving illegally and losing your permit before you can test for a full license.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a permit.
- You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of who is in the car with you.
- You cannot use any cell phone, including hands-free devices, while driving with a permit.
- These restrictions last for your first six months with the permit or until you turn 18, whichever happens first.
- Violating permit restrictions can result in fines, points on your record, and loss of your permit.
Who must be in the car with you
You must have a licensed driver age 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat next to you at all times while you drive. This person must hold a valid driver's license — a permit or a suspended license does not count. The supervising driver is responsible for helping you learn and for ensuring you follow the rules of the road.
The supervising driver cannot be distracted or impaired. If they are texting, eating, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are not providing the supervision the law requires. You are responsible for making sure the person next to you is fit to supervise.
If you are caught driving without a supervising driver, you are breaking the law. The consequences include a traffic violation, a fine, and points added to your driving record. You may also lose your permit.
Driving hours you cannot use your permit
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. with a learner's permit, even if a licensed adult is in the car. This restriction applies every single day — there are no exceptions for weekends, holidays, or emergencies. If you need to be somewhere during those hours, you must arrange for someone with a full license to drive.
The midnight-to-5-a.m. window is when most fatal crashes involving teen drivers happen. Washington's law is designed to keep you off the road during the hours when visibility is lowest and fatigue is highest.
If you are pulled over driving during these hours with a permit, you will receive a traffic violation. The fine and points on your record are separate from any other violations you might have committed at the same time.
Cell phone and electronic device rules
You cannot use a cell phone while driving with a permit — not to text, not to call, not even hands-free. This means no Bluetooth headsets, no speakerphone, and no holding the phone to your ear. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency.
This rule is stricter than the rule for drivers with a full license. Even licensed drivers in Washington cannot text while driving, but they can use hands-free calling. With a permit, you cannot use the phone at all except for 911.
If you are caught using a phone while driving with a permit, you face a traffic violation, a fine, and points on your record. The violation also counts toward your driving record and can affect your insurance rates later.
How long these restrictions last
The restrictions on your learner's permit last for six months from the date you receive the permit, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. If you receive your permit at age 16, the restrictions end six months later (assuming you do not turn 18 in that time). If you receive your permit at age 17 and 8 months, the restrictions end when you turn 18, even if that is only a few months away.
Once the six-month period ends or you turn 18, the restrictions lift automatically — you do not need to do anything. You can then drive alone and during any hours, as long as you still hold the permit and have not yet passed your full license test.
If you pass your full license test before the six months are up, you receive a full license and the permit restrictions no longer explore.
What happens if you break the rules
Driving with a permit while breaking any of these restrictions is a traffic violation. The consequences include a fine (the amount varies), points added to your driving record, and a mark on your record that insurance companies can see. You may also lose your permit, which means you cannot drive at all until you reapply and receive a new one.
If you are in a crash while violating permit restrictions, the violation makes the situation worse. Insurance may deny a claim, or your rates may increase significantly. A violation also stays on your record for several years.
The supervising driver in the car with you can also face consequences if they knowingly allow you to break the rules. They may receive a citation for failing to supervise a permit holder.
Restrictions that do not explore to you
Washington does not restrict the number of passengers you can have in the car with you while you hold a permit. Some states limit teen drivers to one or two passengers, but Washington does not. You can have multiple friends in the car as long as a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat supervising you.
You are also allowed to drive on highways and freeways with a permit. There is no restriction on road type. You can use navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps as long as you set them up before you start driving and do not touch them while moving.
You can drive in any weather and any lighting condition, as long as it is between 5 a.m. and midnight. Rain, snow, and darkness do not add extra restrictions beyond the midnight-to-5-a.m. rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the supervising driver be my parent or guardian?
Yes. Your parent or guardian can supervise you as long as they hold a valid driver's license and are age 21 or older. They do not need any special certification or training — a regular driver's license is all that is required.
What if I turn 18 while I still have my permit?
The restrictions end automatically on your 18th birthday. You can then drive alone and during any hours, even though you still hold a permit instead of a full license. You do not need to visit the Department of Licensing or do anything else — the change happens on its own.
Can I use my phone if it is mounted on the dashboard?
No. The rule bans all cell phone use while driving with a permit, regardless of how the phone is positioned. You cannot hold it, mount it, or use it hands-free. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency.
Do the restrictions explore if I am driving in another state?
Washington's permit restrictions explore only in Washington. If you drive into another state, that state's rules take over. However, most states have similar or stricter rules for permit holders, so you should check the rules of any state you plan to drive in.
What counts as an emergency call to 911?
An emergency is a situation where someone is in when ready danger or needs urgent help — a crash, a medical emergency, or a threat to safety. Calling 911 because you are lost or running late does not count as an emergency. Use your phone only when there is a genuine threat to life or safety.