What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the DOL office — start to finish.
A Washington motorcycle instruction permit lets you practice on a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle while you prepare for your endorsement. Washington is unusual: the knowledge and skills tests are given by Department of Licensing (DOL) approved training schools, not at a regular licensing office, and two- and three-wheeled motorcycles are licensed separately.
The steps below follow the official DOL motorcycle process. Permit and endorsement fees are set by DOL and used to subsidize rider training — confirm current amounts at dol.wa.gov before you go.
You must be at least 16 years old and already hold a current Washington driver license. Riders under 18 must complete an approved safety course, with parental permission, before they can apply for an endorsement.
The knowledge tests are based on this manual. Focus on the Washington-specific rules: the universal DOT helmet law, eye protection unless a windshield is fitted, the three-second following rule, Slow-Look-Press-Roll cornering, and the bans on lane splitting and shoulder riding.
For a two-wheel permit you pass a basic knowledge test and a basic skills test; for a three-wheel permit you pass a knowledge test. All tests are given by DOL-approved training schools. You do not have to take the course to take the tests, but the courses include the tests.
With your permit you may practice riding, but you may not carry passengers or ride at night. The permit expires after 180 days and may be renewed only once before it expires; if you let it lapse you must retest. You may hold no more than two permits in a 5-year period.
For the two-wheel endorsement you must also pass an advanced knowledge test and an advanced skills test — four tests in all. For the three-wheel endorsement you pass a skills test. Many riders complete these as part of a novice, intermediate, or advanced training course.
After you complete the required exams there is a three-business-day waiting period before you may visit a DOL licensing office to have the endorsement added to your driver license. Bring proof of insurance if you tested on your own motorcycle.
Check the official DOL page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. Washington uses TWO knowledge tests: a 50-question motorcycle permit test, then a 25-question endorsement test. Passing scores are not officially published; ~80% (permit) and ~68% (endorsement) are third-party estimates.