Washington DOL Permit Test FAQ

The passing score is 80%. You must answer at least 32 of 40 questions correctly — you can miss up to 8. Road signs and signals are mixed into the same exam, so there is no separate sign-only test.

If you fail, you can reschedule another attempt through License Express. Knowledge exam scores are valid for 2 years once you pass — if you wait too long for the skills exam, you may have to retake the knowledge test (Section 1.8). Standard testing fees apply for each attempt.

You can apply for an instruction permit at age 15 if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course (apply 1-10 days before the course starts), or at 15½ without driver training. Applicants under 18 need parent or guardian consent. Permit valid 1 year (Section 1.8).

Washington Intermediate License (age 16–17): curfew 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed driver age 25+. First 6 months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family. From 6 months until 18 or 1 year: max 3 passengers under 20 except family. Phone: emergency-only, even hands-free. Restrictions automatically lift at 18 (Section 1.8).

Washington's under-21 BAC limit is 0.02% — any detectable amount above is treated as DUI. Active THC above 0 ng/mL is also DUI for drivers under 21. Penalties include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol assessment, and a possible delay of full licensing until age 17 (Section 1.15).

BAC limits: 0.08% for drivers 21+, 0.02% for drivers under 21. Active THC: more than 5 ng/mL for drivers 21+; any detectable THC for drivers under 21. DUI applies even when in physical control of a parked vehicle (RCW 46.61.503). Refusing the breath/blood test costs your license 90 to 730 days, or until age 21 — whichever is longer (Section 1.15).

Washington school zones are 20 mph. Beach driving (Grays Harbor and Pacific counties): 25 mph. Maximum allowed in any emergency zone: 50 mph, slowing to at least 10 mph below the posted limit. Posted limits are maximums for ideal conditions; you can be ticketed for driving too fast for conditions even below the posted limit (Section 4.12, Section 4.17, Section 4.20).

Washington parking clearances: 15 ft from a fire hydrant, 30 ft from a traffic signal/stop sign/yield sign, 50 ft from a railroad crossing, 75 ft from a fire station driveway on the opposite side, 20 ft from a pedestrian safety zone, 5 ft from a driveway/alley/private road. No more than 12 inches from the curb. Never on a crosswalk, sidewalk, or bike lane (Section 4.18).

Washington DUI convictions can suspend driving privileges from 90 days to 4 years, plus heavy fines, possible jail time, mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment, ignition interlock requirements, and a probationary license afterward. Vehicular homicide and vehicular assault are felony charges. Alcohol- and drug-related offenses appear on your driving record for life (Section 1.15).

Washington requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one collision, and $10,000 for property damage in any one collision. You must carry proof of insurance with you or in the vehicle (Section 2.3).

After a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, you may turn right on red unless a "no turn on red" sign is posted. You may also turn left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, again only after a complete stop and only if no sign prohibits it (Section 4.11).

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires — online through License Express or in person at any DOL driver licensing office. If you renew after expiration, you may pay an additional fee. If your license is 8 or more years expired, you must retake the knowledge and skills tests. Update your address in License Express within 10 days of any move (Section 1.15, Section 1.16).