A step-by-step guide to getting your Washington Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.
Washington teens move through three phases on their way to a full license. Phase 1: instruction permit at age 15 (with driver training) or 15½ (without). Phase 2: intermediate driver license at 16, after holding the permit at least 6 months and completing 50 hours of supervised practice. Full license: all intermediate restrictions automatically lift at age 18 (Section 1.8).
Minimum age: 15 with driver training, or 15½ without. Hold for at least 6 months before licensing. Permit valid 1 year. Fee: see dol.wa.gov for current rate.
Age 16. Restricted driving privileges automatically lift at age 18. Curfew 1 a.m.–5 a.m. and passenger limits apply. Fee: see dol.wa.gov.
At age 18. All intermediate restrictions automatically lift. No new license required — wait until renewal for an updated card. Fee: see dol.wa.gov.
Before applying for an instruction permit, you need a Washington WDL number. Get one through License Express at dol.wa.gov, or in person at a driver licensing office. New drivers must set up their own account (Section 1.1, 1.2).
If you are 15, enroll in an approved Washington driver training course (30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel) and apply for the permit 1-10 days before the course starts. If you are not enrolling, you can take the knowledge exam after turning 15½ — but you must wait until 18 to take the skills exam without driver training (Section 1.8).
Bring original copies of all required documents to the driver licensing office (no copies). Search "identification requirements brochure" at dol.wa.gov for the full accepted-document list.
A vision screening will be given (bring glasses or contacts if you wear them). Pass the knowledge test with at least 80% (32 correct out of 40 questions, miss up to 8). The test is computer-based and untimed (Section 1.9, Section 1.12).
Pay any licensing fees at the office — current fees are posted at dol.wa.gov. Have your photo taken. Permit is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for a fee. Knowledge exam scores remain valid for 2 years (Section 1.8).
Be at least 16 years old, a Washington resident, and have held the instruction permit for at least 6 months. Be without traffic violations or convictions for 6 months prior to applying (Section 1.8).
Complete an approved Washington traffic safety course (30 hr classroom + 6 hr behind-the-wheel). Log at least 50 hours of supervised practice (40 day + 10 night). Your driver training school enters course completion and exam scores into the system within 24 hours of passing each exam (Section 1.8, Section 1.13).
The Driving Skills Exam evaluates your ability to apply Washington's rules of the road. Use a legally licensed and registered vehicle in safe operating condition with current liability insurance, working brake lights, signal lights, and seat belts. Only you and the examiner are in the vehicle (with exceptions for service animals and sign language interpreters). After passing, you receive a temporary license valid for 45 days while your official license is mailed (Section 1.12).
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual