The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Washington DOL Driving Knowledge Exam has 40 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 32 correct and can miss up to 8. There is no time limit (Section 1.12).
If you fail, you can reschedule another attempt through License Express at dol.wa.gov. Standard testing fees apply for each attempt. Knowledge exam scores remain 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).
The test is computer-based at any DOL driver licensing office. Make an appointment through License Express at dol.wa.gov, or by calling DOL driver licensing customer service at 360-902-3900. You can also test at an approved driver training school exam location (Section 1.12).
For applicants under 18: completing an approved Washington traffic safety course (30 hr classroom + 6 hr behind-the-wheel) is required before licensing. Adults 18+ can request an exam waiver after taking an approved driver training course; otherwise they must pass the knowledge and skills exams (Section 1.8, Section 1.13).
BAC 0.08% (21+), 0.02% (under 21). Active THC 5 ng/mL (21+), any detectable for under 21. DUI applies even in physical control of a parked vehicle (RCW 46.61.503). Refusing breath/blood under Implied Consent costs your license 90–730 days (Section 1.15).
License suspension 90 days to 4 years, plus heavy fines, possible jail, mandatory alcohol assessment, ignition interlock, and a probationary license. After a DUI you must retake the knowledge and skills exams and pay a reissue fee (Section 1.15).
Permit at 15 (with driver training) or 15½ — hold 6 months. Supervisor: parent/guardian or licensed responsible adult with 3+ years experience (5+ years for adult permit holders 18+). Intermediate at 16: curfew 1 a.m.–5 a.m.; first 6 mo no passengers under 20 except family, then max 3; emergency-only phone (Section 1.8).
Leave a distance of at least twice the length of your vehicle between you and the vehicle ahead (Section 5.2). Use the 2-second rule with a fixed point. Increase to 4+ seconds in rain, snow, ice, fog, or behind motorcycles.
School zones 20 mph. Beach driving (Grays Harbor / Pacific) 25 mph. Maximum 50 mph in any emergency zone — slowing to at least 10 mph below the posted limit. Roundabout design speed 15–25 mph (Section 4.15, Section 4.17, Section 4.20).
Signal at least 100 feet before any turn or lane change (Section 2.5). Right on red: legal after a complete stop and yielding (unless a sign prohibits). Left on red: only from one-way to one-way after a complete stop (Section 4.11).
Stop in BOTH directions on a 2-lane road when red lights flash and the stop arm extends. Exception: opposing traffic on a road with 3+ lanes separated by a median or barrier. Drivers in turn lanes must always stop. Fines doubled (Section 4.2).
Required from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise — and any time it's dark, rainy, snowy, foggy, or smoky. Switch back to regular beams within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and 300 ft when following (Section 2.5).
15 ft hydrant, 30 ft signal/stop/yield, 50 ft railroad, 75 ft fire station opposite, 20 ft pedestrian safety zone, 5 ft driveway. Park within 12 inches of the curb. Never on a crosswalk, sidewalk, or bicycle lane (Section 4.18).
Up to age 2 rear-facing; ages 2–4 harness car seat; ages 4+ booster until lap-and-shoulder belt fits (typically 4'9" tall). Children under 13 should not ride in the front. Every person in a moving vehicle must be belted (RCW 46.61.687/688) (Section 2.6).
Washington requires 80% on the 40-question exam — that means at least 32 correct, you can miss up to 8. In practice, aim for 90%+ to give yourself a comfortable margin on test day.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Washington test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DOL office.
Download the Washington Driver Guide at https://dol.wa.gov/. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Washington-specific limits people miss: school zones 20 mph, beach driving 25 mph (Grays Harbor / Pacific counties), and 50 mph absolute max in any emergency zone regardless of the posted limit (Section 4.17, Section 4.20).
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual