DMV Washington · Fees, age, and practice test
Washington Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Washington DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Washington permit test cost?
Varies by testing location
- Learner permit / application fee: Learner's permit: $35 for 1 year
- Knowledge (written) test fee: Varies by testing location
- Initial driver license fee: $50 application fee + $10 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee: $111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Washington practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old if enrolled in driver training; 15 and a half if waiting until age 18 for a license
Knowledge test fee
Varies by testing location
Permit fee
Learner's permit: $35 for 1 year
Initial license fee
$50 application fee + $10 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee: $111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years
Questions on the knowledge test
40 questions
Passing score
32 out of 40 correct answers (80%)
Retake fee
Varies by testing location; you pay a fee to take the test that varies by location (tests are given at approved testing locations, not DOL offices)
Supervised driving before road test
40 hours of daylight and 10 hours of night driving with someone licensed for at least 3 years
What to bring
Washington Driver License number, proof of identity documents for a photo permit, parent or guardian if under 18, documents showing parent or guardian connection, and the $35 permit fee
Find an office / appointment
Appointments and Locations page with online scheduler; different office types have separate scheduling.
REAL ID status
Washington does not issue a REAL ID-branded card; instead offers the Enhanced Driver License (EDL) as its equivalent. Requires U.S. citizenship, proof of WA residency, and SSN. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Minimum age 16. Requires a valid WA driver license and knowledge and skills tests; riders under 18 must pass an approved 2-wheel safety course and have parental consent.
Commercial license (CDL)
18 for intrastate-only, 21 for interstate. Requires DOT medical certificate/physical, knowledge test, skills test, and a commercial learner's permit (CLP) first.
Official source: Washington State Department of Licensing
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) site.
How much is the Washington permit test?
Washington knowledge test fee: Varies by testing location (official source). Permit fee: Learner's permit: $35 for 1 year (official source).
How many questions are on the Washington permit test?
The official Washington knowledge test: 40 questions (official source). Passing score: 32 out of 40 correct answers (80%) (official source).
Washington DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | Varies by testing location | source |
| Permit fee | Learner's permit: $35 for 1 year | source |
| Initial license fee | $50 application fee + $10 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee: $111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years | source |
| Retake fee | Varies by testing location; you pay a fee to take the test that varies by location (tests are given at approved testing locations, not DOL offices) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Washington DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Washington driver license covers
Initial license fee: $50 application fee + $10 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee: $111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years (official source)
REAL ID status: Washington does not issue a REAL ID-branded card; instead offers the Enhanced Driver License (EDL) as its equivalent. Requires U.S. citizenship, proof of WA residency, and SSN. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Washington DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Washington
Getting your first permit
In Washington, the minimum permit age is 15 years old if enrolled in driver training; 15 and a half if waiting until age 18 for a license. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: washington Driver License number, proof of identity documents for a photo permit, parent or guardian if under 18, documents showing parent or guardian connection, and the $35 permit fee. Appointments and Locations page with online scheduler; different office types have separate scheduling.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
Varies by testing location. Before the road test, the state requires 40 hours of daylight and 10 hours of night driving with someone licensed for at least 3 years.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
Washington does not issue a REAL ID-branded card; instead offers the Enhanced Driver License (EDL) as its equivalent. Requires U.S. citizenship, proof of WA residency, and SSN. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: minimum age 16. Requires a valid WA driver license and knowledge and skills tests; riders under 18 must pass an approved 2-wheel safety course and have parental consent. For a commercial license (CDL): 18 for intrastate-only, 21 for interstate. Requires DOT medical certificate/physical, knowledge test, skills test, and a commercial learner's permit (CLP) first.
The Washington bank has 180 questions across 9 topics
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