Washington DMV: age, fees, test facts

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; phone scheduling also available. Appointments are the standard way to be served (walk-in availability varies by office).

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 valid WA driver license, knowledge and skills tests; under 18 may substitute an approved 2-wheel safety course; parental consent if under 18. 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 76 questions across 9 topics