DMV Washington · Fees, age, and practice test
Washington Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Start the free Washington practice testSourced procedural facts for Washington DMV, plus a free 212-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Washington permit test cost?
The knowledge-test fee varies by approved testing location.
- Learner permit / application fee: $35 for the first one-year learner permit.
- Knowledge (written) test fee: The knowledge-test fee varies by approved testing location.
- Initial driver license fee: $111 for a six-year or $131 for an eight-year first standard driver license, including application, issuance and technology fees.
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing · Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 212-question Washington practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Your 3-stage Washington study path
- Stage 1: Study the sheets. Read the Washington cheat sheet for signs, numbers, and must-know rules.
- Stage 2: Drill topics. Run the free Washington practice test with instant explanations until weak topics turn green.
- Stage 3: Simulate the exam. Take the timed exam simulator under real test conditions.
Washington verified practice bank · 212 questions rev 2026-10-12-ca500
Before your Washington knowledge test
Cost details
- Testing and driver-training charges are additional to the $35 permit fee; ask the testing provider for its price. Official cost source
- The first standard license is a separate $111 six-year or $131 eight-year transaction. Official cost source
Before you apply
These notes cover selected application steps. Check the linked official instructions for the full requirements for your situation.
- Pre-apply through License Express to get your WDL number; give it to your driver training school if enrolling. Official application instructions
- Choose the training or knowledge-test route for your age. Under-18 applicants need consent, and photo permits require an office appointment with identity documents. Official application instructions
Cost and application notes checked .
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
The knowledge-test fee varies by approved testing location.
Permit fee
$35 for the first one-year learner permit.
Initial license fee
$111 for a six-year or $131 for an eight-year first standard driver license, including application, issuance and technology fees.
Questions on the knowledge test
40 questions
Passing score
32 out of 40 correct answers (80%)
Retake fee
The retest fee varies by testing location; confirm the provider’s charge.
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: The knowledge-test fee varies by approved testing location. (official source). Permit fee: $35 for the first one-year learner permit. (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 | The knowledge-test fee varies by approved testing location. | source |
| Permit fee | $35 for the first one-year learner permit. | source |
| Initial license fee | $111 for a six-year or $131 for an eight-year first standard driver license, including application, issuance and technology fees. | source |
| Retake fee | The retest fee varies by testing location; confirm the provider’s charge. | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Washington DMV practice test (212 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Washington driver license covers
Initial license fee: $111 for a six-year or $131 for an eight-year first standard driver license, including application, issuance and technology fees. (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
The knowledge-test fee varies by approved 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 212 questions across 9 topics
Test day: what to bring and where to go: a printable Washington checklist of the documents for the permit test, plus the official office finder and appointment links.
Study the handbook, chapter by chapter: 18 free lessons that boil the Washington driver manual down to the rules and exact numbers on the test, each quoted with its page.
One Washington permit test question a day
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