License exams, renewal and losing your license

Key points

1. You must pass the knowledge exam first, then you have 2 years to complete the skills exam.

   Source: PDF page 8

   “You must first pass the knowledge exam before you can take the Driving Skills Exam. After you pass the knowledge exam, you have two years to complete the skills exam.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 8

2. Only you and the examiner may be in the vehicle during the skills exam, except service animals and sign language interpreters.

   Source: PDF page 8

   “You and the examiner are the only people allowed in the vehicle during the exam. We make exceptions for service animals and sign language interpreters.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 8

3. The test vehicle's brake lights, signal lights and seat belts must work.

   Source: PDF page 8

   “Brake lights, signal lights, and seat belts must work.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 8

4. New residents licensed in another state have 30 days to get a Washington license.

   Source: PDF page 2

   “New residents that are licensed in another state have 30 days to obtain a Washington State driver license.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 2

5. You can renew up to 1 year before your license expires.

   Source: PDF page 9

   “You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 9

6. If your license is 8 or more years expired, you must retake the skills and knowledge tests.

   Source: PDF page 9

   “If your license is 8 or more years expired, you’ll need to retake the skills and knowledge test.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 9

7. Update a changed address in License Express within 10 days.

   Source: PDF page 11

   “If your address changes, update your information in License Express within 10 days of the change.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 11

8. Putting a construction or emergency worker in danger can cost you your driving privileges.

   Source: PDF page 9

   “Putting a construction or emergency worker in danger”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 9

9. After a suspension, you must retake both the knowledge and skills exams and pay a reissue fee.

   Source: PDF page 10

   “When you are eligible to get your driver license back, you must take the driving knowledge and skills exams (even if you’ve already taken them). You’ll also need to pay a reissue fee in addition to the usual testing and licensing fees.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 10

10. File a Vehicle Report of Sale within 5 days of selling or giving away a vehicle.

    Source: PDF page 12

    “If you sell, trade, gift, or dispose of your vehicle, file a Vehicle Report of Sale form within five days.”
    Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 12

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Washington practice test

1. 1. After passing Washington's knowledge exam, how long does an applicant have to complete the skills exam?

   1. One year
   2. Five years
   3. Two years
   4. Until the permit expires, regardless of time
   Show answer

   Two years. Passing the knowledge exam starts a two-year window for completing the Driving Skills Exam. The one-year choice confuses this window with the instruction permit's validity period, which is a separate rule. Five years is longer than the guide allows, and an applicant cannot simply ignore the two-year limit because a permit may still be available. A useful calendar cue is to record the knowledge-exam date and plan the skills appointment before its second anniversary.

2. 2. Who is allowed in the vehicle with the examiner during Washington's Driving Skills Exam?

   1. The applicant and three driving coaches
   2. The applicant and the examiner only
   3. Any family member and the examiner
   4. Every applicant waiting for a test
   Show answer

   The applicant and the examiner only. During the Driving Skills Exam, Washington limits the vehicle to the applicant and the examiner, with stated exceptions for service animals and sign language interpreters. Three coaches, a family member, or a group of waiting applicants are not listed as ordinary occupants. This rule keeps the evaluation focused and avoids adding passengers who could distract the driver or interfere with the examiner's observations. Before arriving, plan for the small testing crew and bring only an allowed exception when one applies.

3. 3. How soon must a Washington driver update a changed address?

   1. Within 10 days, through License Express
   2. Within 30 days
   3. Within 90 days
   4. Only at renewal
   Show answer

   Within 10 days, through License Express. If your address changes, update your information in License Express within 10 days of the change. Name changes cannot be done online and must be made in a driver licensing office. Keeping the address current matters because renewal notices, suspension notices and vehicle correspondence go to the address on file, and a missed notice does not excuse a lapse. The online update takes a few minutes.

Source: the Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), Chapter 1: Licenses. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.