Free Washington DMV Practice Test (2026)

Washington · Checked October 2026

Practice for the Washington permit test with a learning path built around the Washington State Department of Licensing rules: a Washington-only module on the state's own laws and teen-license limits, core rules-of-the-road lessons, instant explanations and a timed exam simulation.

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Washington permit test at a glance

Questions40

To pass32 correct (80%)

Min. permit age15 w/ driver ed, else 15½

AgencyDOL

The written knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you must get 32 correct (80%); it is given at approved driver training schools and testing locations, the fee varies by location, and a passing score is good for 2 years. It is offered in 12 languages, including Spanish; if you fail there may be a waiting period before retesting, and DOL may waive the test for the permit if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course.

Tip: Start with module 1, “Washington laws & permit rules”. These 12 questions cover rules that are specific to Washington, the part of the test that general study guides usually miss.

Washington traffic laws you will be tested on

Topic	Washington rule	Source
Handheld phones and electronic devices	No driver may hold a cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device while driving; hands-free use is allowed for licensed adults, and fines can double after your first violation. Permit and intermediate license holders may not use a phone at all, even hands-free, except for emergencies.	dol.wa.gov
Seat belts	Everyone 16 or older must wear a properly fastened seat belt, and the driver must make sure every passenger under 16 is belted or in an approved child restraint. A violation is a traffic infraction.	app.leg.wa.gov
Child car seats	Children up to age 2 ride rear-facing; ages 2 to 4 ride in a harnessed car seat; from age 4 kids use a car or booster seat until the adult belt fits, typically at 4 feet 9 inches (between ages 8 and 12). Children under 13 should ride in the back seat.	dol.wa.gov
Alcohol and THC limits	Drivers 21 and older are DUI at 0.08 BAC or 5.00 nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood. Drivers under 21 face the same consequences at 0.02 BAC or any THC above 0.00.	dol.wa.gov
Implied consent	Everyone who drives in Washington agrees to be tested if an officer suspects impairment (RCW 46.20.308). Refusing can cost you your driving privilege for 90 to 730 days, or until you turn 21, whichever is longer.	dol.wa.gov
Emergency and work zones (move over)	Within 200 feet of a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or roadside work vehicle using its lights, move over a lane if it is safe; if not, slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit, and no faster than 50 mph where the limit is 60 mph or more. Fines in these zones are doubled.	app.leg.wa.gov
Default speed limits	Unless signs say otherwise, the maximum is 25 mph on city and town streets, 50 mph on county roads, and 60 mph on state highways. School zones are 20 mph when signs say the limit applies.	app.leg.wa.gov
Headlights	Headlights must be on from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet when you are following another vehicle.	dol.wa.gov

Washington learner permit and teen license rules

To get an intermediate license you must be at least 16, have held your learner permit at least 6 months, and have no traffic violations in the previous 6 months.
Complete an approved driver training course (30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel) and 50 hours of practice, 10 of them at night, certified by a parent or guardian.
On a permit, a driving instructor or a licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience must sit beside you, and you may not use a phone except for emergencies.
Intermediate license, first 6 months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family; after that, no more than 3 passengers under 20 who are not family.
No driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless with a licensed driver 25 or older (state law also allows school, religious, work, and farm trips).
Intermediate drivers may not use a cell phone or wireless device at all, even hands-free, except to report an emergency.
Night and passenger limits end after 12 months with no crashes or violations, and all restrictions end at 18. Starting November 1, 2026, first-time drivers under 25 must also pass a free online work zone and first responder course.

How to get your Washington learner's permit

Create a License Express account and get your Washington Driver License (WDL) number.
Choose your path: enroll in an approved driver training course (you can get the permit at 15, applying no earlier than 10 days before class starts), or wait until 15 1/2 if you are not taking driver training.
If you are not in driver training, pass the 40-question knowledge test (32 correct) at an approved testing location; the test fee varies by location.
Complete your permit application online or at a driver licensing office; if you are under 18 a parent or guardian must give permission, and you need an office visit with identity documents if you want a photo permit.
Pay the $35 permit fee and carry the temporary paper permit until the plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Practice with a licensed driver who has at least 5 years of experience; the permit is valid 1 year and can be renewed twice.

Sample Washington-specific questions

Here are four of the 12 questions in our Washington module. Each one is based on the official Washington State Driver Guide or Washington law; open the answer to see the rule behind it.

1. How many questions are on Washington's driver knowledge test, and how many must you answer correctly?

40 questions, 32 correct
50 questions, 40 correct
25 questions, 20 correct
40 questions, 30 correct

Show answer

Correct answer: 40 questions, 32 correct. DOL says you must get 32 out of 40 correct to pass, and a passing score is good for 2 years. Source: dol.wa.gov

2. At what age can you get a Washington learner permit if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course?

14 1/2
15 1/2
15
16

Show answer

Correct answer: 15. With driver training enrollment you can get a permit at 15; without it you must be 15 1/2 and pass the knowledge test. Source: app.leg.wa.gov

3. When you drive with a Washington learner permit, who must sit beside you (if it is not a driving instructor)?

Any licensed adult 18 or older
A licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience
Only a licensed driver 25 or older
Only a parent

Show answer

Correct answer: A licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience. The permit lets you drive only when a driver training instructor or a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience occupies the seat beside you. Source: dol.wa.gov

4. How long must you hold a Washington learner permit before applying for an intermediate license?

3 months
1 year
9 months
6 months

Show answer

Correct answer: 6 months. Applicants must have held a valid instruction permit for at least six months and be at least 16. Source: app.leg.wa.gov

How this practice test works

Learn the Washington rules first: module 1 covers the state's permit test, teen-license limits and traffic laws.
Work through the core modules: signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, lanes, special situations, impairment and sharing the road.
Practice 5 questions at a time: every answer shows an explanation, and missed questions come back until you get them right.
Take the timed Washington exam simulation and review every mistake before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take driver training in Washington?

Only if you want your license before 18. Without a driver training course you can get a permit at 15 1/2 by passing the knowledge test, but you cannot get your license until you turn 18.

What is the new work zone and first responder course?

Starting November 1, 2026, first-time license applicants under 25 must pass this free online course. It takes about an hour, ends with a test, is available in 14 languages, and can be done before or after your other requirements.

How long is my Washington learner permit valid?

One year, and it can be renewed twice. Your knowledge test score is valid for 2 years, so if you wait too long to take the drive test, you may have to retake the knowledge test.

What happens if I break intermediate license rules?

First violation: your current restrictions stay in place until you turn 18. Second: your license is suspended for 6 months or until 18, whichever comes first. Third: your license is suspended until you turn 18.

Are these the real DMV test questions?

No. The Washington State Department of Licensing does not publish its exam. Our Washington module is written from the official handbook and state law, and the core modules cover the rules of the road taught in every state handbook.

Is this practice test free?

Yes. Every lesson, practice round and exam simulation is free, with no sign-up.

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Official Washington sources

Every Washington fact and question on this page was checked in October 2026 against the official handbook, the Washington State Department of Licensing website or Washington law. When an official source did not publish a detail (for example, the number of test questions), we say so instead of guessing. Rules change, so confirm with the Washington State Department of Licensing before your test. PracticePermit.us is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

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