Washington Driver Education & Licensing Resources
Find Your WASHINGTON Driving Course
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Why Choose DOT Driving School in Washington?
DOT Driving School is your trusted source for Washington driving courses, driver education, and free study tools designed to help Washington drivers become safer and more confident behind the wheel. Tap any topic to learn more.
We offer a complete selection of online Washington teen drivers education, Washington adult driver education, defensive driving / traffic school, and other driver improvement courses. Our online courses are recommended for additional practice, skill development, and driver knowledge.
Getting licensed doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. We combine high-quality online education with powerful free study tools. Practice as much as you'd like with our Free Washington Permit Practice Test, designed to closely match the Washington DMV knowledge exam. Build real-world confidence with our Free Driver's License Simulator, where you can practice driving scenarios in a fun, interactive environment. Study Washington road signs, review Washington traffic laws, and strengthen your driving skills before ever getting behind the wheel.
From teens earning their first learner's permit and adults obtaining a Washington driver's license to drivers completing defensive driving or traffic school requirements — or anyone who simply wants to become a safer, more knowledgeable driver — DOT Driving School provides everything you need in one convenient place. Our courses are 100% online, self-paced, affordable, and supported by free study tools that help Washington drivers succeed.
Washington driver's license, Washington driving school, Washington permit test, Washington driver's education
How to Get a Washington Driver's License
From your first learner's permit to a full Washington driver's license, here's the general path most Washington drivers follow. Always verify the latest requirements with Washington DOL. Tap any step to expand the details.
You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Washington instruction permit. A parent or legal guardian must consent if you are under 18.
Teens must complete a Washington-approved Traffic Safety Education (driver education) course — classroom plus behind-the-wheel — to get an intermediate license at 16. You can start the course before getting your permit.
Study the Washington Driver Guide and pass the DOL knowledge test — 40 questions with an 80% passing score (32 correct) — plus a vision test to receive your instruction permit.
Hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months and log 50 hours of supervised driving — 40 hours during daylight and 10 hours at night — with a licensed adult who has at least 5 years of driving experience.
Pass the driving test to receive your intermediate license at 16, which restricts nighttime driving (1–5 a.m.) and limits passengers for the first 12 months.
Your full, unrestricted Washington driver license is issued at 18 when the intermediate license restrictions end.
Washington Driver's Education Requirements
Washington has specific driver education requirements for new drivers. Tap any topic to expand the details.
Washington requires teens under 18 to complete a state-approved Traffic Safety Education (driver education) course — classroom instruction plus behind-the-wheel driving — to receive an intermediate license at 16.
Teens must also log 50 hours of supervised driving — 40 hours during daylight and 10 hours at night — with a licensed adult who has at least 5 years of driving experience, and hold the instruction permit for 6 months.
Adults 18 and older are not required to complete driver education but must pass the knowledge and driving tests. DOT Driving School connects you with recommended Washington driver education and behind-the-wheel training courses.
Washington Permit Test Requirements
The Washington permit test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Tap any topic to expand the details.
The Washington DOL knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving from the Washington Driver Guide. You must answer at least 80% (32 of 40) correctly to pass.
You must also pass a vision test. The instruction permit must be held for at least 6 months before the intermediate license.
Before your DOL exam, practice with our free Washington permit practice test — questions modeled on the Washington knowledge exam covering road signs, traffic laws, and right-of-way rules. Take it as many times as you'd like to build confidence before test day.
Start the free practice test →Washington Traffic School & Driver Improvement
Washington allows courts to offer a defensive driving course for an insurance discount or by order; Washington does not use a point system, so traffic school is not taken for point reduction.
A course many Washington insurers accept for a safe-driver insurance discount; courts may also order a traffic safety course after a citation.
Washington Licensing Agency
Washington driver licensing is administered by Washington DOL. Tap any topic to expand the details.
Washington driver licensing is administered by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The DOL issues instruction permits, intermediate and full driver licenses, and ID cards statewide.
Learn about the Washington DOL →Washington Driver's License FAQs
Quick answers to the most common questions about Washington learner's permits, driver education, and getting licensed.
You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Washington instruction permit. A parent or legal guardian must consent if you are under 18.
Yes for teens under 18, who must complete a state-approved Traffic Safety Education course to get an intermediate license at 16. Adults 18+ are not required to complete driver education.
The DOL knowledge test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass.
You must log 50 hours of supervised driving — 40 hours during daylight and 10 hours at night — with a licensed adult who has at least 5 years of driving experience.
An intermediate license restricts driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. and limits passengers for the first 12 months, with no passengers under 20 for the first 6 months unless a licensed adult is present.
Washington does not use a point system, so traffic school is not taken for point reduction. A defensive driving course may still earn an insurance discount or be court-ordered.
Disclaimer
Courses identified as “State Approved” are licensed, approved, or accepted by the applicable state agency, as specifically stated on the individual course listing. Not all courses offered through this website are state approved or state required.
DOT Driving School is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the DMV, DOT, FLHSMV, any state driver licensing agency, or any federal, state, county, or local governmental agency, except where a specific course approval or authorization is expressly stated.