What is the minimum passing result on Washington's 40-question driver knowledge test?
Correct answer: 32 correct
DOL sets the passing threshold at 32 of 40, or 80%.
Source: Knowledge test; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
You passed Washington's driver knowledge test 18 months ago. How long does DOL say a passing knowledge result remains valid?
Correct answer: Two years
A passing knowledge-test score is valid for two years; the drive-test result has a different validity period.
Source: Knowledge test; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
Which combination matches Washington's drive-test passing score and how long a passing result is valid?
Correct answer: 80 of 100; one year
The drive test requires at least 80 points out of 100. A passing drive-test result lasts one year.
Source: Drive test; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
For a Washington drive test, which vehicle preparation meets DOL's stated requirements?
Correct answer: Bring insurance proof and a sound, properly registered vehicle
Bring liability-insurance proof and a working vehicle with valid registration, tabs and plates. A rental car is permitted.
Source: Drive test; required vehicle and documents; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
For how long is a newly issued Washington driver's instruction permit valid?
Correct answer: One year from issuance
The ordinary instruction permit runs for one year from its issue date.
Source: RCW 46.20.055(4); current complete section and notes read September 13, 2026. ↗
A 15-year-old wants a Washington car instruction permit before age 15½. Which condition can make this possible?
Correct answer: Enrollment in qualifying driver education with driving practice
Qualifying driver-education enrollment allows the permit pathway at 15 rather than 15½; the other application conditions still apply.
Source: RCW 46.20.055(1)(b); current complete section and notes read September 13, 2026. ↗
Outside a driving lesson, you practice on a public road with a Washington car permit. Which accompanying driver meets the ordinary supervision rule?
Correct answer: A licensed driver with five years of experience seated beside you
The ordinary supervisor needs at least five years of driving experience and must occupy the seat beside you. Qualified course instructors are a separate allowed category.
Source: RCW 46.20.055(3)(c); current complete section and notes read September 13, 2026. ↗
Does an ordinary Washington driver's instruction permit, by itself, authorize motorcycle practice on public highways?
Correct answer: No; its driving permission excludes motorcycles
The ordinary permit provision excludes motorcycles. Motorcycle practice requires the appropriate separate authorization.
Source: RCW 46.20.055(3); current complete section and notes read September 13, 2026. ↗
For a Washington intermediate-license application, what driving experience must the required certification show?
Correct answer: At least 50 hours, including 10 at night
The certification requires 50 driving hours with at least 10 at night. This is distinct from the driver's education course and from the public-road supervision rule.
Source: RCW 46.20.075(1)(e)(i); current complete section and notes read September 13, 2026. ↗
A Washington intermediate-license holder is driving home from their job at 2 a.m. What does the current nighttime restriction provide for this employment-related trip?
Correct answer: An employment-activity exception can apply
Current law includes an exception for employment activities involving the holder or immediate family. It does not create unrestricted recreational driving at night.
Source: RCW 46.20.075(3)(b); effective current section; current complete section and notes read September 13, 2026. ↗
Two months after receiving an intermediate license, a 16-year-old plans a recreational drive with a 19-year-old friend who is not family. Is that passenger permitted?
Correct answer: No, because the friend is under 20 and not immediate family
During the first six months, nonfamily passengers under 20 are restricted. This recreational trip does not qualify for the agricultural exception.
Source: RCW 46.20.075(2), (7); current complete section and notes read September 13, 2026. ↗
While the car is moving, a Washington intermediate-license holder wants to make an ordinary social call using a hands-free device. Is it permitted?
Correct answer: No; hands-free use does not permit a social call
The moving-vehicle wireless restriction still applies. Exceptions concern reporting illegal activity, obtaining emergency help or preventing injury, not social calls.
Source: RCW 46.20.075(4); current complete section and notes read September 13, 2026. ↗
Before applying for a Washington license at 16 or 17, how long must you have held a learner permit?
Correct answer: At least six months
DOL requires at least six months. Qualifying out-of-state learner-permit time can count toward that period.
Source: Before you get started; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
A teen completed driver education in another state and now wants Washington credit. What should the teen do?
Correct answer: Submit proof for DOL approval against Washington requirements
Out-of-state training can be accepted when it meets Washington's requirements and DOL approves the submitted proof.
Source: Complete a driver training course; out-of-state training; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
A 17-year-old who otherwise qualifies wants to apply for a Washington driver license online. Which permit is required for that online application?
Correct answer: A Washington photo learner permit
DOL requires a Washington photo learner permit for this online pathway, with parental or guardian permission. An updated vision screening requires an in-person application.
Source: Apply for your driver license online; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
Does a Washington intermediate-license holder need a new license just to convert to a regular license at age 18?
Correct answer: No; the conversion is automatic
DOL says the intermediate license automatically becomes a regular license at 18. Other existing licensing obligations are not erased.
Source: Frequently asked questions; Do I have to get a new license when I turn 18?; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
An adult has a Washington photo learner permit but currently has suspended driving privileges. Does the photo permit alone qualify the adult to obtain a license online?
Correct answer: No; current suspensions or revocations disqualify that pathway
The adult online pathway requires both a Washington photo learner permit and no current suspension or revocation.
Source: Before you get started; online application requirements; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
A 30-year-old first-time applicant wants to practice on public roads before the Washington drive test. Is age alone enough to practice without a learner permit?
Correct answer: No; public-road practice still requires a learner permit
Adults who practice on public roads still need a learner permit and the required licensed supervisor. Being over 18 does not authorize unlicensed practice.
Source: Get a learner permit to practice driving on the roads; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
Under DOL's announced schedule, an applicant receives their first Washington license on November 1, 2026, at age 24. Which additional course must they complete?
Correct answer: The free online work-zone and first-responder course
DOL's published rollout applies this free course to first-time applicants under 25 from November 1, 2026. Requirements depend on the licensing date and age at issuance.
Source: Do you need to take the course?; November 1, 2026 table; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
An applicant receives their first Washington license on November 1, 2026, at age 25. Does DOL's under-25 work-zone course requirement apply based on that age?
Correct answer: No; the announced requirement is for applicants under 25
DOL uses age on the day the first license is issued. The course remains available voluntarily to other drivers.
Source: Do you need to take the course?; age on licensing day and 25-or-older column; complete same-day retained DOL main body read September 13, 2026. ↗
