WA · Car

Washington Car Practice Questions for the General Driving Test

This Washington car practice bank contains 100 English questions drawn from the saved general module. It reviews signs and signals, right-of-way, lane use, turning and parking, speed and following distance, hazardous conditions, sharing the road, impaired or distracted driving, emergencies, collisions, and licensing responsibilities. Each practice item has four answer choices and an explanation, but the 100-question format is a study format rather than the official Washington exam length. For first-time licensing, Washington DOL distinguishes requirements by age and driving history: applicants ages 16 to 17 follow the teen licensing path, while adults have different options. Official DOL materials should remain the source of truth for current eligibility, testing, and document requirements.

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LICENSING GUIDE

What to know before you test

Use this overview together with the latest official guidance linked below.

Use the practice bank with the Washington Driver Guide

The saved bank spans ten general-driving topics, so pair question review with the Washington State Driver Guide instead of memorizing answer letters. Review signs and signals, right-of-way, lane use and passing, turning and parking, speed and following distance, hazardous conditions, sharing the road, impaired and distracted driving, emergencies and collisions, and licensing responsibilities. When you miss a practice item, return to the related guide section. The practice bank is not an official exam, and its 100-question size should not be treated as the length or structure of the state knowledge test.

Know which first-license path applies to your age

Washington uses different first-license paths for teens and adults. For a first license at age 16 or 17, DOL says the applicant must be at least 16, be a Washington resident, complete approved driver training, and hold a learner permit for at least six months. The teen process also includes supervised driving and parent or guardian authorization. Applicants age 18 or older may get a first license by passing the knowledge and drive tests without first completing driver training or obtaining a learner permit. Adults who want to practice on public roads before the drive test do need a learner permit and an accompanying licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience.

Prepare for the knowledge and drive tests

For applicants who must test, DOL uses a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel drive test. The knowledge test requires 32 correct answers out of 40, and a passing score is valid for two years. The drive test measures safe vehicle operation and application of traffic laws; at least 80 out of 100 is required, and a passing score is valid for one year. For the drive test, bring proof of auto liability insurance for the test vehicle. The vehicle must be in good working condition with valid registration, tabs, and plates. DOL also uses vision and medical screening in the licensing process when applicable.

Bring the identity and application documents that fit your case

Washington DOL requires identity documentation for an instruction permit or driver license. Its identification guidance explains acceptable document combinations and says driver-license applicants provide a Social Security number, or a declaration if one has not been issued. Applicants also provide their current Washington residential address and a mailing address if different. Teen applicants applying in person must show proof of identity and meet parent or guardian authorization requirements. Because the exact documents depend on the applicant and whether the person seeks a standard or enhanced license, check current DOL identity guidance before an office visit rather than relying on a generic checklist.

Watch the November 1, 2026 first-time-driver change

This page was checked on September 26, 2026, before Washington's new work-zone and first-responder course requirement takes effect. DOL says a first Washington driver license issued on or before October 31, 2026 does not require that course because of age. Beginning November 1, 2026, first-time applicants under age 25 must complete the free online course; applicants age 25 or older are not subject to that new requirement. Applicants should therefore confirm which rule applies on the date they will actually receive their first Washington license.

REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW

Washington Car requirements

Requirements depend on the applicant and can change. Verify each item with the cited agency.

age

First-time Washington driver license applicants ages 16 to 17

To get a first license at age 16 or 17, the applicant must be at least 16, be a Washington resident, complete an approved driver training program, and have held a Washington learner permit for at least 6 months.

age

First-time Washington driver license applicants age 18 or older

An applicant age 18 or older may get a first Washington driver license by passing the knowledge and drive tests without first taking a driver training course or getting a learner permit; a learner permit is required if the applicant will practice on public roads before the drive test.

documents

Applicants for a standard Washington instruction permit or driver license

Washington DOL requires proof of identity. Driver-license applicants provide a Social Security number or, if one has not been issued, a declaration, and provide a current Washington residential address plus a mailing address if different. Acceptable proof-of-identity combinations are defined by DOL.

documents

Applicants taking the Washington drive test

The vehicle used for the drive test must have proof of current auto liability insurance and be in good working condition with valid registration, tabs, and plates.

tests

First-time applicants who are required to test

Washington uses a knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel drive test for applicants who are required to test. The knowledge test is taken before the drive test, and DOL also conducts vision and medical screening in the licensing process when applicable.

passing

Applicants taking the Washington knowledge test

The knowledge test has 40 questions and requires 32 correct answers to pass. A passing knowledge-test score is valid for 2 years.

passing

Applicants taking the Washington drive test

The drive test requires a score of at least 80 out of 100 to pass. A passing drive-test score is valid for 1 year.

applicability

Drivers age 18 or older transferring certain valid licenses to Washington

DOL lists certain valid licenses, including those from another U.S. state and several specified jurisdictions, that may transfer without knowledge or drive tests for applicants age 18 or older; teen transfers follow separate requirements.

applicability

First-time Washington driver license applicants under age 25

The work-zone and first-responder safety course is not required for a first Washington license issued on or before October 31, 2026. For first licenses issued on or after November 1, 2026, applicants under age 25 must complete the free online course; applicants age 25 or older are not subject to that new requirement.

OFFICIAL REFERENCES

Sources for this guide

Open the current source before relying on licensing details.

Driver license application: ages 18+How to get a new Washington driver license; learner permit; knowledge and drive test; work zone and first responder courseOpen source ↗ Driver license application: ages 16 to 17Before you get started; learner permit; driver training; tests; application; work zone and first responder courseOpen source ↗ Do I need to take a test?Knowledge test; drive test; medical and vision screening; work zone and first responder courseOpen source ↗ Washington State Driver Guide (text-only)Chapter 1 licenses; getting a personal driver license; personal driver license examsOpen source ↗ Identification Requirements brochureProof of identity; Social Security number; Washington residential and mailing address; document acceptance criteriaOpen source ↗