If you have a WA state ID card or permit, please click HERE (link to calendaring system to book RT or KT)***make sure SA has this functionality ready at go-live*** to schedule your exam. You may also call your local 911 driving school.
If you do not have a WA state ID card or permit, prior to scheduling your exam, please visit dol.wa.gov and click on license express. You will need to click “join” and then follow the steps listed. This process only takes a few minutes and is a requirement in the state of WA. If you need assistance, please call your local 911 driving school. *If you already have a WA state ID card, you do not need to follow this process.
Once you have registered in license express, click here (link to SA calendar) or call your local driving school.
What to expect for your knowledge exam
- The exam is a 25 question multiple choice exam.
- The applicant must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass.
- Applicants who have already obtained their permit must have their valid permit to take the exam.
What to expect from your road test
- All road test applicants must have a valid permit or may be issued a temporary permit by the driving school.
- All applicants must have a clean, reliable vehicle with valid insurance, registration and license plate tabs.
- All vehicles must have working turn signals, brake lights, front lights, emergency flashers, seat belts, brakes, windshield wipers, appropriate (legal) tread on the tires, side mirrors and rear-view mirror.
- There may be no cracks or chips in the line of vision in the windshield.Applicants must obtain a score of 80% or higher to pass.
- If you’re taking an exam, your score will be entered into the DOL database within 24 hours. You will have to visit a DOL office to apply for your license. Passing the knowledge test and drive test does not guarantee an applicant will be issued a driver’s license. The DOL will determine if the applicant has met all licensing requirements. The DOL reserves the right to conduct re-exams at random; applicants refusing to take a re-examination may have their license revoked.
- If you received a letter from DOL to take an exam due to a physical, mental, visual or medical issue, you must take the test at a DOL office. Failure to disclose this information prior to testing will result in your test not being honored at DOL and no refunds will be issued.
- Pursuant to RCW 46.20.720, a driver convicted of an alcohol offense may be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID). The applicant must take the skills exam in the vehicle using the IID.
Are you eligible to take your Road Test with 911?
- Completed 30 hours of classroom instruction by a licensed driving school
- *Completed all required drive time and observation (5 drives + 4 hours ZED, 1 hour observation minimum or 6 drives and 1 hour observation minimum).
- *Pass the WA state knowledge exam
The state of WA requires any individuals who meet the criteria below to test at a local state operated licensing office:
- Applicants who have an obvious physical or mental impairment that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Examples of possible impairments include:
- Limited strength or mobility: inability to operate foot controls with left and right foot, diminished arm and/or hand strength, limited neck mobility resulting in inability to look over their shoulder to check the vehicle’s blind spot.
- Artificial limbs/Loss of limbs or using a prosthetic arm/leg.
- Paralysis: inability or difficulty operating hand and/or foot controls due to paralysis in limb(s).
- Severe tremors: difficulty controlling the steering wheel, difficulty maintaining consistent pressure on the gas or brake pedal.
- Temporary impairments: cast on arms or legs, recent injury or surgery that may impair the applicant’s driving ability.
- Mental limitations: significant mental slowness, impaired attention and/or impaired concentration that may impact an applicant’s judgment, attention, knowledge or skills necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Applicants that use extra vehicle equipment that may help them compensate for impairment and may potentially result in a restriction on the applicant’s driver license. Below are some examples of extra vehicle equipment:
- Pedal or turn signal extensions
- Steering knob
- Vehicle solely operated by hand controls
- Panoramic mirror needed by the applicant
- Applicants that rely on an outside mirror(s) to check the vehicle’s blind spot due to impaired vision or limited neck mobility.
An applicant who is deaf or hard of hearing may take the skills test at 911 Driving School. The deaf or hard of hearing may bring an interpreter to the exam but is not required. If an interpreter is used they must be one from DOL’s approved list. DOL will provide a list of approved interpreters upon request.
How to get my first WA driver’s license
- Complete a new driver training course
- Pass the WA state written exam
- Pass the WA state road exam
- Hold your permit for at least 6 months
- Have 50 hours of practice driving (10 hours at night)
- Be at least 16 years old
All applicants must have a clean, reliable vehicle with valid insurance, registration and license plate tabs. All vehicles must have working turn signals, brake lights, front lights, emergency flashers, seat belts, brakes, windshield wipers, appropriate (legal) tread on the tires, side mirrors and rear-view mirror. There may be no cracks or chips in the line of vision in the windshield.