What the Washington Permit Test Is
Washington tests the Washington Driver Guide, including rules that are unusual elsewhere: a strict THC limit, a move over law for roadside response vehicles, and tight limits on what a permit holder can do with a phone. You can start now with the free Washington practice questions.
Test Format at a Glance
| Item | Washington driving knowledge exam |
|---|---|
| Questions | 40, multiple choice and true/false, computer-based |
| Passing score | 32 correct (80%); you can miss 8 |
| Languages | 12 |
| Validity of a pass | 2 years |
| Fee | A test fee that varies by testing location and driver education status |
| Retakes | The DOL says a waiting period may apply but does not give the length |
| Study material | Washington Driver Guide |
Sources: Washington DOL — do I need to take a test? and the Washington Driver Guide (2025). Rules change, so confirm with the DOL before you test.
Step 1: Take a Practice Test Before You Study
Run the free Washington practice questions first, without the guide open. Washington has no separate signs test, so signs, rules and impaired-driving questions all count toward the same 32. Read every explanation, then list the topics you missed.
Step 2: Learn the Numbers and the Washington-Only Rules
These come straight from the Washington Driver Guide:
- Parking: not within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, and not more than 12 inches from the curb.
- School zones: the speed limit is 20 mph.
- Bicyclists: leave at least 3 feet of space when you drive behind or pass.
- Impaired driving: for adults 21 and over the limits are a BAC of 0.08% or THC of 5.00 ng or more; for drivers under 21 they are a BAC of 0.02% or any THC above 0.00 ng.
- Move over: the guide tells you to move over 200 feet before and after a roadside scene, and to slow down to 10 mph below the posted limit.
- Phones: with an instruction permit or intermediate license you cannot use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving, even hands-free.
Step 3: Retake Practice Until You Score Well Above 32
Because the real exam allows only 8 misses, keep practising 40-question sets until you score 37 or better twice in a row. Use the topic pages for the areas you still miss, and the Washington permit test summary for the format in one table.
Step 4: Know the Age and Practice-Hour Rules
If you enrol in a driver training course, you can apply for your permit as early as 15. Without a course, you can take the knowledge exam after you turn 15 and a half, but you must wait until 18 to take the skills exam. To get a first license at 16 or 17, the guide says you must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months, complete a traffic safety course, and log at least 40 hours of day driving and 10 hours of night driving with a licensed driver who has 3 or more years of experience. Early licences also carry restrictions, such as no driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian or licensed driver at least 25 is with you. Your pass is valid for 2 years, so you do not need to rush to book your skills exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Washington permit test?
40, and you must answer 32 correctly (80%), per the Washington Department of Licensing.
Is there a separate road signs test in Washington?
No. Road signs are part of the same 40-question driving knowledge exam.
How long is a Washington knowledge exam pass valid?
2 years, per the DOL.
What is Washington's THC limit for drivers?
The Washington Driver Guide gives 5.00 ng or more for adults 21 and over, and any THC above 0.00 ng for drivers under 21.
Can I use my phone with a Washington permit?
No. With an instruction permit or intermediate license you cannot use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving, even hands-free.
Are QuizCram questions the real Washington DOL questions?
No. They are original practice questions written from the Washington Driver Guide, with the guide section cited on each answer. QuizCram is not affiliated with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Sources
- Washington DOL — do I need to take a test? — 40 questions, 32 correct, 12 languages, 2-year validity, waiting period and fee.
- Washington Driver Guide (Washington State Department of Licensing, 2025) — parking distances, school zones, bicyclists, impaired-driving limits, move over law, phone rules and driver training requirements.
