Washington DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
This page covers what you need to know for the Washington driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Washington-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Washington driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Washington test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass.
When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Washington-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.
Washington Permit Test and Licensing Facts
| Knowledge Test | 40 questions, must score 32/40 (80%) to pass |
| Minimum Permit Age | 15 |
| Minimum License Age | 16 |
| Speed Limits | Highway: up to 70 mph | Residential: 25 mph | School Zone: 20 mph |
| DUI Law | BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%) |
| Point System | No point system. Washington tracks violations and may require a reexamination or suspend for habitual offenders. |
Rules Specific to Washington
- Washington state does not use a driver's license point system
- Washington requires all drivers to use hands-free devices — holding a phone while driving is a primary offense
- Intermediate license holders under 18 cannot drive between 1 AM and 5 AM for the first year
Sample Washington Permit Test Questions
These questions cover rules that are specific to Washington. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.
What BAC level (within 2 hours after driving) is the per se limit for DUI for drivers age 21+?
- A. 0.05%
- B. 0.08%
- C. 0.10%
- D. 0.02%
Answer: 0.08%. A BAC of 0.08% or higher within two hours after driving is a per se DUI level for adults. Impairment can still be charged at lower levels.
For a driver under age 21, driving after consuming alcohol becomes illegal at what minimum alcohol concentration (within 2 hours after driving)?
- A. 0.00%
- B. 0.01%
- C. 0.02%
- D. 0.05%
Answer: 0.02%. Under-21 drivers are subject to a lower alcohol concentration threshold. Even small amounts can trigger penalties.
A child who is under what height must be properly secured in a booster seat (unless otherwise properly restrained as allowed by law)?
- A. Under 4 feet 0 inches
- B. Under 4 feet 5 inches
- C. Under 4 feet 9 inches
- D. Under 5 feet 0 inches
Answer: Under 4 feet 9 inches. Children under 4'9" generally must ride in a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly. Proper restraint helps position the lap and shoulder belt correctly.
If you cannot safely change lanes away from a stopped emergency/work vehicle, how much must you slow down when the posted speed limit is 60 mph or less?
- A. At least 5 mph below the posted limit
- B. At least 10 mph below the posted limit
- C. To no more than 55 mph
- D. To no more than 50 mph
Answer: At least 10 mph below the posted limit. If you can’t move over, you must slow down significantly and pass with caution. When the posted limit is 60 mph or less, the required reduction is at least 10 mph.
Unless a different speed is posted, what is the maximum lawful speed on city and town streets under the basic rule?
- A. 20 mph
- B. 25 mph
- C. 30 mph
- D. 35 mph
Answer: 25 mph. The statutory maximum on city and town streets is 25 mph unless signs set a different limit. Always adjust your speed for conditions.
How long must a Washington teen hold an instruction permit before getting a license?
- A. 3 months
- B. 6 months
- C. 9 months
- D. 12 months
Answer: 6 months. You must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months and be at least 16.
What minimum traffic safety course does Washington require?
- A. 10 hours classroom and 2 hours driving
- B. 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel
- C. 24 hours classroom and 8 hours driving
- D. No course
Answer: 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel. A traffic safety course must include at least 30 classroom hours and 6 behind-the-wheel hours.
How much driving experience must a Washington parent certify for a teen's first license?
- A. 30 hours
- B. 40 hours
- C. 50 hours, including 10 at night
- D. 60 hours
Answer: 50 hours, including 10 at night. You need at least 50 hours (40 day and 10 night), and no violations in the last 6 months.
For the first 6 months with a Washington intermediate license, who may ride with you?
- A. Anyone
- B. No passengers under 20 except immediate family
- C. Up to 3 friends
- D. Only adults over 25
Answer: No passengers under 20 except immediate family. No passengers under 20 except immediate family for 6 months; then up to 3 under 20 until 18 or one year.
Can Washington permit or intermediate license holders use a phone while driving?
- A. Yes, hands-free
- B. No, not even hands-free, except to report an emergency
- C. Yes, at red lights
- D. Only for navigation
Answer: No, not even hands-free, except to report an emergency. Permit and intermediate license holders can't use a phone or mobile device while driving, even hands-free, except to report an emergency.
What is the Washington school zone speed limit?
- A. 15 mph
- B. 20 mph
- C. 25 mph
- D. 30 mph
Answer: 20 mph. The school zone speed limit is 20 mph.
Can you pass a Washington school bus using a center turn lane?
- A. Yes
- B. No, drivers in all turn lanes must stop
- C. Only if the bus is on the other side
- D. Only after 5 p.m.
Answer: No, drivers in all turn lanes must stop. Don't use a center turn lane to pass a school bus; drivers in all turn lanes must stop.
Under Washington's Move Over law, what must you do if you can't move over for a stopped emergency or roadside response vehicle?
- A. Keep your speed
- B. Slow down to at least 10 mph below the limit, and never exceed 50 mph
- C. Stop behind it
- D. Slow to 25 mph
Answer: Slow down to at least 10 mph below the limit, and never exceed 50 mph. Move to a farther lane or slow to at least 10 mph below the limit, and never drive faster than 50 mph in an emergency zone.
In Washington, you may not park within how many feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 20 feet
- C. 30 feet
- D. 50 feet
Answer: 30 feet. Don't park within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign, or within 5 feet of a driveway.
When must Washington drivers switch from high beams to regular headlights?
- A. 200 feet from an oncoming vehicle
- B. 500 feet from an oncoming vehicle, 300 feet when behind another vehicle
- C. 1,000 feet from any vehicle
- D. Only in cities
Answer: 500 feet from an oncoming vehicle, 300 feet when behind another vehicle. Switch back when 500 feet in front of an oncoming vehicle and 300 feet when behind one.
When does Washington law require headlights?
- A. From sunset to sunrise
- B. From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise
- C. Only when it's raining
- D. Only on highways
Answer: From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
What can happen in Washington if you refuse a test for alcohol or drugs?
- A. Nothing
- B. Loss of driving privilege for 90 to 730 days, or until age 21 if longer
- C. A $50 fine
- D. A 7-day suspension
Answer: Loss of driving privilege for 90 to 730 days, or until age 21 if longer. Refusal can cost your driving privilege for 90 to 730 days, or until 21, whichever is longer.
How many days do you have to respond to a Washington traffic ticket to avoid a suspension?
- A. 7 days
- B. 15 days
- C. 30 days
- D. 60 days
Answer: 15 days. Follow the instructions on the ticket within 15 days to avoid having your driving privileges suspended.
How much space must you leave when passing a bicyclist in Washington?
- A. At least 2 feet
- B. At least 3 feet
- C. At least 5 feet
- D. Half a lane
Answer: At least 3 feet. Leave at least 3 feet, and move over a full lane when there are two lanes in your direction.
Washington Permit Test FAQ
How many questions are on the Washington permit test?
The Washington knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 32 correct answers (80%) to pass.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Washington?
The minimum age for a learner's permit in Washington is 15. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16.
What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Washington?
Washington calls impaired driving DUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.
How does the Washington driver point system work?
No point system. Washington tracks violations and may require a reexamination or suspend for habitual offenders.
What are the default speed limits in Washington?
Typical limits in Washington are up to 70 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 20 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.
Sources
The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Washington government sources:
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.502
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.503
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.687
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.400
- https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-and-testing/driver-guides
Facts and questions last checked against the Washington Driver Guide on September 26, 2026.
Laws change. Always check the current Washington driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Washington government agency.