Washington State DOL offers standard driver’s licenses to adults and teens who meet the proficiency requirements. Getting your DL is a huge milestone. The process for teens involves getting an instructional permit, receiving driver’s training, and passing all tests. Instructional permits are not mandatory for adults seeking a driver’s license, making their process shorter.
Here is an outline of all requirements for Washington’s Department of Licensing:
Proof of Identity
The age requirement for teens seeking an intermediate driver’s license is at least 16. Standard licenses are only offered to drivers above the age of 18. When applying for either license at Washington’s DOL, you need to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) and another identity document.
Here are various acceptable identity documents you can use at the Department of Licensing:
- A stand-alone document like the US passport, an instructional permit, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, or military ID. Parents or guardians helping teens get an instructional permit can issue a valid US driver’s license as an identity document.
- Two A-list identity documents including foreign passports, particular foreign ID cards, valid US Visa or US passports.
- One A-list identity document alongside two B list documents. These include a marriage certificate, foreign country’s ID or driver’s license, adoption papers, original birth certificate, or professional license
- Four B-list documents. Verify that you only provide documents that establish your name and date of birth.
Pass Driver’s License Tests
There are tests that each potential driver must pass before getting a Washington driver’s license. Driver’s license tests mostly apply to new drivers, but DOL officials might recommend some tests to verify that you are safe to drive. For example, new residents in Washington with expired out-of-state licenses must take a knowledge and driving test. The aim is to confirm they are familiar with Washington’s traffic laws and road safety practices before obtaining a new license.
Here is an explanation of the driver’s license test you must pass:
Driver’s Training Course
Taking a driver’s training course is mandatory for new drivers to help them learn everything about driving. Experienced drivers can take the course for several reasons, including:
- To help remedy bad driving habits
- Help out-of-skill drivers regain confidence on the roads
- Sharpen or master complex driving skills like parallel parking
- Learn Washington’s traffic and road safety rules
- Practice defensive driving
You should only take a driver’s training course from Washington State DOL-approved instructors. Their understanding of Washington state traffic and road safety laws translates into productive lessons.
Knowledge Exam
After completing the driver’s training course, you are ready for the knowledge test. The knowledge test is a written exam evaluating your understanding of Washington’s traffic signs, laws, and road safety practices.
All the material you need to ace your knowledge test is available on Washington’s driver’s guide. The guide is a substitute for reviewing information you received during your training course. After studying, you can gauge your understanding of Washington’s traffic laws using a practice test.
Before taking the test, you will have to pay a fee and submit a receipt. The passing score for Washington’s knowledge test is 32 out of 40 questions (80%). Acing the knowledge test is valid for two years. If you fail, you will enter into a waiting period before retaking the test.
Vision Test
Washington’s Department of Licensing only offers driver’s licenses to competent individuals. They will need to establish that you can see clearly before providing you with a driver’s license. Sight affects most driving decisions and reactions, so drivers need great vision.
Several medical conditions can affect your vision, so a vision test can help determine their effect on your driving ability. You may need an in-depth examination to confirm that you can drive comfortably. Washington DOL requires that all motorists pass the vision test before getting a driver’s license to ensure safety on the roads.
Road Test
Road tests help evaluate your skills behind the wheel and how you apply traffic law knowledge in the real world. You will need to bring your own vehicle to testing locations for the road test. The vehicle must be in perfect working condition, meaning it should have:
- Valid insurance
- Adequate fuel for the test
- Proper visibility through all windows
- It should be in good mechanical condition: working lights, wipers, seatbelts, headlights, and brakes.
The road test evaluates different aspects of driving, including:
- The use of indicators and hand signals when turning or communicating with other motorists
- Brake reaction in emergencies
- Starting and stopping in traffic and when parking
- Judging the distance between you and the car in front
Get Your Washington State DOL
Getting a driver’s license in Washington requires adults and teens to have proof of identity. You must show proficiency in Washington’s traffic rules for written and road tests. To increase your chances of getting your Washington state DOL, you should enroll in the best driver’s education course.
