Based on Washington DOL Handbook 2026
Washington DMV Permit Practice Test 40 Questions 2026
Medium difficulty
⏱ ~24 min
📊 Avg. first-try score: 71%
Perfect for: Learner's permit applicants • First-time license applicants in Washington
This practice test mirrors the exact format of the real WA DMV permit test: 40 multiple-choice questions, need 32/40 to pass (80%). Topics covered match the official 2026 Washington DOL Driver Handbook.
How the WA DMV Permit Test Works
The Washington knowledge test is administered in person at any Washington DOL driver license office. Understanding the format helps you prepare effectively and avoid surprises on test day.
| Detail | DOL Requirement |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 40 multiple-choice |
| Passing score | 32/40 (80%) |
| Questions you can miss | Up to 8 |
| Time limit | No time limit (take your time) |
| Test format | In-person at DMV offices or Online where eligible |
| Retake wait period | Can retake after 1 day if failed |
What the 40 Questions Cover
The DOL knowledge test draws questions from across the official Washington Driver Handbook. Here is a breakdown of the topic areas and approximate number of questions in each category.
| Topic Area | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|
| Traffic laws & speed limits | ~10 questions |
| Road signs & signals | ~8 questions |
| Safe driving practices | ~6 questions |
| GDL rules & teen driving restrictions | ~6 questions |
| Alcohol & drug laws | ~6 questions |
| Right-of-way & parking rules | ~4 questions |
Study Tip
Focus on state-specific rules that differ from neighboring states — GDL ages, curfew times, BAC thresholds, and department-specific retake policies are frequently tested and easy to confuse.
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Questions are created and maintained by the DMV Question Bank content team following a rigorous editorial process. Content is updated regularly to reflect the latest Washington Driver Handbook and Washington traffic laws.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Washington DOL knowledge test, and what is the passing score?
The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions based directly on the official Washington Driver Guide. You need to answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 8 questions; missing 9 results in a fail. Passing test results are valid for 2 years.
What are the age requirements to get an Instruction Permit in Washington?
In Washington State, you can apply for an Instruction Permit at age 15 if you are enrolled in a state-approved driver training course. If you are not enrolled in driver education, you must be at least 15½ years old and pass the 40-question DOL knowledge test first. All applicants must pre-apply online at dol.wa.gov to obtain a WDL number.
What is Washington's supervising driver requirement for permit holders?
Under Washington State law (RCW 46.20.055), an Instruction Permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver who has at least 5 years of total licensed driving experience. The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat next to the driver at all times.
How many supervised driving hours are required for a Washington teen before licensing?
Washington teens must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 10 hours completed at night. The practice must be supervised by a licensed driver with 5+ years of driving experience and logged in the official Washington driving log.
What restrictions apply under Washington's Intermediate Driver License (IDL)?
For the first 6 months, no passengers under age 20 are allowed (except immediate family). For the second 6 months, a maximum of 3 passengers under age 20 are allowed. Additionally, driving is prohibited between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. during the entire first year unless accompanied by a licensed adult age 25 or older.
What is Washington's E-DUI and cell phone law for new drivers?
Washington's E-DUI law (RCW 46.61.672) bans all drivers from holding personal electronic devices while driving. For drivers with an Instruction Permit or Intermediate License, there is a complete zero-tolerance prohibition on all wireless communication devices, including hands-free, Bluetooth, and speakerphone.
What are the default statutory speed limits in Washington State?
Unless otherwise posted, default speed limits in Washington are: 20 mph in school zones when children or flashing beacons are present; 25 mph on city streets and residential areas; 50 mph on county roads; 60 mph on state highways; and 60 to 70 mph on interstate freeways.
What parking distance rules are tested on the Washington DOL exam?
Under Washington law (RCW 46.61.570), you cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic light, 50 feet of a railroad crossing, or 20 feet of a fire station driveway. When parallel parked, tires must be within 12 inches of the curb.
When must Washington drivers stop for a stopped school bus?
On two-lane roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop paddle. On roadways with three or more lanes (or divided highways with physical medians), only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
What are Washington's legal limits for DUI alcohol and cannabis (THC)?
In Washington State (RCW 46.61.502), the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC for adults 21+, and 0.02% (Zero Tolerance) for drivers under 21. For cannabis, the legal limit is 5.00 ng/mL THC for drivers 21+, and 0.00 ng/mL (absolute zero tolerance) for drivers under 21. Refusing a test results in an automatic 1-year license revocation.