Washington Driver's License at 18 or Older: Tests, Permit, 2027 Rule
Do you need driver's ed to get a Washington driver's license at 18 or older?
Not today. A Washington applicant 18 or older can get a first license by passing the knowledge test (32 of 40 correct) and the drive test (80 out of 100), with no driver training course or permit. From November 1, 2026, applicants under 25 also pass a free online work zone course. From January 1, 2027, first-time applicants aged 18 need driver training, rising to under 22 by 2030.
Where these Washington rules come from
The rules come from RCW 46.20.1191, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) page for a first license at 18 or older and the DOL page on knowledge and drive tests. Voucher details come from the 2025 session law (ESHB 1878, chapter 299) and the December 2025 and January 2026 DOL reports to the Legislature, as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing (dol.wa.gov) before you drive.
Washington first license at 18: today and from 2027
| Step | Today (before January 1, 2027) | From January 1, 2027, at age 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver training course | Not needed | Needed |
| Instruction permit | Not needed for the tests; needed to practice on public roads | Needed to enroll in a course and to practice |
| Knowledge and drive tests | 32 of 40 correct; at least 80 out of 100 | Still required, in addition to the course |
| Work zone and first responder course | Free online course for first-time applicants under 25, from November 1, 2026 | Same course for applicants under 25, until January 1, 2031 |
Do you need a permit first at 18 or older?
No, if you only plan to take the tests. You need an instruction permit (DOL calls it a learner permit) to practice on public roads before the drive test, and to enroll in a driver training course. While you practice, a licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience sits in the front passenger seat, and you may not use a phone unless you call 911. The question on who can supervise a 19-year-old permit holder tests this rule. The Washington instruction permit guide has the permit steps.
Which tests do you take at 18 or older?
With a permit or with no license, you take the knowledge test and the drive test. Each test has a fee that varies by testing location. The knowledge test is a written multiple-choice test, and you need 32 of 40 correct answers. A pass is good for 2 years, so a score from 20 months ago still counts when you book the drive test. The drive test needs at least 80 out of 100. Bring proof of auto liability insurance and a vehicle with valid registration, tabs and plates; a rental car is allowed. At your license appointment, you also take a vision screening test.
Who must take driver training from 2027 to 2030
| Starting | Who needs a course for a first license |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | At least 18 and under 19 |
| January 1, 2028 | At least 18 and under 20 |
| January 1, 2029 | At least 18 and under 21 |
| January 1, 2030 | At least 18 and under 22 |
Where to take the course, and who can skip it
Are driver's ed vouchers available in Washington?
- The law starts a voucher program on January 1, 2027, only if the state appropriates money for it.
- Vouchers are for people at least 15 and under 25 in low-income households, and they cover up to the average cost of a course.
- The program does not create an entitlement to voucher funds.
- In a December 2025 report, DOL proposed an income limit of 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and $450 vouchers (U.S. dollars), paid from $2.4 million in 2027.
- DOL expects demand for vouchers to be higher than the funds.
Can DOL pause the 2027 rule?
Yes. Under RCW 46.20.1191, DOL may, by rule, pause or delay the driver training rule if its review finds too few courses or instructors for the next age group. From 2027 to 2030, the rule adds an estimated 53 percent more new drivers who need training, and driver training school owners have reported concerns about hiring and training enough instructors. If you turn 18 near January 1, 2027, check with DOL before you book a course.
Work zone course and safe driving course for drivers under 25
From November 1, 2026, DOL requires first-time applicants under 25 to pass a free online work zone and first responder course that takes about one hour. The law says May 1, 2026, and lets DOL waive the course if it is not available when you apply. The work zone and first responder course guide has the details. From January 1, 2027, a safe driving course also applies to new license holders aged 18 to under 25 who get moving-violation tickets on two occasions.
Key takeaways
- Until January 1, 2027, a Washington adult can get a first license with the knowledge test (32 of 40) and the drive test (80 out of 100), with no driver's ed and no permit.
- From January 1, 2027, a first-time applicant aged 18 needs a driver training course. The age limit rises to under 22 by January 1, 2030.
- From November 1, 2026, first-time applicants under 25 also pass a free online work zone and first responder course.
- Vouchers depend on state funding, and DOL can pause the 2027 rule if there are too few courses or instructors.
- Next step: practice the rules of the road on the free Washington personal driver practice test, which is in English only.
Washington license at 18 or older: common questions
Do I need a permit to enroll in driver's ed at 18?
Yes. DOL says you need a learner permit if you enroll in a driver training course or plan to practice driving on public roads. You can skip the permit only when you go straight to the knowledge and drive tests with no practice on public roads.
Does the driver's ed rule apply if I am 22 or older?
No. Once the phase-in ends on January 1, 2030, the rule covers first-time applicants from 18 to under 22. At 22 or older, you take the knowledge and drive tests with no driver training course. Until you turn 25, you still pass the free work zone and first responder course.
Is driver's ed free in Washington for adults?
No. In a December 2025 report, DOL put the average course cost at $600 to $800 (U.S. dollars), depending on location. Only the work zone and first responder course is free. A voucher program for low-income people aged 15 to under 25 may help from 2027, if the state funds it.
Can I take the driver training course online?
Partly. The law encourages licensed driver training schools to use a self-paced online course, or parts of one, for the classroom part, as DOL authorizes and certifies it. The behind-the-wheel lessons are a separate part of the course. Ask the school which parts it gives online before you enroll.
What happens if I get two tickets soon after my first license?
From January 1, 2027, a first-time license holder aged 18 to under 25 with moving-violation tickets on two occasions must complete a safe driving course. Several tickets from one traffic stop count as one occasion. If you do not finish the course within 180 days of DOL's notice, DOL suspends your license until you do.
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