Driving Tests

Washington Instruction Permit: Age 15 With Driver's Ed or 15½ Without

informational·how to guide·Published July 21, 2026

How do you get an instruction permit in Washington?

In Washington you can get an instruction permit at 15 if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course, or at 15½ without a course after you pass the knowledge test (32 of 40 correct). The permit costs $35 (as of 2026) and is valid for 1 year. A licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience must sit beside you.

Where the Washington permit rules come from

The rules come from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) learner permit page, RCW 46.20.055 and the DOL driver licensing fees page. The DOL 16 and 17 license page, the DOL knowledge test page, RCW 46.20.1191 and the 2025 Washington Driver Guide give the supporting details. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing (dol.wa.gov) before you drive.

Age 15 or age 15½: which route fits you?

You are 15 and enrolled in an approved driver training course

You can apply for the permit now. Washington law lets DOL waive the knowledge test when you are enrolled at the time you apply. You can apply up to 10 days before the course starts, so you can drive during the course. See the question on when to apply while enrolled in a course.

You are 15½ or older and have not enrolled in a course

You must pass the knowledge test first, then you get the permit. Without a course, you cannot get a license before you turn 18. If you turn 18 in 2027 or later, Washington law also requires a driver training course for a first license at 18, unless DOL delays the rule.

You are under 15, or 15 and not enrolled in a course

You cannot get a permit yet. Enroll in an approved course to apply at 15, or wait until 15½ and pass the knowledge test.

Steps to get your Washington instruction permit

1
Log in to License Express (or create an account) and pre-apply. DOL gives you a Washington Driver License (WDL) number.
2
With a course: pick a course from the DOL list of approved driver training courses, and give your WDL number to the driver training school. The school tells DOL that you are enrolled.
3
Without a course: study the Washington Driver Guide, then pass the knowledge test in person at an approved testing location.
4
Complete the permit application. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be with you to give permission online.
5
Pay the $35 permit fee, online or in a driver licensing office.
6
Carry your temporary paper permit until the permanent card arrives by mail. The card is labeled "Instruction Permit".

What is a WDL number?

A WDL number is a unique 12-digit number that identifies you. It appears on permits, ID cards and licenses. You get it when you pre-apply in License Express, and your driver training school asks for it when you enroll. You may already have one if you have a valid or expired Washington ID card, filled out an earlier DOL application or got a ticket in the past. If you do not remember it, call DOL at 360-902-3900.

Who can ride with you on an instruction permit?

A licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience must sit in the seat beside you. A driver training instructor also counts. Other passengers of any age can ride in the car. Keep your permit with you. A driver with only 3 years of experience cannot supervise you on a public road. See the question on who can supervise a permit holder for a worked example.
No phone, even hands-free, unless you report a crime, call for emergency help or prevent an injury.

The knowledge test: score, cost and retakes

The knowledge test is a written multiple-choice test. You need 32 out of 40 correct answers, and a pass is good for 2 years. You take it in person at an approved testing location. The fee varies by location, so ask the location before you go. If you fail, there may be a waiting period before you can retest. The Washington permit test guide covers the test in detail.

What an instruction permit costs in Washington

What an instruction permit costs in Washington
Item	Cost (U.S. dollars, as of 2026)
Instruction permit	$35
Permit renewal or additional permit	$25 for 1 year
Knowledge test	Varies by testing location
Driver training school	Additional school fees

How long is the permit valid, and can you renew it?

A permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. DOL says you can renew it, online in License Express or by appointment at an office, for $25. Washington law lets DOL issue one additional one-year permit. DOL can issue a third permit only after it finds that you are working to improve your driving. If you still need a permit after the renewals, you must retake the knowledge test unless you are enrolled in a driver training course.

What comes after the permit?

To get a license at 16 or 17, hold the permit for at least 6 months and finish an approved course: 30 hours in class and 6 hours behind the wheel. Online, self-paced courses do not count. You also log 50 hours of driving, 10 of them at night. Your supervisor for those hours must be at least 21 and have held a license for 3 years. From November 1, 2026, first-time applicants under 25 also pass a free online work zone and first responder course before they get a license. Read the Washington license at 16 and 17 guide for the next steps.

Key takeaways

You can get a Washington instruction permit at 15 if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course, or at 15½ if you pass the knowledge test.
Without a course, you cannot get a license before you turn 18.
The permit costs $35, is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for $25.
Bring a licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience on every public-road practice drive, and do not use a phone, even hands-free.
Next step: practice on the free Washington personal driver practice test.

Washington instruction permit: common questions

Do I need a permit if I am 18 or older?

Not to get a license. At 18 or older, you can pass the knowledge and drive tests and get your first license with no permit (under 25, also the free work zone course). From January 1, 2027, first-time applicants aged 18 need a driver training course too; the age limit rises each year, to under 22 from 2030. To practice on public roads first, get a permit and drive with a licensed driver with at least 5 years of experience.

Can I use my permit from another state in Washington?

No. DOL does not trade in a permit from another state. If you are 15½, you can take the Washington knowledge test and get a new permit. If you are younger, you must take an approved driver education course. Call DOL at 360-902-3900 if you already took a course.

Can I drive in another state with my Washington permit?

Maybe not. Your Washington permit might not be valid for driving in another state. Before a trip, confirm that the state you visit will honor your permit. Do not drive there on the permit until you have that answer.

Can my online driver's ed course count for a license before 18?

No. DOL does not approve online, self-paced courses for a license before 18. Pick a course from the DOL list of approved driver training courses, and ask the school for the class and behind-the-wheel hours before you pay.

My permit card has not come in the mail. What should I do?

Keep driving on your temporary paper permit, and carry it on every practice drive. The permanent card is a hard plastic card with "Instruction Permit" in the header, and it comes by mail. If it has not arrived 30 days after you applied, call DOL at 360-902-3900.