Sign Up for Your DOL approved Washington Drivers Ed Knowledge Test in Seattle
Get Your Permit with Confidence at Safety First Driving School!
Safety First Driving School is a Department of Licensing (DOL) approved testing site, and we offer the Washington State Knowledge Test at both our Seattle and Shoreline locations.
Why Choose Safety First Driving School?
- Affordable and accessible: The Knowledge Exam is $35, with a second attempt at only $18.
- Multiple Languages: We offer the test in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, and Japanese, plus an option for an Amharic translator.
- Two Convenient Locations: Take the test at either our Seattle or Shoreline locations.
Ready to ace your Washington State DOL Knowledge Test?
Buy now for only $35 and get on the road to driving!
What You Need to Know:
You must take the written knowledge test in-person at a DOL- approved testing site. Safety First is DOL-approved, and you can take your test at our Seattle or Shoreline school.
Test Price: $35 for your first attempt
$18 for a retake (second attempts must be scheduled via phone).
Identification Requirements: Valid photo ID with your birthdate and your Washington Driver's License Number (WDL#) from pre-applying with the Washington Department of Licensing.
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to take the Knowledge Test to then get a learner's permit.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must provide documents and parental consent for a learner's permit.
If you are 18 or older, you can apply for a driver's license without having held a learner's permit, but you must still pass the knowledge test.
Where You Can Take the Shoreline or Seattle Driving Knowledge Test:
Multiple LocationsTwo convenient locations
Ready to ace your Washington State DOL Knowledge Test?
Buy now for only $35 and get on the road to driving!
Why Pass the Knowledge Test?
Passing the Knowledge Test is your first step toward obtaining your Washington State Learner’s Permit. Once you pass, you’ll be eligible to take your driving lessons and move forward with the Skills Test when you’re ready.
What to Expect on the Washington State DOL-Approved Knowledge Test
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) Knowledge Test is designed to assess your understanding of the state’s traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Here’s what you can expect:
Format of the Test
Multiple Choice: The test consists of multiple-choice questions covering a variety of topics, including road signs, rules of the road, traffic signals, and safe driving practices.
Length of the Test: The exam typically has 40 questions, and you’ll need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
Topics Covered on the Test
Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road:
Speed Limits: Knowing the legal speed limits for different areas, such as residential streets, highways, and construction zones.
Right-of-Way:Understanding who has the right-of-way in various situations, such as at intersections, crosswalks, and roundabouts.
Traffic Signals and Signs: Recognizing the meanings of traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, and other regulatory and warning signs.
Lane Usage: Rules for lane changes, passing other vehicles, and using carpool lanes.
Parking Laws: Knowing the rules regarding parking, including no-parking zones, parallel parking, and parking near fire hydrants.
Following and Safe Stopping Distances: Understanding proper following distances and how to stop safely behind other vehicles.
Road Signs and Signals
Regulatory Signs: Signs that provide rules for drivers (e.g., stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs).
Warning Signs:Signs that warn about road hazards or changes in road conditions (e.g., curve ahead, pedestrian crossing, railroad crossing).
Guide Signs: Signs that provide directional information, such as highway signs, mile markers, and exit signs.
Pavement Markings: Understand lane markings, crosswalks, and other pavement symbols.
Safe Driving Practices
Defensive Driving: Tips for anticipating hazards and avoiding accidents, such as keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and scanning the road ahead.
Driving in Different Conditions: How to adjust your driving for weather conditions (e.g., rain, fog, snow) or road conditions (e.g., icy roads, potholes).
Use of Seatbelts: The importance of wearing seatbelts and laws regarding seatbelt use for all passengers in the vehicle.
Speed Control: How to adjust your speed based on weather, traffic, and roadway conditions.
Use of Turn Signals: The proper use of turn signals when changing lanes or making turns.
Alcohol and Drug Awareness
Impaired DrivingThe effects of alcohol, drugs, and medication on driving abilities.
Legal Limits:Understanding the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers and the consequences of driving under the influence.
DUI Penalties:The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including license suspension and fines.
Basic Vehicle Operation
Vehicle Controls:Understanding the functions of basic car controls (e.g., brakes, accelerator, steering wheel, windshield wipers, headlights).
Starting and Stopping:Proper techniques for starting and stopping a vehicle, including how to park safely.
Sharing the Road
Pedestrians and Bicyclists:Rules for safely sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists.
School BusesLaws related to stopping when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children.
Motorcycles:Basic rules for safely driving near motorcycles and other vehicles.
Traffic Collisions and Emergency Situations
What to Do After a Collision:Steps to take if you’re involved in a collision, including providing your information, calling emergency services, and exchanging details with other drivers.
First Aid and Emergency Response: Basic knowledge of how to respond to accidents, such as helping injured individuals or calling for help.
Licensing Laws
Learner’s Permit Requirements:Requirements for obtaining a learner's permit, including age requirements and supervised driving rules.
Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL): The GDL system in Washington for new drivers, including restrictions on night driving and passenger limits for drivers under 18.
License Renewal and Suspension: Understanding how to renew your license and what may cause your license to be suspended or revoked.
Special Driving Situations
Driving in Work Zones: How to navigate through construction zones safely.
Roundabouts and Intersections:Rules for entering, exiting, and navigating roundabouts and other types of intersections.
Railroad Crossings: How to approach and cross railroad tracks safely.
Language Options:
The Knowledge Test is available in several languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Amharic (with a translator).
Test Environment:
1 Hour Limit:While there is a time limit for completing the test, most people finish it in 45 minutes.
Quiet and Focused Atmosphere:The test is administered in a quiet, controlled environment where you can focus without distractions.
Passing the Test:
Score Requirement: You must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly (32 out of 40).
What Happens After You Pass:Once you pass the Knowledge Test, you are eligible to receive your learner’s permit. Then you can begin practicing behind the wheel with a professional instructor, and guardian for at-home practice.
Tips for Success:
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Study Ahead of Time: The Washington State Driver Guide is an excellent resource for preparing for the test.
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Take Practice Tests: There are online practice tests available that mimic the format of the actual exam. These can help you get a feel for the types of questions you’ll encounter.
By preparing well and knowing what to expect, you’ll be ready to take the Knowledge Test and move one step closer to getting your driver’s permit, then license!