Permit Test Seattle — Get Your Learner's Permit
A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow the steps below to get your learner’s permit, so you can legally practice driving on Washington roads, meet the state’s behind-the-wheel requirements, and eventually obtain your license!
Step 1 Get a Washington Driver License (WDL) Number
Before you can apply for a learner’s permit online, you’ll need to pre-apply and get a Washington Driver License (WDL#) number. This number is required when you enroll in your driver’s training school.
About WDL numbers:
Washington learner permits, ID cards, and licenses all use a 12-digit number that starts with WDL. This number uniquely identifies you.
Step 2 Decide How You’ll Learn to Drive and Get Your Permit
There are two options for how to learn to drive and to apply for your WA permit:
Option 1: Take a Driver Training Course
If you are under 18 and want to obtain your driver’s license, you must complete an approved Traffic Safety Education (TSE) course before taking the knowledge and skills tests.
Step 1 Apply for Your Learner's Permit Online
If you’re at least 15 years old and plan to take a driver training course, you need a learner’s permit. Follow these steps:
- Provide your WDL number to us, and we will notify the Department of Licensing (DOL) that you’re enrolled in the course.
- Complete your online permit application no earlier than 10 days before the course starts (including weekends and holidays).
- If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must be present to provide permission for you to get your permit.
- Pay the permit fee of $25.
Step 2 Choose a Course Format
You can complete the required driver training in one of the following two formats:
-
30 hours of classroom instruction + 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training + 1 hour peer observation
-
30 hours of classroom instruction + 4 hours of video simulator + 5 hours of behind-the-wheel training + 1 hour peer observation
Safety First Driving School offers a comprehensive driver’s education program that caters to different learning styles. Our state-approved courses include online classroom instruction, video simulator training, and behind-the-wheel practice and observation to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
Here’s a breakdown:
- 30-Hour Online TSE Course and DOL- Approved Knowledge Test: You’ll learn road laws, safe driving practices, and defensive driving skills. These sessions fulfill the state’s traffic safety course requirements. Once you pass the written test, you can get your learner’s permit and begin the remaining steps to obtain your license if you’re under 18.
- 5 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training: These hands-on lessons offer real-world experience, helping teens build confidence and develop smart decision-making skills behind the wheel.
- 4 Hours of Video Training: Engaging videos reinforce key driving scenarios and safe practices to solidify learning.
- 1 Hour of Peer Observation: Teens have the opportunity to observe another student during their driving lesson, gaining valuable insight into universal driving techniques.
- DOL-Approved Skills Test:
Once you complete the TSE course, meet your behind-the-wheel instruction, observation, and at-home practice requirements, and are at least 16 years old, you can schedule and take the DOL-approved Skills test.
Explore our Teen Classes to see how we can support your teen in becoming a confident, responsible driver. At Safety First we provide a thorough approach to driver’s education, helping students meet state learning requirements, obtain a WA driver’s license, and prepare for a lifetime of safe driving.
Option 2: Learn Without a Driver Training Course
If you’re not enrolled in a driver training course, you’ll need to be at least 15 and a half years old to get your instruction permit. You’ll also need to wait until you turn 18 to get your driver’s license.
-
You still need to take the knowledge test at a DOL- approved location like Safety First Driving School.
-
Once you pass the knowledge test, complete your online permit application.
-
If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must be present to provide permission for you to get your permit.
-
Pay the permit fee of $25.
Step 3 Take the Washington State Knowledge Test
Teens may take the DOL-approved Knowledge Test at 15 ½ years old or after completing a Traffic Safety Education course. If you’re enrolled at Safety First Driving School, we offer the DOL-approved Knowledge Test through our website. Simply sign up for the permit test once you’ve completed the course, or as part of your package bundle.
What to Expect on the permit Test:
The knowledge test consists of 40 questions, and you must get 32 correct answers to pass.
The test covers a range of topics such as road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
The test takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Your score will be sent to the Department of Licensing within 24 hours.
How to Prepare for the Washington State Permit Test
- Study the Washington Driver Guide (available online in multiple languages).
- Take The practice test to familiarize yourself with the format.
- Schedule your permit test at either our Seattle or Shoreline locations.
- Once you pass the Knowledge Test, you’ll be able to pick up your learner permit at the Department of Licensing.
Step 4 When Will Your Instruction Permit Arrive?
Once you complete your application and pay the fee (either online or in the office), you will receive a temporary permit. This temporary permit will allow you to practice driving until your permanent permit arrives in the mail. Expect your permanent permit to arrive within 7-10 business days.
-
The permanent permit will be a hard plastic card, similar to an ID card or driver license, labeled “Instruction Permit” at the top.
-
If you don’t receive your permit within 30 days, contact 360-902-3900 (TTY: call 711).
Step 5 Requirements for Driving on Public Roads
To practice driving on public roads with your Washington State Instruction permit, you must meet the following requirements:
-
Have your valid learner’s permit with you while driving.
-
Be accompanied by a licensed driver who has at least 5 years of driving experience. You may have other passengers of any age.
-
No mobile device use while driving, unless you’re calling 911 in an emergency.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to obtaining your learner’s permit so you can legally practice driving on Washington roads. If you’re ready to get started, sign up for our Traffic Safety Education course and the DOL-approved Knowledge Test today!