Washington DMV written test
Washington DMV Cheat Sheet
The Washington knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Washington DMV test numbers to memorize
The Washington knowledge test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 8. The test is given by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
40
Questions on the test
32
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
8
Questions you can miss
15
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $35. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based or paper test at DOL office or authorized testing location
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted at DOL offices. Testing also available at authorized third-party testing locations.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Washington
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of Washington residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Driver training course completion (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Washington retake rules
Washington DOL does not publish a retake wait, an attempt limit, or a statewide retest fee for the non-commercial knowledge test: it says only that there may be a waiting period before you can retest. Tests are given by licensed driver training schools and DOL-approved locations, whose fees vary by location. A passing knowledge score is valid for 2 years to complete the skills exam. CDL rules are published: the $35 CDL knowledge fee covers one attempt at each test within 90 days, and a failed CDL skills test means waiting 3 days, with no wait and no extra fee if a vehicle equipment failure caused it.
- CDL skills test, after first failure (CDL) after failure number 1: wait 3 days.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
Some retake details for Washington are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with DOL before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Washington
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15 (with driver training) or 15.5 (without). Must have parental consent. Must complete approved driver training course. Must hold permit for at least 6 months. Passenger and nighttime restrictions apply.
- Permit versus license
- A learner permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for 6 months before road test. A passing knowledge test score is valid for 2 years.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at Washington DOL offices or authorized third-party testing locations statewide.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail displayed on screen or given at completion. Passing score is valid for 2 years.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Washington: English, Spanish, Chinese (Traditional), Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Punjabi, Tagalog, and Ukrainian.
The study source is the Washington Driver Guide (2024-2025 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Washington practice questions
These free Washington questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
Blue signs with white symbols indicate:
Motorist services
About 50% get it right
- 4
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 5
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 6
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
Your plan
Free Washington study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Washington questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1