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USA DMV

Getting your first Washington driver license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

  1. Hold your permit at least 6 months and log 40 daytime and 10 nighttime hours with a driver licensed 3+ years.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  2. Finish an approved driver training course (required before 18).

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  3. Schedule and pass the knowledge and drive tests at a testing location.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  4. If you are under 25, complete the free online work zone and first responder course.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  5. Apply online with a photo permit, or in person with a parent or a notarized Parental Authorization Affidavit.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  6. Follow intermediate license passenger and 1–5 a.m. limits until you turn 18.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

Instruction permit fee
$35 for 1 year.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Work zone and first responder course
Since November 1, 2026, first-time license applicants under 25 must pass a free online course (about an hour, 14 languages).Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
First driver license fee
$111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years ($50 application + $10/year + $1 technology fee), plus driving school fees if you take training.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

More in the Washington guide

Instruction permitSteps and official links →RenewalSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Moving to WashingtonSteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official Washington links

Agency home pagedol.wa.gov ↗Appointmentsdol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbookdol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)dol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbook (Spanish)dol.wa.gov ↗Online renewaldol.wa.gov ↗REAL IDdol.wa.gov ↗Permit and first licensedol.wa.gov ↗New residentsdol.wa.gov ↗Replace a licensedol.wa.gov ↗Feesdol.wa.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.