Getting a Washington State Driver’s License
To get a Washington State driver’s license, you need to get an instruction permit and hold it for six months. You can take a 40-hour daylight and 10-hour night driving course with an approved school.
Practice Driving Requirements
To practice driving before your test, get a learner permit. You must drive with a licensed driver who has at least 5 years of experience.
Age Requirements and License Transfer
If 18 or older with a valid out-of-state license, see our Moving to Washington page to transfer it. You need a learner permit to take a course or practice driving. To practice, have: A permit to drive on public roads. A licensed driver with 5+ years of experience in the front passenger seat.
At 16, you can get an intermediate license to drive alone but with some limits. If you’re over 18 getting your first license, you can get a full license in a few weeks.
You only need ID and a Social Security Number for a standard license. This permit allows driving in Washington with a licensed driver supervising who has 5+ years of experience.
If getting your first Washington license or moving to the state, meet requirements. Be at least 16 years old. Finish and pass a driver training course.
Adults can pre-apply online on the DOL portal. Your license serves as ID instead of a State ID card. Note that getting a suspended license reinstated is complicated. Never drive if your license is suspended.
Teens can get permits and intermediate licenses with some freedom. Before 18, they get their full license. 18 and older skip permits by passing tests. Or get permit, take course, pass road test.
Transferring a Driver’s License to Washington State
To get a Washington State driver’s license, you need an instruction permit for six months. Take a 40-hour daylight and 10-hour night driving course.
Learner Permit for Practice Driving
Get a learner permit to practice before your test. Drive with a licensed driver with 5+ years of experience.
License Transfer and Age Requirements
If 18+ with a valid license, transfer it after moving. Get a permit to take a course or practice. To practice, have a permit and licensed driver.
At 16, get an intermediate license with some limits. If 18+, get a full license in weeks.
Only need ID and Social Security Number for a standard license. Permit allows supervised driving.
If first license or moving to state, meet requirements and be 16+. Finish and pass a course.
Adults can pre-apply on the DOL portal. License serves as ID instead of State ID. Reinstating a suspended license is complicated. Never drive if suspended.
Teens get permits and intermediate licenses with some freedom. Before 18, get their full license. 18+ skip permits by passing tests. Or get permit, take course, pass road test.