What is on the license tests? How do I prepare?

Knowledge test: This test consists of 40 multiple choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 of them correctly to pass. Driving schools are only permitted to offer the test in written form (no computers). The best and only way to prepare is to read the State Driver's Guide, which is free.

You can get one on our website here, or by visiting a DOL license office and requesting a paper copy. Please don't waste time or money on bogus online practice tests! We have seen them all, and none of them are helpful.

Driving test: The skills exam takes about 15-20 minutes and covers 5 maneuvers (that's it!). We don't drive on the freeway, and 15 minutes goes by pretty quickly! Learn more about the driving test here.

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Do you offer CDL or motorcycle license testing?

We do not. You can find info on CDL testing options here and options on motorcycle endorsement tests here.

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Can I start driver's ed on my 15th birthday?

Yes! You must be 15 years old by the start of the first classroom session. You can also obtain an instruction permit within 10 days of the start of the first classroom session, as long as you are at least 15 years old.

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How do I get my permit?

If you are 15-1/2 years of age or older - Simply pass the state knowledge test (you can take it with us), then apply at the DOL for a permit. Currently, you can schedule an appointment to get an instruction permit, or get a non-photo instruction permit through License Express.

If you are enrolled in a driver's ed course - You can get a permit through the "waiver" process, which exempts you from having to pass the state knowledge test first (you'll have to take the test eventually, though). You can enroll in a driver's ed course as long as you are 15 years old by the start of the 3rd classroom session, and get your permit as early as your 15th birthday.

The waiver process works like this:

   Step 1: Sign up for the Washington license number. If you have a WA state ID card, you already have this number.

   Step 2:  Tell us the license number, and we tell the DOL that you are enrolled in a course.

   Step 3: No sooner than 10 days before the first classroom session, you can get a permit online through License Express, or by appointment at a DOL office. If you get the permit online, you can print a temporary paper permit at home and the plastic card will be mailed to you within 2-3 weeks. If you go in person, they'll give you a temporary paper permit and mail the plastic card within 2-3 weeks.

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How do the classes and driving lessons work?

Classroom sessions are held as a group, between 20 and 30 students in a class. We meet for 17 sessions that last 2 hours each (total of 34 hours). We provide the workbook, and you'll use it to follow along as we cover driving concepts and knowledge. You can miss classes if you can't make it, but they must be made up at some point in the future.

Driving lessons are held outside of the classroom sessions, and are scheduled individually. We offer driving lessons every weekday, and have some limited Saturday and Sunday lessons available in some locations. We'll help you build a schedule that works with your calendar, and won't force you to take driving lesson times that you don't want. If you cannot make it to a driving lesson, we do ask for at least 24 hours notice to avoid a late cancellation fee.

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What order do I have to complete all of the steps to get a license?

There are a number of steps to obtain a driver license if you are under age 18. Some of them have to be done in order, and some do not. First, you'll need to get a permit, since you have to hold one for 6 months before applying for the driver license. During that 6 months, you can:

   • Attend and complete a driver's ed course

   • Pass the state knowledge test (must complete driver's ed classroom portion)

   • Pass the state driving test (must pass the knowledge test and driver's ed first)

The driver's ed course results do not expire. The state knowledge test results are valid for 2 years, and the state driving test results are valid for 1 year. You'll need to obtain your license within that 1 year when your driving test results are valid.

Most teen drivers follow this path:

    1) Sign up for a driver's ed course

   2) Get a permit 10 days before the first classroom session, no test required

   3) Attend driver's ed classes

   4) Take the state knowledge test once the classes end

   5) Finish the driving lessons and complete the driver's ed course

   6) Take the state driving test within 30 days of finishing the course

   7) Wait until the 6 months has passed and you are age 16 or older

Alternatively, if you are 15-1/2 years of age or older, you can take and pass the state knowledge test to get a permit that way, before signing up for driver's ed. That will start your 6-month permit countdown clock, and you can finish the other steps within those 6 months.



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