Quick answer. In Washington, most knowledge tests and drive tests are given at DOL approved driver training schools and testing locations, not at the driver licensing office. You book the test directly with the school, pay the school’s fee, and if you pass they send your score to DOL electronically. Then you book a separate DOL appointment to get the license issued.

That two step system catches a lot of people. Here is how to run it clean.

Who has to take the tests

• Anyone getting a first license or instruction permit
• Anyone whose out-of-state license is expired
• Most people transferring a license from another country (Germany, South Korea, and British Columbia Class 5 are exempt)
• Anyone DOL flags for a medical or physical condition

Valid US state license and 18 or older? No tests. Go straight to the license transfer guide.

Knowledge test

40 questions, you need 32 correct. Your score stays valid for 2 years. Fees vary by school, usually in the $20 to $35 range. Many schools let you take it same week and some offer walk-in testing, so this is rarely the bottleneck.

Drive test

Scored out of 100 and you need at least 80. Score is valid for 1 year. Fees vary by school and often land between $50 and $100. Bring:

• Your instruction permit or current license
• Proof of auto liability insurance for the vehicle
• A vehicle with valid registration and plates. Rental cars are allowed.
• A licensed driver to get you to the test, since you cannot legally drive there alone on a permit

Failed? You can retest, but schools set their own wait rules and fees, so ask before you leave.

How to schedule the test

Use the DOL driver training and testing location finder to see schools near you, then contact the school directly. In the Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma areas the popular schools book out two to four weeks for drive tests. Smaller schools in Kent, Auburn, Everett, Puyallup, or Olympia often have dates within a week.

Step three most people forget

Passing the test does not give you a license. Once your score posts to DOL, you still need a driver licensing office appointment to have the license issued. That DOL appointment is the slow part, often three to six weeks in metro offices.

Book the DOL appointment as soon as you schedule your drive test, not after you pass. If you pass, you are already in line. If you need to retest, reschedule. Read how to get a Washington DOL appointment fast for the full playbook.

Get a text the moment a Washington DOL appointment opens up

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the drive test at a Washington DOL office?
A few DOL testing locations exist, but the vast majority of tests are given at approved driver training schools. Check the DOL location finder.

How much does the Washington drive test cost?
Fees are set by each school. Expect roughly $50 to $100 for the drive test and $20 to $35 for the knowledge test.

How long is my passing score good for?
Knowledge test 2 years. Drive test 1 year.

Do teens have to do driver’s ed?
Yes. Under 18 requires an approved driver training course before a license is issued, and starting November 1, 2026 applicants under 25 also complete a free online safety course.