Get a Drivers License in Washington

A) Make Sure You're Eligible for a Driver's License

Intermediate Driver's License

You may apply if:

• You're younger than 16, have held an instruction permit for at least four months, and you're within 60 days of your 16th birthday

• You're between 16 and 18 and have held an instruction permit for at least four months

• During the last six months you were not convicted of any traffic violations

• You did not commit any offense involving the use of alcohol or drugs while holding your permit

Basic Driver License

If you're 18 or older and have never carried a driver's license, you may take a road test immediately after passing the written and vision tests. There is no required wait time.

A) Make a Road Test Appointment With the Washington DOL

Road tests are by appointment only. Either call your local driver licensing office or visit in person, with the documents listed below, to schedule a test date.

B)Gather Required Documents and Washington License Fees

Before taking the road test, visit your driver licensing office with:

• A signed certificate, proving completion of a state-approved traffic safety education course

• A completed Parental Authorization Affidavit, confirming you completed 50 hours of supervised driving

• Proof of identity

• Payment for test and license fees

• Social Security number

Bring to the Road Test

On the day of your exam, arrive at the road test site with:

• Proof of car insurance

• A registered vehicle with working brakes, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers and seat belts

• A licensed driver

C)Take the Road Test

During the road test you will be graded on:

• Driving in traffic

• Obeying traffic signals and signs

• Stopping

• Backing up

• Judging distance

• Parking

• Respecting the rights of pedestrians and other drivers

Retaking the Road Test

You must wait one week before trying again. If you fail a second test, you must wait one to three weeks, depending on your test score, before a third attempt. If you fail your third try, you must wait three months.

Get Your Washington Driver's License

Intermediate Driver's License

You'll receive an intermediate driver's license after passing the road test. You will carry this license until your 18th birthday. During the first 12 months you must obey the following driving restrictions:

• No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or licensed driver 25 or older

• No driving during the first six months with any non- family passenger under 20

• After six months, no driving with more than three non-family passengers under 20

Hold the intermediate license for 12 months without any traffic violations or accidents and all restrictions will be lifted.

Basic Driver License

You'll automatically upgrade to a basic driver license upon turning 18. No visit to a driver licensing office required.

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