How many questions are on the Washington driver knowledge test?
- 25
- 30
- 50
- 40
Show the answer
40
The written knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions.
Source: Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov), Knowledge test and drive test
Washington License Rules practice test
Practice permits, restrictions for new drivers and points, with questions based on the Washington Driver Guide.
Sample License Rules questions
You are 25, licensed in another state, and move to Washington. How long do you have to get a Washington license?
- 1 year
- 90 days
- 30 days
- 10 days
Show the answer
30 days
New adult residents with an out-of-state license have 30 days to switch.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.5 New residents
You are enrolling in an approved driver training course. What is the youngest age at which you can apply for an instruction permit?
- 15
- 14
- 15 and a half
- 16
Show the answer
15
Teens signing up for a driver training course may apply for a permit from age 15.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.8 Getting a Personal Driver License: Instruction permit
How many hours of nighttime practice must a Washington applicant under 18 complete with an experienced licensed driver?
- 20
- 10
- 30
- 5
Show the answer
10
Teens need at least 10 night hours in addition to 40 daytime hours.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.8 Getting your personal driver license: ages 16 to 17
A traffic safety course taken in another state must meet Washington's minimum. What is that minimum?
- 20 classroom hours and 4 hours behind the wheel
- 30 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel
- 30 classroom hours and 10 hours behind the wheel
- 40 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel
Show the answer
30 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel
Washington's minimum course is 30 hours of classroom work and 6 hours of in-car instruction.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.8 Getting your personal driver license: ages 16 to 17
How many hours of daytime driving practice must a 16- or 17-year-old complete before a Washington license?
- 40
- 30
- 60
- 20
Show the answer
40
The requirement is at least 40 daytime hours plus 10 at night.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.8 Getting your personal driver license: ages 16 to 17
You passed the Washington knowledge test. How long does that passing score stay valid?
- 2 years
- 1 year
- 5 years
- 6 months
Show the answer
2 years
The score counts for two years, so take the skills exam before then or you may have to retest.
Source: Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov), Knowledge test and drive test
You have had a Washington intermediate license for eight months. How many passengers under 20, not counting immediate family, may ride with you?
- No more than 3
- None
- No more than 5
- No more than 1
Show the answer
No more than 3
After the first six months, up to three passengers under 20 outside your immediate family are allowed.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.8 Intermediate driver license
Your Washington license expired 9 years ago. What must you do to get licensed again?
- Pass a vision screening only
- Retake only the knowledge exam
- Pay a late fee only
- Retake both the knowledge and skills exams
Show the answer
Retake both the knowledge and skills exams
Once a license has been expired 8 years or more, both exams have to be taken again.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Maintaining your license
You are 16. How long must you have held your instruction permit before getting your first license?
- At least 1 year
- At least 30 days
- At least 6 months
- At least 3 months
Show the answer
At least 6 months
Applicants under 18 need to have had their permit for six months or more.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.8 Getting your personal driver license: ages 16 to 17
More Washington practice
- Full practice testAll topics, as in the knowledge test
- Road SignsWhat signs mean and what to do when you see them
- Right-of-WayWho goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts
- Traffic SignalsLights, arrows and pedestrian signals
- Lanes & TurnsLane markings, turns, passing and merging
- Speed LimitsLimits and how to adjust your speed
- ParkingCurb colors, hills and where you can't park
- Safe DrivingFollowing distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road
- Alcohol & DrugsBlood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication
- EmergenciesBreakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings
- Insurance & CollisionsRequired coverage and what to do after a crash
- Phones & DistractionPhone rules and other distractions
About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Washington Driver Guide (PDF 520-400 (R/4/25), July 2025, linked from https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-and-testing/driver-guides, read 2026-11-07 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.