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100+ Free WA DOL Knowledge Test Practice Questions

Pass your Washington State Driver License Knowledge Test exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under age 21 in Washington?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: WA DOL Knowledge Test Exam

40

Test Questions

Washington State DOL

80% (32/40)

Passing Score

Washington State DOL

$35

Instruction Permit Fee

WA DOL 2026

2 years

Passing Score Validity

Washington State DOL

The Washington State knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice and true/false questions and requires 32 correct answers (80%) to pass. The instruction permit costs $35 and is valid for one year. All questions come from the Washington Driver Guide published by the Department of Licensing. A passing score stays valid for two years, and the test is offered in 12 languages. Washington uses a graduated driver licensing system with restrictions for new teen drivers.

Sample WA DOL Knowledge Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your WA DOL Knowledge Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1How many questions are on the Washington State knowledge (written) test for a driver license or instruction permit?
A.25 questions
B.40 questions
C.50 questions
D.60 questions
Explanation: The Washington Department of Licensing knowledge test contains 40 multiple-choice and true/false questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe-driving practices. You must answer 32 of the 40 correctly to pass. A passing score is valid for two years.
2What score is required to pass the Washington State driver knowledge test?
A.28 out of 40 correct
B.30 out of 40 correct
C.32 out of 40 correct
D.36 out of 40 correct
Explanation: You must answer at least 32 of the 40 knowledge-test questions correctly to pass, which is an 80% score. If you do not pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retake the test. A passing result is good for two years.
3Which agency administers the driver license and instruction permit in Washington State?
A.Washington State Patrol
B.Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
C.Washington Department of Motor Vehicles
D.Washington Department of Transportation
Explanation: The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver licenses, instruction permits, and ID cards, and administers the knowledge and drive tests. Washington does not use the name 'DMV' for its licensing agency.
4How long is a passing knowledge-test result valid in Washington if you do not yet complete your license application?
A.6 months
B.1 year
C.2 years
D.5 years
Explanation: A passing score on the Washington knowledge test remains valid for two years. This gives applicants time to complete driver training and the behind-the-wheel drive test without having to retake the written exam.
5What is the fee for a Washington State instruction (learner) permit?
A.$15
B.$25
C.$35
D.$50
Explanation: A Washington instruction permit costs $35 and is valid for one year. The permit lets you practice driving while supervised before you take the behind-the-wheel test for a full license.
6While driving with a Washington instruction permit, who must be seated in the front passenger seat beside you?
A.Any licensed driver age 18 or older
B.A licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience
C.A parent or legal guardian only
D.A licensed driver with at least 1 year of experience
Explanation: When driving on a Washington instruction permit, a licensed driver who has at least five years of driving experience must occupy the front passenger seat. This experienced supervising driver can help you respond to traffic situations safely.
7Under Washington's graduated licensing program, when does the nighttime driving curfew apply to a teen driver?
A.While holding an instruction permit
B.Only after turning 18
C.While holding an intermediate license
D.Curfews never apply to teen drivers in Washington
Explanation: Washington's nighttime curfew (1 a.m. to 5 a.m.) applies to holders of an intermediate license, not to instruction-permit holders. The curfew is part of the graduated driver licensing restrictions designed to limit a new driver's exposure to high-risk conditions.
8During the first 6 months with a Washington intermediate license, who may ride as a passenger?
A.Up to 3 passengers under age 20
B.No passengers under age 20 except immediate family members
C.Any number of passengers regardless of age
D.Only passengers age 16 or older
Explanation: For the first six months of holding an intermediate license, the driver may not carry passengers under age 20 unless they are members of the driver's immediate family. This restriction reduces distractions for new drivers.
9How many hours of supervised practice driving must a Washington teen complete before the drive test, and how many of those must be at night?
A.30 hours total, 5 at night
B.40 hours total, 8 at night
C.50 hours total, 10 at night
D.60 hours total, 15 at night
Explanation: A teen applying for a Washington driver license must log 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including at least 10 hours at night, in addition to their driver education course. Practicing in varied conditions builds the skills needed to drive safely.
10May intermediate-license and instruction-permit holders in Washington use a cell phone hands-free while driving?
A.Yes, hands-free use is always allowed
B.No, they may not use a cell phone even hands-free while driving
C.Yes, but only for emergency calls
D.Yes, as long as a supervising driver is present
Explanation: In Washington, instruction-permit and intermediate-license holders are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving, even in hands-free mode. This stricter rule recognizes that new drivers are especially vulnerable to distraction.

About the WA DOL Knowledge Test Exam

The Washington State knowledge test is the written exam required to earn an instruction permit or driver license from the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). It contains 40 multiple-choice and true/false questions drawn from the Washington Driver Guide, covering traffic laws, road signs, safe-driving practices, impaired driving, and what to do after a collision. You must answer at least 32 of the 40 questions correctly to pass, and a passing score is valid for two years.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

No fixed time limit

Passing Score

80% (32 out of 40 questions correct)

Exam Fee

$35 for the instruction permit (Washington State Department of Licensing)

WA DOL Knowledge Test Exam Content Outline

Core topic

Road Signs, Signals and Markings

Recognizing sign shapes and colors, regulatory and warning signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings used on Washington roads

Core topic

Right-of-Way and Intersections

Yielding rules at intersections and roundabouts, turns, merging onto highways, and right-of-way for pedestrians

Core topic

Speed Limits and Lane Use

Washington speed limits, the basic speed rule, choosing lanes, passing rules, and HOV lanes

Core topic

Sharing the Road

Driving safely around pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, large trucks, school buses, and emergency vehicles

Core topic

Impaired Driving and Washington Laws

BAC limits, the Implied Consent Law, distracted-driving rules, the Move Over law, adverse conditions, and graduated licensing

How to Pass the WA DOL Knowledge Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% (32 out of 40 questions correct)
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: No fixed time limit
  • Exam fee: $35 for the instruction permit

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

WA DOL Knowledge Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the full Washington Driver Guide — all 40 test questions are drawn from it and nothing comes from outside it
2Master road signs by shape and color so you can identify regulatory, warning, and guide signs quickly
3Memorize Washington-specific numbers: 0.08 / 0.02 / 0.04 BAC limits, 25 mph residential and 20 mph school-zone speeds, and the 32-of-40 pass mark
4Learn the Implied Consent Law, the Move Over law, and the graduated licensing restrictions, which are commonly tested
5Take timed practice tests until you consistently score 90% or higher to build a comfortable margin above the 80% pass mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Washington knowledge test?

The Washington State knowledge test contains 40 multiple-choice and true/false questions. They are drawn from the Washington Driver Guide and cover traffic laws, road signs, safe-driving practices, impaired driving, and collision procedures. The test is administered by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

What score do I need to pass the Washington knowledge test?

You must answer at least 32 of the 40 questions correctly to pass, which is an 80% score. If you do not pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retake the test. A passing score remains valid for two years.

How much does a Washington instruction permit cost?

A Washington instruction permit costs $35 and is valid for one year. A first driver license costs $111 for six years or $131 for eight years, which includes a $50 application fee plus annual issuance and technology fees.

What are Washington's BAC limits for drivers?

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08% for drivers age 21 and over, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. A driver can still be charged with DUI below these limits if alcohol or drugs affect their ability to drive safely.

What is Washington's Implied Consent Law?

Under Washington's Implied Consent Law, anyone who drives in the state has automatically agreed to take a breath or blood test if an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect impaired driving. Refusing the test carries its own penalties, including license suspension or revocation.

Is the Washington knowledge test offered in other languages?

Yes. The Washington State Department of Licensing offers the knowledge test in 12 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Ukrainian. Online practice tests are available in English and Spanish.

How long is a passing knowledge-test score valid?

A passing score on the Washington knowledge test is valid for two years. This gives you time to complete any required driver training and the behind-the-wheel drive test without retaking the written exam.