Career upgrade: Learn practical AI skills for better jobs and higher pay.
Level up
All Practice Exams

100+ Free WA Driving Instructor Practice Questions

Pass your Washington Driver Training Instructor Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
Not published Pass Rate
100+ Questions
100% Free
1 / 100
Question 1
Score: 0/0

What is the primary purpose of using a dual-brake system in a driver training vehicle?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: WA Driving Instructor Exam

87%

Knowledge Exam Passing Score

Washington DOL

90%

Skills Exam Passing Score

Washington DOL

100 hrs

Required Training Hours

RCW 46.82

$25

Testing Fee

Washington DOL fee schedule

Annual

License Renewal Period

Washington DOL

40 hrs

BTW Methods Training Required

RCW 46.82

Washington requires 100 hours of instructor training before testing. The knowledge exam requires 87% to pass — one of the highest thresholds among state instructor exams. The skills exam requires 90%. Instructor licenses must be renewed annually. Washington calls its regular driver license the 'intermediate driver license' for teens, with a 12-month passenger restriction.

Sample WA Driving Instructor Practice Questions

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

1Which Washington state agency administers driver training instructor licensing?
A.Department of Motor Vehicles
B.Department of Licensing (DOL)
C.Department of Transportation
D.Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Explanation: The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) administers all driver training instructor and school licenses under RCW 46.82. Unlike some states that use a DMV or education department, Washington places this authority directly under the DOL.
2What minimum score must an applicant achieve on the Washington driver training instructor knowledge exam?
A.80%
B.85%
C.87%
D.90%
Explanation: Washington requires a minimum score of 87% on the knowledge exam before an applicant can proceed to the skills exam. This high threshold ensures that instructors have a thorough understanding of traffic laws and teaching methods before they can teach students.
3What minimum score is required on the Washington driver training instructor skills exam?
A.80%
B.85%
C.87%
D.90%
Explanation: Washington requires a minimum score of 90% on the skills exam. This is higher than the 87% knowledge exam threshold, reflecting the importance of demonstrating practical teaching and driving competence in a real vehicle with a student.
4How many total hours of training must a Washington driver training instructor complete before taking the licensing exam?
A.60 hours
B.80 hours
C.100 hours
D.120 hours
Explanation: Washington state law requires that driver training instructor applicants complete 100 hours of training. This training must include at least 40 hours of instruction on behind-the-wheel teaching methods and at least 20 hours of supervised practice teaching.
5Under Washington law, how many hours of behind-the-wheel teaching methods instruction are required for instructor candidates?
A.20 hours
B.30 hours
C.40 hours
D.50 hours
Explanation: Of the required 100 hours of instructor training, at least 40 hours must focus specifically on behind-the-wheel teaching methods. This ensures instructors are well-prepared to teach students in the vehicle, which is the most critical and safety-sensitive component of driver education.
6How many hours of supervised practice teaching are required for Washington driver training instructor candidates?
A.10 hours
B.15 hours
C.20 hours
D.30 hours
Explanation: Washington requires at least 20 hours of supervised practice teaching as part of the 100-hour training program. During this time, the candidate teaches under the observation of a licensed instructor, gaining practical classroom and behind-the-wheel teaching experience.
7Under RCW 46.82, what is the testing fee for the Washington driver training instructor exam?
A.$15
B.$25
C.$35
D.$50
Explanation: The testing fee for the Washington driver training instructor exam is $25, paid at the licensing office. This fee covers both the knowledge and skills exams. Additional fees apply for the actual instructor license and background check.
8Which of the following is required before a Washington driver training instructor can receive their license?
A.Passing a vision screening only
B.Completing a CPR certification only
C.Passing a fingerprint-based background check
D.Submitting three letters of recommendation
Explanation: After passing both the knowledge and skills exams, Washington requires instructor applicants to submit fingerprints for a background check. This ensures that individuals with disqualifying criminal histories are not placed in positions of trust with student drivers.
9What is the posted speed limit in a Washington school zone when children are present?
A.15 mph
B.20 mph
C.25 mph
D.30 mph
Explanation: The speed limit in a Washington school zone is 20 mph when the flashing light is activated or when children are present. Instructors must teach students to recognize school zone signs and the importance of reduced speeds to protect children near schools.
10In Washington, what is the maximum speed limit on most interstate highways?
A.55 mph
B.60 mph
C.65 mph
D.70 mph
Explanation: The maximum speed limit on most Washington interstate highways is 70 mph, though some urban sections may be lower. Instructors should teach students that speed limits can vary based on road conditions, location, and posted signs, and that driving too fast for conditions is a separate violation.

About the WA Driving Instructor Exam

The Washington driver training instructor exam is administered by the Department of Licensing (DOL) under RCW 46.82. Applicants must complete 100 hours of training (including 40 hours of behind-the-wheel teaching methods and 20 hours of supervised practice teaching), pass a knowledge exam with 87% minimum, and pass a skills exam with 90% minimum. A fingerprint-based background check is required after passing.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

87% knowledge / 90% skills

Exam Fee

$25 (WA DOL)

WA Driving Instructor Exam Content Outline

25%

WA DOL Licensing & Regulations

RCW 46.82, instructor training requirements (100 hours), exam scoring thresholds, background checks, license renewal, school vehicle requirements

25%

Teaching Methods & Classroom Instruction

Bloom's Taxonomy, learning domains, lesson planning, scaffolded instruction, multimodal teaching, simulator use, commentary driving

25%

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

Dual brake usage, instructor positioning, freeway merging, parking techniques, lane changes, reference points, observation hours

25%

WA Traffic Laws & Defensive Driving

Speed limits, GDL system, DUI laws (0.02% under-21), distracted driving, SIPDE, Smith System, winter driving, school bus laws

How to Pass the WA Driving Instructor Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 87% knowledge / 90% skills
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam fee: $25

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 Driving Instructor Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on WA-specific requirements: 87% knowledge threshold, 90% skills threshold, 100 hours training (40 BTW methods + 20 supervised teaching)
2Master RCW 46.82 driver training school regulations — this is the legal foundation of your instructor authority
3Know Washington's GDL system: permit at 15, IDL with 12-month passenger restriction, under-21 BAC of 0.02%
4Study the SIPDE process, Smith System, and zone control — these defensive driving frameworks appear heavily on the exam
5Practice explaining teaching methods: Bloom's Taxonomy, formative vs summative assessment, scaffolded instruction
6Review Washington winter driving laws including traction tire/chain requirements on mountain passes

Frequently Asked Questions

What scores are required to pass the Washington driving instructor exam?

You need a minimum of 87% on the knowledge exam and 90% on the skills exam. You must pass the knowledge exam before you can take the skills exam. These are among the highest passing thresholds for instructor exams in any state.

How many hours of training are required before taking the Washington instructor exam?

Washington requires 100 hours of training, including at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel teaching methods instruction and at least 20 hours of supervised practice teaching under a licensed instructor.

How much does the Washington driving instructor exam cost?

The testing fee is $25, paid at the DOL licensing office. Additional fees apply for the instructor license itself and the required fingerprint-based background check.

How often must a Washington driving instructor renew their license?

Washington driving instructor licenses must be renewed annually. Instructors must continue to meet all licensing requirements, maintain a clean driving record, and complete any required continuing education.

What happens after I pass the Washington instructor exams?

After passing both exams, you must submit fingerprints for a background check. Once cleared, you can apply for your instructor license through the DOL. You must be affiliated with a licensed driver training school to practice.