D.O.L. TESTING
STATE KNOWELEDGE TEST
THERE IS A $20 DEPOSIT FOR EACH DRIVING TEST RESERVED. This will go towards your test but you will lose it if you cancel and don't reschedule your test at least 48 hours in advance. There is a $10 set up fee for LX Express if you are not ready before getting to class. Click HERE to create your LX Express account.
You can take the official Washington state knowledge test (written test) with us at our driving academy, 1-3 times a day. You need to book a test, and you can do it on the same day. Pick a time on the website, by phone, by text or email, or in person.
The test has 40 questions with multiple choices, and you have to get at least 32 right. Keep scrolling for some advice on how to pass!
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What does it cost?
You have to pay $40 for each time you take the state knowledge test. We hope you pass the first time, so make sure you read our "Written test prep" section of our website.
Am I Eligible to take the written test?
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You have to be 15-1/2 or older to take the state written test (or finish a teen driver's ed course if you are younger)
You need a Washington state ID number, which you can find on a Washington state ID card or permit. You can skip the ID card, but you have to have the ID number and it doesn't cost anything to get one. If you don't have a Washington state ID number, you can find out how to get one here.
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That's all! You don't need anything else, even if you owe money to another state, or are getting your license back after a suspension.
What languages are available to take the test in?
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You can take the state knowledge test in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, or Japanese. You don't have to ask for a language; they are all ready.
What is a state ID number?
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Your Washington state ID number is on your ID card, permit, or driver's license. It looks like SMITHJA123QZ on the old style, or WDL123ABC23B on the new style.
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If you don't have any of these cards, you can get an ID number for free from the DOL website. It takes about 15 minutes to sign up. You need this number to book an appointment and take the state written test. You can learn more on this page.
What should I expect from the test?
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To pass the knowledge test, you need to:
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Answer 32 out of 40 multiple-choice questions correctly
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Finish the paper test within 1 hour
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Arrive early for your session
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Take only one test per session and up to 3 tests per day
You need to bring these items for the test:
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$40 fee
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Photo ID (e.g. state ID card, school ID, passport) from a government, school, or municipality. Check our ID requirements page here if you have questions.
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WA DOL#
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Email available and ready at the time of testing.
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Social security number.
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Address information.
To pass the knowledge test, you should:
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Study the driver's guide thoroughly, especially chapters 4 and 5. You can download a free PDF copy or get a free paper copy from a DOL license office.
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Avoid online practice tests that charge money. They are not reliable and do not reflect the actual state test questions. The only road signs on the test are in the driver's guide covers.
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Don't be overconfident. Many people fail the first time because they don't read the guide. Driving skills are not enough.
STATE DRIVING TEST
You can take the Washington state driving test (skills exam) with us at our driving academy. Book an appointment online, by phone, text, email, or in person. We have slots from 10am to 8pm on weekdays.
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To take the driving test, you need to have passed the knowledge test in the last 2 years. See below for how to ace it!
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What does it cost?
Take the state driving test for $50 per try. Other places charge $70 to $90. Use our cars FOR NO ADDITIONAL FEE or your own for the test. We will also read the test for no additional cost. We hope you pass the first time. Check our "Driving Test Prep" section of our website for tips on how to prepare.
Am I Eligible to take the driving test?
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To take the driving test, you need to:
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Pass the knowledge test in the last 2 years
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Be at least 18 years old, or have a driver's ed certificate if younger
That's all! Other things don't matter, like fines from other states or suspended licenses. You don't need a permit or a license either. We can give you a temporary permit for the test.
What languages are available to take the test in?
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The driving test is in English. We also have cards with pictures and instructions in other languages. The cards with pictures and instructions are for each of the five maneuvers you need to do, and mostly consist of instructions like turn left or right. The cards are in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian.
What should I expect from the test?
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The driving test involves:
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Driving for 15-20 minutes
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Doing 5 maneuvers (see videos here)
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No driving on freeways
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A fair and clear examiner
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Coming a bit early
If you use your own car, we need to see:
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Up-to-date registration
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Current insurance documents
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Working turn signals, mirrors, brake lights, and headlights or wipers if needed. The car should also have normal driver's side window and seat belts, enough tire tread, and there can be no windshield cracks.
You need these things for the test:
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$50 fee
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Photo ID from a government, school, or municipality. See our ID requirements section here.
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WA DOL#
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Email available and ready at the time of testing.
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Social security number.
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Address information.
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No permit needed. We can give you a temporary one for the test.
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If you drive your own car, bring its registration and insurance.
To pass the driving test, you should:
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Practice a lot! The test checks if you can avoid technical mistakes for 15-20 minutes. For example, you lose points if you don't signal when changing lanes, even if no one is around. Practice signaling, looking, and yielding properly.
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Focus on the important skills. Don't worry too much about parallel parking, it's not a big deal on the test. It's more important to drive at the speed limit and stop fully at stop signs and red lights, even if you turn right on red.
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Be humble and serious. The best test takers are those who practice beforehand, like driver's ed students. The worst test takers are those who don't care, or have been driving for too long. We all pick up bad habits over time, like not stopping at empty stop signs. Please try to remember the small things so you can pass the first time. Most people do pass on their first try.