A passing score on the driving knowledge test is required to receive a Washington driver's license. The test is 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass the test. You do not have to make an appointment to take the knowledge test; just go to a licensing office near you. After passing the test you will be able to schedule a driving test. If you fail the knowledge test, you are permitted to take it again in four hours. If you fail a second time, you must wait at least one day before retesting. A practice knowledge test is available on the Department of Licensing's website at www.dol.wa.gov. It is important to read the Washington State Department of Licensing's Driver Guide before taking the test. You can find a copy of the Driver Guide at any licensing office, or you can print out a PDF copy of the booklet at the Department of Licensing's website.
Before taking the driving test you must participate in a vision screening. If you cannot pass the test without glasses or contacts your license will have a restriction for corrective lenses printed on it. You may be required to see an eye specialist and have the doctor complete a visual evaluation report that you must submit to the licensing office. You will also be asked if you have recently experienced loss of consciousness or control that may affect your driving ability. You may be asked to see a medical specialist and have the doctor fill out a physical examination report.
You must schedule a driving test at your local licensing office. Make sure to bring proof of auto insurance to the test. The brakes, lights, seat belts, turn signals and windshield wipers on your car must be in proper working order before you can take the driving test. Only you and the driving instructor are allowed in the vehicle during the test, with the exception of a service animal. You will be required to drive in normal traffic and complete specific maneuvers during the test. You will be evaluated on starting the vehicle, controlling the vehicle, driving in traffic, obeying traffic signals, driving through intersections, backing up and respecting other drivers. You will also need to correctly use arm signals, complete an emergency stop, park on a hill and parallel park. You must score at least an 80 out of 100 points to pass the driving test. If you don't pass the test, you can retake it in after a week has passed.
The fee for applying for a driver's license is $20 as of April 2011. There is a $20 fee each time you take the knowledge test. After passing both the knowledge and driving portions of the test, there is a $25 fee for obtaining your driver's license card. You can pay fees online at the Department of Licensing's website using a Visa, MasterCard or American Express debit or credit card. You can pay fees at a local licensing office using cash, check, credit or debit card. Some licensing offices, including Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic and South Bend, do not accept credit or debit cards.