Knowledge exam

Washington Permit Practice Test

308 free questions written from the official handbook, each with an explanation and the page it comes from.

Start free practice (10 questions)Full 40-question practice exam Flashcards

From the official Washington handbook
Every answer cites its page
Checked November 4, 2026

Questions: 40
To pass: 32 of 40 correct (80%)
Languages: English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog, Ukrainian (12)source
Where you take it: in person at approved testing locations (driver training schools / DOL-approved testing sites); fee set by locationsource

Minimum permit age: 15 if enrolled in driver training; 15½ otherwisesource
Permit fee: 35source

Checked against official sources on November 4, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before your test.

About the real test

What to expect on test day

Washington's knowledge exam has 40 questions, and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass. It is taken in person at approved testing locations such as driver training schools, which set their own fee, and it is offered in English and 11 other languages. You can get an instruction permit at 15 if you are enrolled in driver training, or at 15½ otherwise; the permit costs $35. From November 1, 2026, first-time applicants under 25 must also pass a free online work zone and first responder course.

Every question here is written from the official Washington Driver Guide and shows the page it comes from. Practice by topic, take the 40-question mock exam, then review the questions you missed.

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40 questions in the real format, scored with the real pass rule. Answers are shown at the end, and every retake draws different questions.

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Sample Washington permit test questions

Open a question to see the answer, why, and the handbook page.

1.Your car is failing and you can't get it off the road. Where should you avoid stopping?
- AOn a straight stretch
- BJust over a hill or around a curve
- CWhere others can see you
- DNear a mile marker
Show the answer
✓ B. Just over a hill or around a curve
Stop where other drivers have a clear view of your vehicle. Avoid stopping just over a hill or around a curve.
Source: Washington Driver Guide (520-400), page 173
2.What does a posted speed limit in Washington mean?
- AThe minimum speed you must drive
- BThe suggested speed in bad weather
- CThe speed most drivers are expected to go
- DThe maximum legal speed in ideal conditions
Show the answer
✓ D. The maximum legal speed in ideal conditions
Speed limits show the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions. You may drive slower, but going over the limit is illegal.
Source: Washington Driver Guide (520-400), page 158
3.You need to stop briefly. May you park with two wheels on the sidewalk?
- AYes, with hazards on
- BYes, for under 5 minutes
- CNo, you may not park on a sidewalk
- DYes, if no one is walking
Show the answer
✓ C. No, you may not park on a sidewalk
Do not park on a crosswalk, sidewalk, or bicycle lane, or in an intersection.
Source: Washington Driver Guide (520-400), page 143
4.You are leaving a roundabout and a pedestrian is in the exit crosswalk. What should you do?
- AGo around them
- BStop for the pedestrian
- CSpeed up to clear the roundabout
- DHonk and keep moving
Show the answer
✓ B. Stop for the pedestrian
Stop for pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks when you enter and exit a roundabout.
Source: Washington Driver Guide (520-400), page 127
5.A freeway on-ramp has a ramp meter showing red. What should you do?
- AUse the shoulder to go around
- BStop at the white stop line
- CMerge carefully onto the freeway
- DSlow down but keep moving
Show the answer
✓ B. Stop at the white stop line
Ramp meters work like traffic signals. When the light is red, stop at the white stop line; when it turns green, continue on the ramp.
Source: Washington Driver Guide (520-400), page 113
6.Lights built into the pavement at a crosswalk start flashing as you approach. What must you do?
- ASpeed up to pass first
- BFlash your headlights
- CHonk and go
- DYield
Show the answer
✓ D. Yield
Some crosswalks have in-pavement lights activated by people crossing. You must yield when these lights are flashing.
Source: Washington Driver Guide (520-400), page 137

FAQ

Questions people ask

How many questions are on the Washington permit test?

40 questions.

What score do I need to pass?

32 of 40 correct (80%).

What languages is the test offered in?

English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog, Ukrainian (12). (Source: official Washington page, checked November 2, 2026.)

Can I take the test online?

in person at approved testing locations (driver training schools / DOL-approved testing sites); fee set by location. (Source: official Washington page, checked November 2, 2026.)

How old do I have to be to get a permit?

15 if enrolled in driver training; 15½ otherwise. (Source: official Washington page, checked November 2, 2026.)

Are these the real test questions?

No. Nobody can legally offer the real questions. We write our own questions from the official Washington Driver Guide, and each one shows the handbook page it's based on, so you learn the rules the real test is built from.