How to Get Your Driver's License in Washington
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in Washington. Washington uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.
GDL Stages in Washington
Learner's Permit
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Complete driver education course
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
Intermediate License
Requirements
- Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
- Complete 50 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- No passengers under 20 for first 6 months; no more than 3 under 20 after 6 months
Full Unrestricted License
Requirements
- Hold intermediate license for at least 12 months
- Clean driving record
Restricted License Rules
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. during the intermediate phase.
- For the first 6 months, no passengers under 20 unless family. After 6 months, up to 3 passengers under 20 are allowed.
How restrictions lift: Passenger limits ease after 6 months. All restrictions lift after 12 months or at age 18.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to intermediate license restrictions and may apply for a full license after passing the required tests.
Washington-Specific Information
Washington phases in its passenger restriction over 6 months, moving from zero non-family passengers under 20 to up to 3. The state's nighttime curfew of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. is one of the latest and shortest in the Pacific Northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 17 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Washington.
Washington uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Intermediate License, Full Unrestricted License.
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. during the intermediate phase.
- For the first 6 months, no passengers under 20 unless family. After 6 months, up to 3 passengers under 20 are allowed.
Adults age 18 and older in Washington can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to intermediate license restrictions and may apply for a full license after passing the required tests.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
Washington learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in Washington.
Washington drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) website for the most current information.