Driving test

Who needs to pass a driving test

To get a Washington State driver license, most drivers must pass a driving test. If you have a valid driver license from another state, you don’t have to take a driving test unless your medical or physical condition has changed and you need to be retested to see if you can safely operate a motor vehicle.

Before you can take a driving test you must:

  1. Apply for a driver license and pay the $20 fee.
  2. Pass the knowledge test.
  3. Make an appointment at a driver licensing office to take the driving test.

What to bring to your driving test

You must provide all of the following:

  • Proof you have auto liability insurance (insurance card, fax copy, or computer printout). Acceptable proof of insurance must include:
    • The name of the policyholder and/or a description of the vehicle (year, make/model, or “fleet”).
    • The effective and expiration dates of the insurance coverage.
  • A vehicle in good working condition. All of the following must be working properly:
    • Brakes and all 3 brake lights
    • Turn signals
    • Seat belts
    • Windshield wipers

You won’t be allowed to take the driving test if you don’t bring proof of insurance or the vehicle doesn’t meet all these requirements.

What to expect

The driving test measures your ability to drive legally and safely. An examiner from the Department of Licensing will ride with you to evaluate your driving to see that you maintain control of your car and obey the rules of the road. The examiner won’t try to confuse you, trick you, or ask you to do anything illegal. Your driving will be scored during the entire test.

Who can be in the car during the test

Only you, the examiner, and a service animal (if necessary) are allowed in the vehicle during a driving test. Occasionally, a Department of Licensing supervisor may ride along to observe. Interpreters, parents, children, or pets can’t be in the vehicle during a test.

What you’ll be required to do during the test

During your driving test, you’ll be evaluated on:

  • Starting your vehicle
  • Leaving the curb
    • Do you signal and wait until it is safe to re-enter traffic?
  • Controlling the vehicle
    • Do you use the gas pedal, brake, steering wheel, and other controls correctly?
    • Do you change your speed to suit the number and speed of other vehicles, pedestrians, road conditions, weather conditions, construction, amount of light, and the distance you can see ahead?
  • Driving in traffic
    • Do you use the proper lane?
    • Do you signal to change lanes?
    • Do you change lanes carefully?
    • Do you follow other vehicles at a safe distance?
    • Do you turn your head and look back before changing lanes?
    • Do you signal the proper distance before turning?
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
    • Do you turn into the proper lane without cutting the lane or going wide into the improper lane?
  • Driving through blind or crowded intersections
    • Do you scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles?
    • Do you yield and take the right-of-way correctly?
  • Stopping
    • Do you stop smoothly and at the right spot?
    • Can you stop quickly and safely in an emergency?
  • Backing up
    • Do you look over your right shoulder?
    • Can you back in a straight line?
    • Do you have complete control of your car?
  • Judging distance
    • Do you stay a safe distance away from other cars when following or passing?
    • Do you stay a safe distance away from people walking or riding on the roadway?
  • Respecting the rights of others
    • Are you courteous to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists?
    • Do you pay full attention to the driving task?
  • Performing specific maneuvers
    • Can you successfully complete all of the following?
      • Arms signals for right turn, left turn, and slow or stop. (You may also use arm signals during the test if you desire.)
      • A brake reaction test/emergency stop.
      • Parking on a hill.
      • Parallel parking.
      • Simulating backing out of driveway or alley into traffic using a corner

After the test

At the end of the test, your examiner will give you a score sheet and discuss the results. There are 100 points, and you must score at least 80 to pass.

If you don’t pass the driving test:

  • The 1st time, you can take it again after 1 week.
  • The 2nd time, you can take it again after 1-3 weeks, depending on your test results.
  • The 3rd time, you can try again after 3 months. You will then be allowed to take the test up to 3 more times.

It’s a good idea to practice and improve your driving skills while you’re waiting for your next chance to take the test.

Access Washington