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Washington Teen Driving Guide

What parents need to know about the learn-to-drive process in Washington: six steps, from the first class to the insurance call.

Requirements checked: October 2026, against official state licensing sources: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

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  1. 1

    Driver’s ed in Washington

    Requirement
    Required for a license before 18: an approved course of 30 classroom hours and 6 behind-the-wheel hours (the hours appear on DOL's out-of-state equivalency rule). Online self-paced and parent-taught courses are not approved.
  2. 2

    Get a Washington learner’s permit

    Minimum age
    15 (if enrolled in an approved driver training course); 15 years 6 months otherwise
    The test
    Knowledge test taken in person at an approved testing location (driver training school or testing business); a vision screening is part of the license application.
    What to bring
    A Washington Driver License number (pre-apply through License Express), proof of identity if you want a photo permit, a parent or guardian present or giving online permission with proof of relationship (such as a birth certificate), and a $35 permit fee.
  3. 3

    Practice driving with a parent

    Supervised hours
    50 hours, including 10 at night
    Time on the permit
    6 months

    Track every practice hour with DRVN

    Log hours and routes as you drive, follow lesson plans for each stage, and check off skills. Free.

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  4. 4

    Pass the road test

    Minimum age
    16 (Intermediate License)
    The road test
    Knowledge and drive tests are scheduled at a DOL-approved driver testing location (driver training schools and testing businesses, fees vary), and the license is issued after a vision screening, photo, and parental authorization.
  5. 5

    Know the rules for new drivers

    Restrictions
    No driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless with a licensed driver 25 or older; no passengers under 20 (except immediate family) for the first 6 months and no more than 3 for the next 6 months; restrictions end after one year of clean driving.
  6. 6

    Add your teen to your car insurance

    When
    Call your insurer as soon as your teen gets a permit. Some policies cover permit drivers automatically and others need them listed; rates usually rise once your teen is licensed.
    Save money
    Ask about good-student and driver-training discounts, and compare quotes before your teen gets the first license.

Checked October 2026 against official Washington sources

Rules change. Confirm the details with Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before you go.

Meeting the requirements is only the beginning.

Your state determines when your teen is legally eligible to drive. Readiness depends on the experience, judgment, and independence they demonstrate before they drive alone.

See how to evaluate readiness

Turn the required hours into useful practice.

DRVN helps parents plan practice, track driving experience, and see what their teen still needs to work on before driving alone.

See how DRVN works

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