Get your learner permit

If you are under 18, you must get a learner permit before you can get your driver license. A learner permit allows you to legally practice driving on Washington’s roads. 

Requirements for driving on public roads 

To practice driving on public roads, you must: 

• Have a valid learner permit with you. 
• Drive with a licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience (you may have other passengers of any age). 
• Not use a phone or other mobile device while driving, unless you need to call 911. 

Driving outside of Washington 

Your Washington learner permit might not be valid for driving in another state. If you're traveling out of state, you should confirm they will honor your learner permit before you drive there. 

How to apply for a learner permit 

1. Get a Washington driver license (WDL) number 

   Before applying for a learner permit, you'll need to pre-apply and get a Washington Driver License (WDL) number. A WDL number is a unique 12-digit number that identifies you, and appears on learner permits, ID cards, and licenses. You'll need it when you enroll at your driver training school.  

   You may already have a WDL number if you have:

   • A valid or expired Washington ID card 
   • Have filled out an application on our website 
   • Received a ticket in the past such as a minor in possession or driving without a license
      

   If you think you already have a WDL number but don't remember it, call us for assistance at 360-902-3900.

2. Decide what age you want to get your license

   If you want to get your license before you are 18 years old, you will need to take a driver training course.
   
    

   Get your license before age 18

   If you want to get your license before you turn 18, you must complete an approved driver training course. You can apply for a permit as soon as you turn 15.

   1. Select and register for a driver training course from our list of approved driver training courses.
   2. Give your WDL number to your driver training school. They will notify us that you are enrolled in a course.
   3. Complete your permit application no earlier than 10 days before your course starts (including weekends and holidays). You will need to drive during your course, so try to complete it before your course begins. If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must be with you so they can give you permission online to get your permit.
   4. If you want a photo on your permit, you’ll need to make an appointment at a driver licensing office to complete your application. Make sure you bring the right documents to prove your identity. If you’re under 18, bring your parent or guardian and documents showing parental or guardian connection like a birth certificate, adoption records, or school records.
      1. Before we take your photo, we'll ask you to remove anything that covers your face or head, like a hat or sunglasses.
      2. We'll make exceptions for medical and religious reasons.
   5. Pay your $35 permit fee.
   6. Complete your driver training course. You will take the knowledge test as part of your course, so you don't need to take it separately at a driver licensing office.

   Wait to get your license until age 18

   If you choose not to enroll in a driver training course, you can’t get your license until you turn 18. You must also wait until you’re 15 and a half to get your permit.

   1. Study for your knowledge test. Use Washington's driver guide and practice test to learn the rules of the road.
   2. Take and pass a knowledge test in person at an approved testing location. Fees for testing can vary depending on where you take the test.
   3. Complete your online application for a permit. If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must be with you so they can give you permission online to get your permit.
   4. If you want a photo on your permit, you’ll need to make an appointment at a driver licensing office to complete your application. Make sure you bring the right documents to prove your identity. If you’re under 18, bring your parent or guardian and documents showing parental or guardian connection like a birth certificate, adoption records, or school records.
      1. Before we take your photo, we'll ask you to remove anything that covers your face or head, like a hat or sunglasses.
      2. We'll make exceptions for medical and religious reasons.
   5. Pay your $35 permit fee.

    

3. Wait for your learner permit card to arrive

   After you complete your application and pay the fee (online or in our office), we’ll issue you a temporary paper permit. Carry this with you until you receive the permanent card in the mail in 7 to 10 business days. It will be a hard plastic card that looks similar to an ID card or driver license, labeled “Instruction Permit” in the header. If you haven't received it after 30 days, call us at 360-902-3900. 

Renewing a permit 

Your learner permit is valid for one year and can be renewed twice. If you still need a learner permit after you’ve renewed twice, you can apply for a new one, but you must retake the knowledge test unless you’re enrolled in a driver training course. 

• Log in or create a My Account/License Express account to renew your permit online. 
• Make an appointment to renew at an office. 

What if I don't live with my parent or guardian? 

If you don't live with a parent or legal guardian, another responsible adult who helps you may be able to give you permission for your learner permit. This person must know you've met all the requirements, be over 21, and meet one of these conditions: 

• Be a relative or caregiver. 
• Be a professional who provides support to you, like a teacher, doctor, lawyer, social worker, or Washington-licensed mental health professional. 
• Be a government worker who provides support to you. 
• Be your employer. 

This responsible adult can only sign for permission to get your learner permit. They may not be able to help with establishing your identity. For more details, check the identity requirements. 

What if I can't establish my identity? 

If your parent or guardian isn't available to help establish your identity and you can't establish it on your own, you have a few options: 

• If you're in foster care, ask your caseworker to submit a Washington State Identicard form for you. 
• If you're in the Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) system, contact your caseworker. 
• If you are experiencing homelessness and enrolled in public school, contact your school's homeless education liaison. If you don't know who this is, any teacher or counselor can direct you to them.  
• Reach out to local youth services or community organizations to see if they can help confirm your identity. 

You can also visit a driver licensing office and ask to speak to a supervisor about your situation. They'll help you with your options. You don't need to make an appointment.