The Evergreen Driver: Your 2025 Guide to a Washington State Driver's License

Getting your first driver's license in Washington is an exciting journey, opening up everything from the Olympic Peninsula to the Cascade Mountains. To ensure all new drivers are safe, skilled, and responsible, the state follows a multi-step process, including a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for teenagers. This program is designed to help young drivers build experience in stages, gradually increasing their driving privileges. For adults, the path is more direct but still requires careful adherence to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) requirements.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, whether you're a teen embarking on the GDL journey or an adult getting licensed for the first time in the Evergreen State.

The Pre-Application Step for All Drivers

Before you can even apply for a permit or license, you must pre-apply online with the DOL. This creates your record in their system and gives you a unique license number.

1. Visit the DOL Website: Go to the official Washington State DOL website and look for the "License eXpress" or "Pre-apply online" option.
2. Create an Account: You will need to create a License eXpress account.
3. Complete the Pre-Application: Fill out the online application. This will save you significant time when you visit a DOL office.
4. Get Your License Number: Once completed, you will be issued a license number (it may start with "WDL"). Keep this number safe, as you will need it for all future steps.

For Teen Drivers (Under 18): The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

Washington's GDL program is a proven framework for reducing crashes among young, inexperienced drivers. It's a multi-stage process that systematically increases driving freedom.

Stage 1: The Instruction Permit

This is your official entry into the driver's seat. The Instruction Permit allows you to legally practice operating a vehicle under supervision.

Eligibility and First Steps:

• Age: You must be at least 15 years old.
• Driver's Education: You must be enrolled in a state-approved driver education course. If you are 15, you must have started your course. If you are 15 ½ or older, you can get a permit without being enrolled, but you will still need to complete driver's ed to get your license.

How to Apply:

1. Pre-apply online (see above).
2. Visit a DOL Office: Bring your parent or guardian with you.
3. Provide Documentation: You will need to provide original or certified documents to prove your identity and residency.
4. Pass the Tests: You must pass two tests at the office:
   • Vision Screening: A basic eye test to ensure you meet the minimum vision standards.
   • Knowledge Test: A 40-question, multiple-choice test based on the Washington Driver Guide. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (an 80% score) to pass. (Note: Your driver's ed course may be authorized to administer this test for you).
5. Pay the Fee: Once you pass, you will pay the required fee, have your photo taken, and be issued your Instruction Permit.

Instruction Permit Rules:

• Supervised Driving: You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who has at least five years of licensed driving experience. The supervising driver must be in the front passenger seat.
• 50-Hour Driving Log: Before you can apply for your intermediate license, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving. At least 10 of these hours must be at night. This must be certified by your parent or guardian.
• Holding Period: You must hold your permit for at least six months.

Stage 2: The Intermediate Driver License

This is the next level of freedom, allowing you to drive alone but with critical safety restrictions.

Eligibility:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have held your instruction permit for at least six months.
• You must not have any traffic violations within the six months prior to applying.
• You must not have been convicted of any drug or alcohol offenses while holding your permit.
• You must have completed the 50-hour driving log.
• You must have successfully completed your driver education course.

How to Apply:

1. Schedule a Driving Test: You must schedule and pass a driving skills test. This can be done at a DOL office or, more commonly, through an authorized third-party testing location (like a driving school).
2. Parental Consent: Your parent or legal guardian must provide consent.
3. Get Your License: Visit a DOL office with your passed test score sheet, your permit, and proof of your parents' identity and relationship to you. You'll pay the fee and be issued your Intermediate License.

Intermediate License Restrictions:

• Driving Curfew: For the first year, you may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver over 25.
• Passenger Limit: For the first six months, you may not carry any non-family passengers under 20. For the second six months, you may not carry more than three non-family passengers under 20.
• Cell Phone Use: All use of handheld or hands-free wireless devices is strictly prohibited.

Stage 3: The Full, Unrestricted License

At age 18, your intermediate license automatically converts to a full, unrestricted license, and all GDL restrictions are lifted.

For Adult Drivers (18 and Older)

If you are a new driver aged 18 or older, you are not required to follow the GDL program's time restrictions.

1. Pre-apply Online.
2. Get a Permit: Visit a DOL office, provide your documents, and pass the vision and knowledge tests to obtain your permit. Driver's ed is not mandatory for adults but is highly recommended.
3. Practice Driving: It is highly recommended that you practice with a licensed driver (with at least 5 years of experience) until you are completely confident in your ability to safely handle all common driving situations.
4. Take the Driving Test: Schedule and pass your driving test with the DOL or a third-party provider.
5. Get Your License: After passing the driving test and paying the fee, visit a DOL office to be issued your full, unrestricted driver's license.