Booking Your Washington Driving Test: A 2025 Guide to Scheduling Your Appointment

You've passed your knowledge test, completed driver's ed, and logged your 50 hours of supervised practice. The final step toward earning your Washington driver's license is scheduling and passing the on-road driving test. In Washington, you have two primary options for scheduling this test: directly with the Department of Licensing (DOL) or through an authorized third-party testing location.

This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to book your driving test appointment using either method, ensuring you can secure your spot for the big day.

Before You Schedule: Key Eligibility Requirements

Before you can book your road test, you must meet several important requirements.

• Pre-application: You must have already pre-applied online and have a Washington license number (WDL#).
• Valid Instruction Permit: You must have a valid, unexpired Washington Instruction Permit.
• Six-Month Waiting Period (for teens): If you are under 18, you must have held your instruction permit for at least six months.
• Driver Education (for teens): You must have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course.
• 50-Hour Driving Log (for teens): A parent or guardian must be ready to certify that you have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with 10 of those hours at night.

Option 1: Scheduling with an Authorized Third-Party Provider

This is the most common and often the most convenient way to schedule your road test in Washington. The state has authorized hundreds of private driving schools and testing centers to administer the official DOL driving test.

Why Choose a Third-Party Tester?

• Availability: Third-party providers typically have much better availability than DOL offices. You can often find appointments within days or a week, rather than waiting for months.
• Flexibility: They often offer tests on weekends and in the evenings, outside of standard DOL hours.
• Location: With many locations across the state, you can likely find a testing center closer to your home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Third-Party Scheduling:

1. Find an Authorized School: Navigate to the official Washington State DOL website. They maintain a list of all authorized driving test locations. You can search by city or county to find a provider near you.
2. Contact the School Directly: You will schedule your appointment directly with the driving school. Most have online scheduling systems on their own websites, or you can call them. The DOL is not involved in their scheduling.
3. Inquire About Fees and Vehicle Use: Third-party providers charge a fee for the road test, which can range from $50 to $100 or more. Ask about their fees and whether you can use your own vehicle or if you must use one of theirs (which may have an additional cost).
4. Confirm Your Appointment: Once scheduled, the school will provide you with a confirmation and instructions for your test day.
5. After the Test: If you pass, the school will update your record with the DOL electronically. You can then proceed to a DOL office to be issued your license.

Option 2: Scheduling Your Road Test with the DOL

While less common due to limited availability, you can also schedule your test directly with a DOL Driver Licensing Office.

Step-by-Step Guide to Online DOL Scheduling:

1. Visit the DOL Website: Navigate to the official DOL online appointment scheduler.
2. Log In to License eXpress: You will need to log in to your License eXpress account to access the scheduler.
3. Select "Schedule a Drive Test": Once logged in, choose the option to schedule a driving skills test.
4. Choose a Location: You will see a list of the limited number of DOL offices that offer road tests.
5. Find an Available Date and Time: After selecting a location, the system will display a calendar with available dates and times.
   • Crucial Tip: DOL appointments are extremely limited and are often booked months in advance. New appointments are released periodically, so you may need to check the system frequently.
6. Confirm Your Appointment: Review the location, date, and time carefully before finalizing. You will receive an email confirmation.

What if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule?

• Third-Party Testers: You must follow the specific cancellation policy of the driving school you booked with. Many require 24-48 hours' notice to avoid forfeiting your test fee.
• DOL: Use the link in your confirmation email or log back into your License eXpress account to manage your appointment.

By understanding both the third-party and DOL options, you can choose the path that best fits your timeline and successfully schedule your Washington road test.