Washington State Driving Laws: A Complete Guide

Minimum Driving Age

• Instruction Permit (Learner’s Permit):
  
  
  • Available at 15 years old if enrolled in a driver training program.
    
    
  • Available at 15½ years old without enrollment in a driver training program. 
• Intermediate Driver License:
  
  
  • Eligible at 16 years old, after holding an instruction permit for at least 6 months, completing a driver training program, and meeting other requirements.
    
    
• Full (Unrestricted) License:
  
  
  • Automatically granted at 18 years old, provided the driver has maintained a clean driving record.

Instruction Permit Rules

• Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, seated in the front passenger seat.
  
  
• Holding Period: Must hold the instruction permit for at least 6 months before applying for an intermediate license.
  
  
• Practice Hours:
  
  
  • 50 hours of supervised driving, including:
    
    
    • 10 hours at night
      
      
• Driving Restrictions:
  
  
  • No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older.
    
    
  • For the first 6 months, no passengers under 20 years old who are not immediate family members.
    
    
  • After 6 months, may carry up to 3 passengers under 20 who are not immediate family members.

License Types

• Instruction Permit: For practicing with a licensed adult.
  
  
• Intermediate Driver License: Allows unsupervised driving with certain restrictions for drivers under 18.
  
  
• Full (Unrestricted) License: Full driving privileges granted at 18 years old.
  
  
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles; must be at least 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate commerce.
  
  
• Motorcycle Endorsement: Required for operating motorcycles; applicants must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test.

Required Documents for Driving

To apply for a permit or license in Washington, applicants must provide:

• Proof of Identity and Date of Birth: Such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
  
  
• Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or approved document.
  
  
• Proof of Washington Residency and Current Address: Two documents, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or school transcripts.
  
  
• Parental Consent: Required if under 18; parent or guardian must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized signature on the application.