Washington Driver Handbook
Official driver handbook content, organized by chapter.
Direct answer
Washington permit-test facts: Questions: 40; To pass: 32 out of 40 correct (80%); Minimum age: 15 years if taking an approved driver-training course; otherwise wait until 15½ for a permit; Fee: $35 learner-permit fee; Re-takes: A learner permit can be renewed twice; after two renewals, a new permit requires retaking the knowledge test unless enrolled in a driver-training course; failed-test waiting period is location-dependent/not specified; Official handbook: Washington State Driver Guide.
Each field links to the primary official source used for its review. A field marked not stated means the reviewed source did not publish that requested fact; confirm current application details with the authority.
| Fact | Answer | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 40 | Verified against cited official source |
| To pass | 32 out of 40 correct (80%) | Verified against cited official source |
| Minimum age | 15 years if taking an approved driver-training course; otherwise wait until 15½ for a permit | Verified against cited official source |
| Fee | $35 learner-permit fee | Verified against cited official source |
| Re-takes | A learner permit can be renewed twice; after two renewals, a new permit requires retaking the knowledge test unless enrolled in a driver-training course; failed-test waiting period is location-dependent/not specified | Verified against cited official source |
| Official handbook | Washington State Driver Guide | Verified against cited official source |
Official source
Field evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14 (retrieved)
5 chapters
Driving Safely
Safe driving in Washington means giving the road your full attention at all times. Wear your seatbelt on every trip — buckling up is the single most effective way to survive a crash — and make sure your passengers are buckled too.
Put your phone away while driving. Texting and handheld phone use are leading causes of crashes, and stricter limits usually apply to drivers with a learner permit.
Keep both hands on the wheel and scan 10–15 seconds ahead so you have time to react to hazards.