If you do not already have a “permit” or a Washington ID card, get a permit by using the pre-apply License Express process at the Department of Licensing. At the end of the process, you will be given a ten digit code called the “Personal Identification Code” (PIC#) or “Confirmation ID”. Keep track of the code given to you by the state as it becomes your Washington State ID Card number and is necessary to register for the Knowledge or Skills test. We also need this code for verification purposes and to enter your scores into the Department of Licensing system. Make sure you have your Confirmation ID when you arrive for the test. Without this number, you will not be able to take the test to get your permit.
Study for the Knowledge test ~ All test answers can be found in the pdf version of the Department of Licensing driver’s guide Driver’s Guide, or prepare for the test by going to Practice Test; where you can take a sample test as many times as you want!
Knowledge test ~ Use our secure website to sign up for the Knowledge test. Again, you will need your Confirmation ID from the Department of Licensing, as well as a valid photo ID. The test is 40 questions and you must get 32 correct answers to score the minimum to pass. The test takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and your score will be sent to the Department of Licensing within 24 hours. You can pick up your Learner’s Permit at the Department of Licensing after you have passed the Knowledge test. You must take the Knowledge test before taking the Skills test.
Now, practice driving as much as possible. Practice makes you more comfortable behind the wheel and could help reduce your nervousness while testing.
Pass the Skills test ~ Register on our secure website to take the Skills test. Bring your Confirmation ID and a Photo ID. The test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and your score will be sent to the Department of Licensing within 24 hours. One must score a 80 out of 100, or above to pass the Skills test. Please arrive a few minutes early. Too see what is on the skills test please visit these video links: Pre-Test, Backing Around a Corner, Parallel Parking, Lane Changing and Turning.
We have a temporary authorization form that will allow someone to take the Skills test without their learner’s permit. The temporary authorization form can only by used for the Department of Licensing Skills test, with proper identification.
You’ve passed the Knowledge and Skills tests ~ You are now ready to head to the closest Department of Licensing to pick up your new Washington State Driver’s License; here, you can find the closest Department of Licensing office.
You will need to bring these items to the Department of Licensing to get your license:
If you are under 18, you have to complete the Traffic Safety Education (TSE) teen driver’s course before taking the Department of Licensing Skills test. Teens may take the Department of Licensing Knowledge test at 15 ½ years of age or after they have completed a Traffic Safety Education course.
Refunds ~ All fees are due in full before the beginning of any examination and there are no refunds once testing begins. Tests must be taken within three (3) months of payment or all funds are forfeited. There is a $40.00 fee for any returned checks as well as disputed or denied credit card charges.
In the event that Safety First Driving School must cancel a scheduled test, applicant will be given every opportunity to reschedule the test or obtain a full refund.
To cancel or reschedule a test, one must login to cancel their scheduled drive, or contact our office, at least 24 hours in advance. Sundays and Holidays are not considered a business day for the purposes of 24 hours notification. Late cancellations or a no-show will result in being charged full price with the student required to purchase an additional test. Please arrive on time; any late arrivals forfeit their testing time.