Washington Knowledge Exam: What to Expect
The knowledge exam is the written test you need to pass for both your Washington instruction permit and your driver license. South Sound Driving School is a State Approved testing location in Lacey, serving Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, with walk-in knowledge exams on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For Your Permit and Your License
The knowledge exam is not just for your permit. It is also one of the tests you need to pass to get your Washington driver license, along with the skills exam. Your passing score is good for two years and counts toward both.
What the Exam Covers
The exam covers the rules of the road, road signs, driving vocabulary and situational questions. Everything on it comes from the Washington Driver Guide.
Who Can Take It
You need to be at least 15½ years old, or have completed a driver training course.
What to Bring
Your WDL number and a valid photo ID (state ID, passport or school ID). Don’t have one yet? Here’s how to get your WDL number. It’s free, and you do it online through License Express. If you don’t have your WDL number or a valid photo ID, we can’t give you the exam.
Test Day, Step by Step
- Create your License Express account before you come, so you have your WDL number. See how to get your WDL number.
- Walk in or book a time. Walk-ins are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:00 to 4:45 PM. We can test up to 10 people at a time, so seats are first come, first served. For other times, call (360) 209-2195.
- Take the exam at our office. The exam is on paper. If you would rather, you can take it online through your License Express account instead. Either way, you have one hour, and it is closed book.
- After you pass, your result is good for two years. Use it to get your instruction permit at a driver licensing office. The same passing score also counts toward your driver license. Next is the skills exam: see what to expect on the skills exam.
If You Don't Pass
You can retake the knowledge exam the same day if a seat is open. Retakes are $20, and free for South Sound Driving School driver training students.
Languages
The exam is offered in English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Punjabi, Tagalog and Ukrainian.
How to Study
Start with the Washington Driver Guide, then work through our free practice questions. We also offer a paid exam prep course with full practice exams.
Knowledge Exam Questions
How many questions are on the Washington knowledge exam?
40 multiple choice questions. You need 32 correct, which is 80 percent, to pass.
Can I retake it the same day?
Yes, if a seat is open. Retakes are $20, and free for our driver training students.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 to 4:45 PM. For other times, call (360) 209-2195.
Do I need the knowledge exam for my driver license, or just my permit?
Both. You need to pass the knowledge exam for your instruction permit and for your driver license. Your passing score is good for two years and counts toward both.
Is the exam on paper or on a computer?
At our office the knowledge exam is on paper. If you prefer, you can take it online through your License Express account instead.
How long is a passing score good for?
Two years.
Can I take it before I finish driver training?
Yes, as long as you are at least 15½ years old.
Exam format from the Washington State Department of Licensing. Testing hours, prices and retakes are South Sound Driving School policy.