Knowledge & Skills Exams in Lacey, Near Olympia

Walk-In Knowledge Exams

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:00 PM to 4:45 PM. No appointment needed. We can test up to 10 people at a time, so seats are first come, first served. The last walk-in is at 4:45 PM.

Where: 4510 Intelco Loop SE, Ste A, Lacey, WA 98503 (map and directions)
Cost: $30 for the first attempt, $20 for retakes. Free for South Sound Driving School students.
Required: 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 before you come. If you don’t have your WDL number or a valid photo ID, we can’t give you the exam.
Other times: by appointment. Call (360) 209-2195.

$ 30

for first attempt

$20.00 for retakes
Free for South Sound Driving School Students
Available in many different languages
Study the Washington State Driver's Guide
Must have valid photo ID

English
Español (Spanish)
中文 (Traditional Chinese)
한국어 (Korean)
Русский (Russian)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
日本語 (Japanese)
العربية (Arabic)
简体中文 (Chinese Simplified)
ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ (Punjabi)
Tagalog
Українська (Ukrainian)

This exam will take place through your License Express Account
Takes place at South Sound Driving School
Will test your knowledge of the rules of the road
Includes rules, signs, vocab words, and situational questions
Closed book exam
You will have 1 hour to complete the exam from the scheduled start time
Can obtain the Instruction Permit at the DOL after passing
A passing Knowledge Exam score is valid for 2 years

$ 65

in your own vehicle

$40.00 for South Sound Driving School Students
$80.00 in South Sound Driving School vehicle
$120.00 for 30 minutes of practice and exam.
Must have valid Photo ID

Under 18 years old

Over 18 years old

This is the driving test
You will back around a corner, parallel park, hill park, perform the starting maneuver, make lane changes, go through traffic lights, stop signs, and more
Will test your ability to drive safely and legally on the roads
All traffic laws must be followed at all times
If you do not have an Instruction Permit, we can give you a Temporary Authorization to drive for the duration of the exam
Skills Exam takes about 15-20 minutes on average
A passing Skills Exam Score is valid for 1 year

Common Testing Questions

Do I need an appointment for the knowledge exam?

No. Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 PM to 4:45 PM. We can test up to 10 people at a time, so seats are first come, first served, and the last walk-in is at 4:45 PM. For other times, call (360) 209-2195 to set up an appointment.

What do I need to bring?

Your WDL number and a valid photo ID (state ID, passport or school ID). You get your WDL number for free through License Express. Here’s how to get your WDL number, step by step. If you don’t have your WDL number or a valid photo ID, we can’t give you the exam.

Who can take the knowledge exam?

You need to be at least 15½ years old, or have completed a driver training course.

How long do I have to finish?

One hour. The exam is closed book and covers the rules of the road, signs, vocabulary and situational questions. At our office the exam is on paper, or you can take it online through your License Express account if you prefer. It is also the test you need for your driver license, not just your permit. See our full knowledge exam guide.

How much does the knowledge exam cost?

$30 for the first attempt and $20 for retakes. It is free for South Sound Driving School driver training students.

What languages is the knowledge exam offered in?

English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Punjabi, Tagalog and Ukrainian. We can also give the skills exam in Spanish. Información en español.

How long is a passing score good for?

Two years. After you pass, you can get your instruction permit at a driver licensing office.

How do I take the skills (driving) exam?

The skills exam is by appointment only. Call (360) 209-2195 to schedule. You must pass the knowledge exam first. Prices are listed in the Skills Exam section above.

How should I study?

Start with the Washington State Driver’s Guide, then try our free practice questions. We also offer paid exam prep courses.

I Passed my Exams, Now What?