Pre-register on License Express on the Department of Licensing website. This will allow you to get your WDL number or Washington Driver's License number. The WDL number is needed to take both the written (knowledge) test and the skills (driving) test.
Pre-register on License Express on the Department of Licensing website. This will allow you to get your WDL number or Washington Driver's License number. The WDL number is needed to take both the written (knowledge) test and the skills (driving) test. This number is also located on Washington State ID's and Instruction Permits.
Proof or residency: typically in the form of a utility bill (gas, water, electricty, garbage, etc.) or a lease agreement. You want 2 if possible.
2 forms of valid photo identification: Typically a passport and a foreign driver's license or I.D. work. If you already have a state ID then that is all you need.
If you have ANY visa, travel documents, or work forms, make sure to bring all of them with you to the Department of Licensing. It's always better to just make one trip. Not sure? Bring it.
It is technically valid for one month after establishing permanent residency (once you have an apartment or home). During this time you will be fine to take lessons without having the instruction permit. If you think this period has passed you may purchase the Instruction Permit from the DoL after passing the knowledge exam. It's always a good idea to pass the knowledge exam before your first lesson.
From the DoL (Department of Licensing)
You can download the pdf of the Washington Driver's Guide from the DoL website or from my Resources tab on this website. I also have other study materials there as well. Once you pass, your score for the knowledge test is valid for 2 years in which you can purchase an Instruction Permit.
If you want the photo permit you will have to go in person (recommended). You can get it online with no photo, but then you MUST go in person to get the Driver's License later. You can go to a physical DoL location to purchase the permit or pay online after passing the knowledge test. The instruction Permit is valid for 1 year and costs $25. I can be renewed once for another $25.
The paper print out of the INSRUCTION PERMIT can be used for driving lessons. NOT the printout of the pre-application payment . . . You can only get the paper permit after passing the knowledge test and paying the DoL fee for the Instruction Permit ($25).
From me.
Make sure you have a valid IP (instruction permit), foreign drivers license, out of state license or Washington state license with you, for EVERY lesson.
To pass the driving test?
To be a confident daily driver?
To get familiar with Washington roads, rules, and drivers?
To practice parking?
City driving?
Freeway and lane changing?
From me.
The skills exam must be passed after the knowledge exam has been cleared, in order to be able to purchase a Washington state driver's license. This can be done at any school certified for administering the skills test by the DoL. A few DoL locations still offer testing. There is no freeway driving on the exam. Feel free to look at my resources page. The test covers general driving, lane changing, parallel parking, hill parking, and backing around a corner.
The cost is just under $100. You must purchase your license from the DoL directly. This can be done all online IF you have a photo instruction permit. Otherwise, you must go in person. You will get a paper copy the same day you pay and a hard copy 7 to 10 days later in the mail.
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