How to apply for WDL number?

To obtain your WA permit, you can follow these steps for a successful process:

1. Go to dol.wa.gov and log in.

2. Click on "License Express" and then "Join now".

3. Choose "Pre-apply" to start the process of getting your first permit.

• Fill out the registration form with the necessary information.

What to expect on your drive test?

Drive test requirements:

Below is a list of what we will test you on once you're behind the wheel:

1. Starting your vehicle

2. Leaving the curb

• Signal and wait until it's safe to re-enter traffic

3. Controlling the vehicle

• Use the gas pedal, brake, steering wheel, and other controls correctly

• Change your speed to meet:

  • The number and speed of other vehicles and pedestrians

  • Road and weather conditions

  • Construction

  • Amount of light

  • The distance you can see ahead

4. Driving in traffic

• Use the proper lane

• Signal to change lanes

• Change lanes carefully

• Follow other vehicles at a safe distance

• Turn your head and look back before changing lanes

• Signal the proper distance before turning

5. Obeying traffic signals and signs

• Turn into the proper lane without cutting the lane or going wide into the improper lane

• Scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles, yield, and take the right-of-way correctly

6. Driving through blind or crowded intersections

• Scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles

• Yield and take the right-of-way correctly

7. Stopping

• Stop smoothly and at the right spot

• Stop quickly and safely in an emergency

8. Backing up

• Look over your right shoulder

• Back in a straight line

• Have complete control of your car

9. Judging distance

•  Stay a safe distance away from:

  • Other cars when following or passing

  • People walking or riding on the roadway

10. Respectful driving

• Be courteous to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists

• Pay full attention to the driving task

11. Performing specific maneuvers 

• Arm signals for right/left turn and slow or stop (you may use your arm signals during the test)

• A brake reaction test/emergency stop: you will be asked to put your foot on the gas pedal and step on the brake as fast as possible when told to stop

• Parking on a hill: you will park as if you were going to leave your car there unattended

• Parallel parking: you will parallel park without parking assist features on your vehicle

• Simulating backing out of a driveway or alley into traffic using a corner: without a back-up camera, you will be directed to back your vehicle around the corner to the right, staying as close to the street as you can, and continue backing in a straight line until directed to stop