Washington’s new driver rules put anyone under 18 through a graduated licensing system with three stages: an instruction permit starting at 15 or 15½, an Intermediate Driver License at 16, and a standard license at 18. Each stage phases in more freedom, and each has its own age minimums, training requirements, and restrictions on when and with whom you can drive.
Stage One: The Instruction Permit
You can apply for an instruction permit at 15½, or as early as 15 if you’re already enrolled in an approved driver training course. The application fee is $35, and you must hold the permit for at least six months before moving up to an intermediate license.1Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.055 – Instruction Permit
Getting the permit requires passing a knowledge test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. If you’re already enrolled in a driver training course when you apply, the Department of Licensing (DOL) may waive the written exam.1Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.055 – Instruction Permit While you hold the permit, you can only drive when supervised by a licensed adult.
Stage Two: Qualifying for the Intermediate License
At 16, you can apply for the Intermediate Driver License if you’ve held your permit six months, finished driver training, logged the required practice hours, and kept a clean record.2Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.075 – Intermediate License
Driver Training
Every teen applicant must complete a state-approved driver training course. That course requires at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an instructor.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application Ages 16 to 17 Courses run through public school programs and private driving schools, with private tuition typically $550 to $600.
Supervised Practice Hours
On top of the course, you need 50 hours of supervised practice with someone who is at least 21 and has held a valid license for at least three years.2Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.075 – Intermediate License At least 40 of those hours must be during daylight, and at least 10 at night.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application Ages 16 to 17 A parent or guardian certifies the hours on your application.
A Clean Record
You cannot have any traffic violations in the six months before you apply, and you cannot have any alcohol or drug-related offenses at any point while you held your permit.2Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.075 – Intermediate License The two windows are different. A speeding ticket seven months before your application won’t block you. A drug offense anywhere in the permit period will.
The Driving Skills Test
You’ll take a skills test at a licensing office covering the basics: starting the vehicle, controlling it in traffic, obeying signs and signals, and handling lane changes and turns.
Restrictions on Your Intermediate License
Once you have the intermediate license, three restrictions apply.
Passengers
For the first six months, you cannot carry any passengers under 20 who aren’t immediate family.2Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.075 – Intermediate License After six months, the limit loosens to a maximum of three passengers under 20 who aren’t immediate family.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application Ages 16 to 17
Washington defines immediate family broadly. It covers a spouse or domestic partner, parents, stepparents, grandparents, siblings, half-siblings, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, foster children in the household, and the spouses or domestic partners of all those people.2Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.075 – Intermediate License Driving your stepsister to school is fine from day one. Driving two friends to the movies isn’t, at least not for the first six months.
Nighttime Curfew
You cannot drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver at least 25 years old is in the car with you.2Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.075 – Intermediate License The one other exception is agricultural work, such as transporting farm products or supplies under a farmer’s direction.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application Ages 16 to 17
No Wireless Devices
Intermediate license holders cannot use any wireless device while driving, including hands-free systems. The only exception is calling to report an emergency.2Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.075 – Intermediate License This is stricter than the rule for adult Washington drivers.
Penalties for Breaking the Rules
Violations escalate on a three-strike schedule:4Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.267 – Intermediate License Violations
- First violation: the DOL sends a warning letter to your parent or guardian.
- Second violation: your license is suspended for six months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.
- Third violation: your license is suspended until your 18th birthday, regardless of how far off that is.
A single traffic stop that produces tickets for multiple offenses counts as one violation for this escalation.4Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.267 – Intermediate License Violations Even so, the gap between a warning letter and a six-month suspension leaves essentially no room for repeated careless driving.
Stage Three: When the Restrictions End
There are two ways out of the intermediate restrictions. One is time. Drive one full year with no collisions or traffic violations, and both the passenger limits and the nighttime curfew expire.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application Ages 16 to 17 The wireless device ban and the violation penalty structure remain in place until you turn 18.
The other way out is your 18th birthday. Your intermediate license expires that day, and you can apply for a standard driver license without the passenger, nighttime, or device restrictions.2Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20.075 – Intermediate License You do have to apply; the conversion isn’t automatic.
Paperwork and Parental Authorization
Bring proof of identity from the DOL’s approved lists. Acceptable options include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, or a combination of other identity documents from the tiered list.5Washington State Department of Licensing. Documents for Proof of Identity You’ll also give your Social Security number and current Washington residential address.
Because you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must authorize the application. Either bring a parent to the office to sign in person, or have them complete the Parental Authorization Affidavit on the DOL website and get it notarized before your visit.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application Ages 16 to 17 The notarization requirement is what catches families most often, so plan for it.
Fees and Insurance
A first-time standard driver license costs $111 for a six-year term or $131 for an eight-year term. An enhanced driver license, which also works as a REAL ID and a border-crossing card for Canada and Mexico, costs $153 for six years or $187 for eight.6Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees Testing fees for the knowledge and driving exams vary by location and are billed separately.
The bigger expense is insurance. Adding a 16-year-old to a family auto policy raises premiums sharply because insurers price teen crash risk into the rate. Completing a certified driver education course often qualifies you for a discount, so keep your completion certificate and give it to whoever manages the policy. The discount varies by insurer. Beyond that, the most effective way to bring costs down is simply keeping a clean record through the intermediate license period.