Washington Instruction Permit

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Washington calls a learner's permit an instruction permit. It's the first step in the state's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) framework and lets a teen practice driving with a licensed adult. The permit must be held for at least 6 months with no traffic violations before the holder is eligible to take the road skills test for an intermediate license.

Minimum age and prerequisites

The minimum age for a Washington instruction permit issued under the GDL track is 15 years old, with concurrent enrollment in a state-approved traffic safety education (TSE) course. Applicants who are at least 15 years 6 months may apply for an instruction permit without TSE if they will not seek the under-18 intermediate license — but most teens go the TSE route to qualify for the intermediate license at 16. Adults 18 and older can also obtain an instruction permit without TSE for practice purposes only.

Documents required

Bring originals to a Washington DOL driver licensing office:

Identity and legal presence (one document such as a U.S. passport or certified birth certificate).
Social Security number proof.
Two proofs of Washington residency from different sources, both dated within 6 months.
Parental or guardian consent — a parent must sign in person at the licensing office for any applicant under 18.
The completed DL-3 Driver License Application form.
An enrollment certificate from a DOL-approved TSE provider (for under-18 applicants seeking the GDL track).

Fees

The Washington instruction permit costs:

$25 for the standard permit (non-GDL).
$20 for the GDL instruction permit issued to a TSE-enrolled teen.
The knowledge test fee is included.

Permits are valid for 1 year for non-GDL holders and renewable; GDL permits are valid for the duration of TSE plus enough time to complete supervised practice (typically held until the holder ages out or qualifies for the intermediate license).

Driving rules under the permit

A Washington instruction permit holder may drive only when:

Accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older who has held a valid license for at least 5 years, seated in the front passenger seat.
For under-18 holders: no use of any cell phone, including hands-free, while driving.
All occupants wear seat belts; child passenger safety rules apply normally.
Without alcohol or controlled substances in the system — Washington's zero-tolerance policy applies fully to permit holders.

Traffic safety education in Washington

Washington's TSE curriculum requires a minimum of:

30 hours of classroom instruction.
6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driver education instructor.
1 hour of observation with another student driver.

TSE is delivered by public high schools, private commercial driving schools, and approved online programs. The TSE certificate is required for the under-18 intermediate license and remains the most reliable way to qualify a Washington teen for skills testing.

Supervised practice hours

A teen seeking the intermediate license must complete 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 hours after sunset. Hours are recorded on the practice log issued at TSE enrollment and signed off by a parent, guardian, or other approved supervising driver. The 6-hour TSE behind-the-wheel time counts toward the 50-hour total.

Cell phone and seat-belt rules

Washington bans all cell phone use by drivers under 18, including hands-free, while operating any vehicle. Texting while driving is prohibited at all ages under RCW 46.61.672. A first-time violation by an under-18 driver can extend the permit's holding period and require a parent meeting with DOL.

Moving up to the intermediate license

Once the permit holder has reached age 16, has held the GDL instruction permit at least 6 consecutive months without traffic violations, has logged the 50/10 supervised hours, and has completed TSE, they can take the Washington skills test and apply for the intermediate license. Failed attempts must be re-scheduled at least 1 week later. For document requirements that overlap with the full license, see the Washington driver license page.