WA State Driving Skills Test

Take the official driving skills test and know your results in minutes.

  • What You Need to Know

    • Testing is scheduled Monday through Saturday
    • ~30-minute test in OUR dual-control vehicle
    • $70 per attempt ($40 for our Driver's Ed students)
    • Know your results and what to practice within minutes of taking the test
    • Bring: ID, glasses if needed, payment (completion of knowledge test is required)
    • Note: We cannot conduct the skills test if your vehicle has an ignition interlock device
Driving school car with Washington license plate
Driving lesson with instructor and student in car.

WA State Driver's License Test
Washington State Skills Test Overview

What is the Washington Skills Test?

The Washington State Driving Test (also called the "skills test" or "road test") is your final step before getting your driver's license. An examiner rides with you while you demonstrate your driving skills on a state-approved route.

Test Format

  • Approximately 20-30 minutes

  • Conducted on public streets in Kennewick/Richland

  • All tests done in our dual-control vehicle (gives the examiner a brake on the passenger side)

  • Examiner sits in passenger seat with brake access

  • Scored on safe driving practices and WA traffic laws

  • Pass/fail result given immediately after test

Need an English language accommodation? Basic English comprehension is required during the skills test, as examiners must be able to give instructions during the drive. Translation devices are not permitted in the vehicle. If you're more comfortable in Spanish, we may be able to schedule a Spanish-speaking examiner — just give us a call to arrange.

What Does it Cover?

  • Basic Vehicle Control: Starting, stopping, steering, speed control

  • Turning: Right turns, left turns

  • Parking: Parallel parking, backing into a space

  • Backing: Backing straight, backing around a corner

  • Intersections: Stop signs, traffic lights, right-of-way

  • Lane Changes: Merging, changing lanes, proper signaling

  • Observation: Checking mirrors, blind spots, scanning
    (Pro Tip: This is a lot of points on the test!)

  • Following Distance: Maintaining safe space

  • Special Situations: School zones, pedestrian crossings

Need a refresher? We offer Private Driving Lessons. Book flexible one-on-one lessons, as needed ($80/hr). We offer different options based on your needs. We can provide a mix of instruction and driving time to help you prepare for your test.

WA Driving Skills Test Scheduling
Schedule your WA State Driving Skills Test at our Kennewick or Richland location.

Arrive Early! Driving tests take 20-30 minutes plus paperwork. Arrive at least 45 minutes before closing to ensure you can complete your test.

Driver License Road Test Fees
Washington State Skills Test Cost at Premier

Test Taker Price Per Attempt
Premier Driver's Ed Students$40 (discounted rate)
Walk-In Test Takers$70

Unlimited Attempts: You can retake the test as many times as needed, although it will need to be rescheduled.

WA Driving Skills Test Prerequisites
What you need before you can take the Washington state driving test.

For Teens (Under 18)

  • Completed Driver's Ed course

  • Passed knowledge test

  • Focus on WA-specific skills

For Adults (18+)

  • Passed knowledge test

  • Knowledge of Washington state road rules

  • That's it! No other requirements

What's Included: Use of our dual-control vehicle, certified examiner, immediate results, and automatic entry into DOL database.

what to bring
Check this list before you leave home.

  • Valid Physical Photo ID: State ID, passport, or birth certificate. If under 18 and using a birth certificate a parent ID required.

  • Glasses/Contacts: If your permit says "corrective lenses required"

  • Payment: $70 cash or card ($40 for our Driver's Ed students)

Hand writing on clipboard with pen

WA Driving Skills Test Process
Here's what happens on test day.

1

Arrive & Check In

Provide your state-approved ID and payment. Our staff will verify your eligibility to test.

2

Your Examiner Will Be With You Shortly

If other tests are in progress, you may have a short wait. Testing is first-come, first-served.

3

Meet Your Examiner

Your certified examiner will introduce themselves and explain what to expect. Find a detailed list of what's on the test at DOL.WA.GOV.

4

Vehicle Safety Check

The examiner may ask you to demonstrate basic vehicle knowledge (hand signals, turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights, etc.).

5

Drive the Test Route

Follow the examiner's directions as you drive through local streets. They're evaluating your safe driving habits and adherence to traffic laws. Any traffic law violation or dangerous action results in an automatic fail and a score of 0%.

6

Return & Get Your Results

After 20–30 minutes, you'll return to our facility. Your examiner will explain your score and whether you passed or failed.

7

Results Entered into DOL

All scores are entered into the Dept of Licensing as soon as the test is complete. If you pass and are eligible, you may receive your license the same day.

Pass on Your First Try? Visit a DOL office within the next few days with your state-approved ID and WDL number to get your license ($25 DOL fee). No additional documents required.

WA Driving Skills Test FAQ
Here’s everything people ask before walking in to test.

Can my teen attend Driver’s Ed classes on Zoom?
What happens if my teen misses a class?
How long does Teen Driver’s Ed take to complete?
What does Teen Driver’s Ed cost at Premier Driving School?
Is Driver’s Ed required for teens in Washington State?
When can my teen get their instruction permit?
What is the refund policy if we need to withdraw from Driver’s Ed?
How many practice hours does my teen need before they can get their license?
Does my teen need a permit to register for Driver’s Ed?