WMST · Washington Motorist & Motorcycle Safety Training
Knowledge and skills testing

Washington driver license testing, explained

Two tests stand between you and a license: the knowledge test (40 questions on a computer) and the skills test (the in-car drive). WMST is a DOL-approved examiner, so you can train and test with one school. Here is how each test works and how to pass it.

Updated June 5, 2026 · 2 min read · Reviewed by the WMST examiner team

The knowledge test

This is the written test, taken on a computer at an approved location. It is 40 questions, and you need 32 right to pass. It covers signs, signals, right of way, and the safe-driving rules in the state driver guide. Full detail is in our knowledge test guide, and you can do it as a walk-in at our Everett office.

The skills test

The skills test is the drive. An examiner rides along and scores your control, observation, decisions, and parking, and you need an 80 to pass. The maneuvers and the automatic fails are broken down in our skills test guide. If a specific maneuver keeps tripping you up, see why people fail.

Walk-in versus scheduled

Knowledge testing at our Everett Express office is walk-in: you show up during testing hours and take it, no appointment. Skills tests are scheduled, since an examiner has to ride with you. Booking ahead also lets you line up a test-day warm-up right before.

Why testing with WMST is different

Most students train at one place and test at another, with a stranger scoring them on a route they have never seen. WMST is a DOL-approved knowledge and skills examiner, so our students train and test with the same school. The instructor who coached your parallel parking is part of the team that runs the test. See the license testing page for hours and booking.

Common questions

How many tests do I need to pass?

Two: the knowledge test, which is 40 written questions, and the skills test, which is the in-car drive scored by an examiner.

Is WMST a real DOL testing site?

Yes. WMST is a DOL-approved knowledge and skills examiner, so you can take both official tests with us rather than at a separate DOL office.

Do I need an appointment?

Knowledge testing is walk-in at our Everett Express office during testing hours. Skills tests are scheduled, since an examiner rides along.

Where is the testing office?

Our Express office is at 4929 Evergreen Way in Everett, with knowledge-test sessions at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Ready to get started?

Register for drivers ed or lessons with WMST, or call and we will walk you through it.

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Pick your starting line.

Whether you're chasing a first license or a motorcycle endorsement, the next step starts here. One register page, every program.

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The WMST team