Washington (WA)

How many practice hours do you need in Washington?

In Washington, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.

50
Total practice hours
10
Night hours
15
Permit age
16
License age

Washington learner permit requirements

  • Minimum permit age: 15
  • Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night
  • Permit hold period: 6 months
  • License eligibility age: 16
  • How hours are certified: 50-hour driving log (10 at night) certified by a parent or guardian.

Washington requires 50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night, plus a state-approved driver-training course for applicants under 18.

Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the Washington Department of Licensing before applying.

Washington's graduated licensing stages

1
Instruction permit · age 15

Enroll in driver training; drive with a licensed adult 21+; log 50 hours (10 at night).

2
Intermediate license · age 16

Issued after 6 months; night and passenger limits apply for 12 months.

3
Full license · age 18

Intermediate restrictions are removed.

Driving restrictions for new Washington drivers

Night driving

For the first 12 months, intermediate license holders can't drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 25+.

Passengers

For the first 6 months, no passengers under 20 other than immediate family; for the next 6 months, no more than three.

Phone use

Drivers with an instruction permit or intermediate license may not use a wireless device while driving, even hands-free.

Log every Washington practice hour automatically

DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook.

Washington driving practice FAQs

How many driving hours do you need in Washington?+

Washington requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.

How many hours does Washington require?+

50 hours of supervised driving including at least 10 at night, logged during the instruction permit period.

Is driver training required in Washington?+

Yes — applicants under 18 must complete a state-approved driver-training course before getting an intermediate license.

Requirements in other states

Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.