Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) driver license knowledge and driving skills examinations are administered by qualified examiners in accordance with standards and procedures established by DOL. These examinations are conducted at Granite Falls High School.
To be eligible for the Knowledge Exam, applicants must be at least 15 1/2 years old or be 15 years old and have successfully completed a TSE course.
To be eligible for the Skills Exam, applicants must:
- Have a passing Knowledge Exam score
- Have a valid WA instruction permit, a valid foreign -driver license, or temporary authorization to drive
- Have successfully completed the Granite Falls School District Traffic Safety Education (TSE) Program.
For students who completed TSE somewhere else or over the age of 18, the fee to administer the initial written knowledge test is $25, and the fee to administer the initial driving skills test is $45. For students enrolled in the Granite Falls High School TSE program, the DOL examination fee is included with the registration fee. All fees are nonrefundable.
The written knowledge exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions about traffic safety laws. To pass the test, at least 32 answers must be correct. If the knowledge test is not passed the first time, there is an additional $25.00 for each subsequent test. Written knowledge tests are held in a group setting; rescheduling may be available for the next session.
The driving skills exam tests the student's ability to drive legally and safely. A score of at least 80% is required to pass. If the driving skills test is not passed the first time, there is an additional $45.00 for each subsequent test. Driving skills tests are provided by appointment on an individual basis.
Students providing their own vehicle for the driving skills exam must show proof of insurance and current registration on the day of the test. The car must be legal to operate on public streets, including but not limited to, windshield, seat belts, wipers, defroster, tires, mirrors, all brake and reverse lights, turn signals, and licensed with current tabs. Arm signals will need to be demonstrated prior to beginning the skills test.
If you are required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), you can only take a skills test in a vehicle equipped with this device unless you have a work vehicle waiver for the vehicle. Any other vehicle you use will require an IID.
Exam scores are entered into the DOL database within twenty-four (24) hours. Passing the knowledge and driving tests does not guarantee that an applicant will be issued a driver's license.
Visit the DOL online website to apply for a driver license once all licensing requirements have been met. For students under the age of 18, requirements include:
- At least 16 years old
- Successful completion of a traffic safety education course
- Permit held for at least six (6) months
- Fifty (50) hours driving experience with at least ten (10) night driving hours
The DOL reserves the right to conduct random re-examinations; applicants refusing to take a re-examination may have their license revoked. Applicants that have received a DOL reexam letter or have a temporary or permanent physical, visual, or mental condition that may impair their ability to drive must test at a Department of Licensing Office.
An online form is available to file complaints about the Traffic Safety Education (TSE) program or Department of Licensing (DOL) examination program administered by the Northwest Educational Service District 189 (NWESD).
Contact Information:
Tony Helgeson, Traffic Safety Instructor/DOL Certified Examiner
thelgeson@gfalls.wednet.edu | Phone: (360) 691-7713