Minimum age for a car driving licence in Washington (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: An instruction permit is available from 15 (or 15 years 6 months) and an intermediate licence from 16 after six months on the permit. Passenger limits and a ban on driving between 1 am and 5 am apply to the intermediate licence. A nonresident aged 16 or over with a valid home licence may drive without a Washington licence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | An instruction permit is available from 15 and a half, or from 15 if the applicant is enrolled in a driver training course that includes practice driving. The permit must be held for at least six months before an intermediate licence, which also needs driver's education and 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night). For the first six months (or until 18, if sooner) the holder may not carry passengers under 20 outside the immediate family; afterwards no more than three. Driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. is barred except with a licensed driver 25 or older or for school, religious or employment activities. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | A nonresident driver may drive without a Washington licence if at least 16 with a valid licence from the home state; at least 15 with a valid home-state instruction permit and a licensed driver with five years' experience beside them; or at least 16 with a valid home-country licence, for up to one year. [3] |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | An intermediate licence requires certification of at least 50 hours of driving, 10 of them at night, supervised by a person aged 21 or over who has held a licence for at least three years. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | An intermediate licence holder may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., except with a licensed driver aged 25 or over, or for school, religious or employment activities. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | For the first six months (or until 18), no passengers under 20 who are not immediate family; after that, no more than three. The limits end after 12 months without crashes or violations. [1] |
Notes
- The earliest age is for a licence that allows driving without a supervising adult. It carries graduated-licensing restrictions, described under 'Driving before the minimum age'.
- From 15 only when enrolled in an approved driver training course that includes practice driving; otherwise from 15 years and 6 months.
Sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.20.055 Instruction permit (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.20.025 Exemptions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Washington and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5 | Permit from 15; intermediate licence at 16 | Nonresident 16+ (15 with permit); foreign licence up to 1 yr |
| Idaho | 15 (daylight only); full privileges at 16 | 14½ (driver training permit) | Licence from 15 (daylight only); full at 16 | Valid home licence: 15+, daylight only until 16 |
| Oregon | 16 (provisional licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Permit at 15; provisional licence at 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Washington
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph county; 60 mph state
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed unless intimidating or alarming · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring blade banned; assisted opening not
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.13 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.