Trusted Driving Test in Washington
Bal Driving School provides the official Driving Test in Washington through DOL-approved testing centers in Bellingham, Lynnwood, and Mount Vernon. Authorized testing evaluates vehicle control, road awareness, and the ability to follow Washington driving rules. Test results are submitted electronically to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) as part of the licensing process.
Benefits of Driving Test in Washington
Official Testing. Convenient Options.
DOL-Approved Testing: Bal Driving School is authorized to provide official Washington State Department of Licensing testing. Driving Test in Washington results are submitted electronically to the DOL within 24 hours, allowing applicants who pass to continue through the state licensing process once all other requirements are satisfied.
Choice of Test Vehicle: Applicants can choose between taking the drive test in their own qualifying vehicle or using a Bal Driving School vehicle. This flexibility allows drivers to test in a familiar personal vehicle or avoid bringing a vehicle that must satisfy the required safety and documentation standards.
Pre-Test Brush-Up Option: Applicants wanting additional preparation can select a driving test that includes a 30-minute warm-up beforehand. This provides an opportunity to refresh important skills and become comfortable in the school vehicle immediately before completing the official DOL driving examination.
Why the DOL Driving Test Matters
Proving Safe Driving Skills
Road-Ready Vehicle Control: The Driving Test in Washington evaluates whether an applicant can safely control a vehicle in real traffic situations. Examiners assess areas such as starting, steering, braking, lane positioning, speed adjustment, backing, stopping, and maintaining appropriate space around vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Traffic Law Awareness: Drivers must demonstrate that they can recognize and respond appropriately to traffic signals, signs, intersections, right-of-way situations, and changing roadway conditions. The test allows an examiner to evaluate whether the applicant can apply Washington road rules while actively operating a vehicle.
Required Licensing Step: Passing the skills test is an important part of the Washington licensing process, but passing does not automatically guarantee a driver’s license. The Department of Licensing determines whether all licensing requirements have been satisfied and retains the authority to retest applicants when applicable.
DOL License Testing
We’re an official Washington State DOL-approved testing center, offering a range of services including written exams, road tests, refresher lessons, and safe driving courses.
Get tested, trained, and licensed — all in one place with Bal Driving School
Serving Whatcom, Snohomish, and Skagit Counties with locations in Bellingham, Lynnwood, and Mount Vernon.
Written Test Prep Course
Get ready for the Washington State Knowledge Test with an online prep course designed to help you study smarter and feel more confident on test day.
Review key topics commonly covered on the knowledge test, including Washington traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, school buses, safe-driving practices, and common roadway situations. Short quizzes throughout the course help reinforce what you’ve learned and show you which areas may need more review.
Whether you’re taking the knowledge test for the first time or preparing for a retake, this course gives you a structured way to review the material before your exam.
$20
Written Test
The Washington State written (knowledge) test evaluates your understanding of road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices before you begin driving.
It includes 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
After paying online, please call us to schedule your written test.
Bellingham
$40
Mount Vernon
$35
Lynnwood
$35
Drive Test - Customer Car
The driving test measures your control, awareness, and ability to follow road rules. You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass. Results are sent electronically to the DOL within 24 hours. Passing doesn’t guarantee a license — the DOL verifies all requirements and may retest applicants at no cost.
Bring:
• Photo ID
• WA ID number (WDL + 9 characters)
The test will happen in the customer’s vehicle; see below for requirements.
After paying online, please call us to schedule your drive test.
Bellingham
$55
Mount Vernon
$55
Lynnwood
$60
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If you choose to use your own vehicle for the driving test, it must be legally and safely operable on public roads and meet the following requirements:
Valid Documentation – Bring current vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Proper Functionality – All vehicle systems must be in working order, including:
Brake lights
Turn signals
Seat belts for driver and passenger
Windshield wipers
Defroster system
Doors & Windows – Driver and passenger doors must open and close from inside and outside. The driver's window must roll down enough to display hand signals.
Mirrors – The vehicle must have a left side mirror, inside rearview mirror, and right side mirror.
License Plates – The vehicle must have both front and rear plates, with a current registration tab on the rear plate.
Windshield Condition – No cracks in the windshield that obstruct the driver’s view.
Tires – Must meet state safety requirements.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in cancellation of the test. Be sure to check your vehicle before your appointment.
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Starting Your Vehicle – Properly start the car and prepare to drive.
Leaving the Curb – Signal, check traffic, and merge safely.
Vehicle Control – Use the gas, brake, and steering smoothly; adjust speed for traffic and conditions.
Driving in Traffic – Stay in the correct lane, signal, check blind spots, and maintain a safe following distance.
Traffic Signals & Signs – Obey all signs, signals, and right-of-way rules.
Intersections – Scan for hazards, yield when required, and navigate safely.
Stopping – Stop smoothly at the correct spot; perform an emergency stop if instructed.
Backing Up – Look over your right shoulder, back in a straight line, and stay in control.
Judging Distance – Maintain safe space around other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Respectful Driving – Stay alert, avoid distractions, and be courteous to others.
Maneuvers – Demonstrate proper hand signals, emergency braking, hill parking, parallel parking, and backing around a corner.
Drive Test with 30-Minute Brush-Up
Includes a 30-minute warm-up drive before your test to refresh key skills and boost confidence. The test is done in our vehicle and requires a minimum score of 80 out of 100 to pass. Results are sent to the DOL within 24 hours. Passing doesn’t guarantee a license — the DOL confirms eligibility and may retest applicants.
Bring:
• Photo ID
• WA ID number (WDL + 9 characters)
After paying online, please call us to schedule your drive test.
Bellingham
$145
Mount Vernon
$145
Lynnwood
$135
-
If you choose to use your own vehicle for the driving test, it must be legally and safely operable on public roads and meet the following requirements:
Valid Documentation – Bring current vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Proper Functionality – All vehicle systems must be in working order, including:
Brake lights
Turn signals
Seat belts for driver and passenger
Windshield wipers
Defroster system
Doors & Windows – Driver and passenger doors must open and close from inside and outside. The driver's window must roll down enough to display hand signals.
Mirrors – The vehicle must have a left side mirror, inside rearview mirror, and right side mirror.
License Plates – The vehicle must have both front and rear plates, with a current registration tab on the rear plate.
Windshield Condition – No cracks in the windshield that obstruct the driver’s view.
Tires – Must meet state safety requirements.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in cancellation of the test. Be sure to check your vehicle before your appointment.
-
Starting Your Vehicle – Properly start the car and prepare to drive.
Leaving the Curb – Signal, check traffic, and merge safely.
Vehicle Control – Use the gas, brake, and steering smoothly; adjust speed for traffic and conditions.
Driving in Traffic – Stay in the correct lane, signal, check blind spots, and maintain a safe following distance.
Traffic Signals & Signs – Obey all signs, signals, and right-of-way rules.
Intersections – Scan for hazards, yield when required, and navigate safely.
Stopping – Stop smoothly at the correct spot; perform an emergency stop if instructed.
Backing Up – Look over your right shoulder, back in a straight line, and stay in control.
Judging Distance – Maintain safe space around other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Respectful Driving – Stay alert, avoid distractions, and be courteous to others.
Maneuvers – Demonstrate proper hand signals, emergency braking, hill parking, parallel parking, and backing around a corner.
Drive Test - School Car
The driving test measures your control, awareness, and ability to follow road rules. You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass. Results are sent electronically to the DOL within 24 hours. Passing doesn’t guarantee a license — the DOL verifies all requirements and may retest applicants at no cost.
Bring:
• Photo ID
• WA ID number (WDL + 9 characters)
The test will take place in the school’s vehicle
After paying online, please call us to schedule your drive test.
Bellingham
$90
Mount Vernon
$90
Lynnwood
$85
-
If you choose to use your own vehicle for the driving test, it must be legally and safely operable on public roads and meet the following requirements:
Valid Documentation – Bring current vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Proper Functionality – All vehicle systems must be in working order, including:
Brake lights
Turn signals
Seat belts for driver and passenger
Windshield wipers
Defroster system
Doors & Windows – Driver and passenger doors must open and close from inside and outside. The driver's window must roll down enough to display hand signals.
Mirrors – The vehicle must have a left side mirror, inside rearview mirror, and right side mirror.
License Plates – The vehicle must have both front and rear plates, with a current registration tab on the rear plate.
Windshield Condition – No cracks in the windshield that obstruct the driver’s view.
Tires – Must meet state safety requirements.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in cancellation of the test. Be sure to check your vehicle before your appointment.
-
Starting Your Vehicle – Properly start the car and prepare to drive.
Leaving the Curb – Signal, check traffic, and merge safely.
Vehicle Control – Use the gas, brake, and steering smoothly; adjust speed for traffic and conditions.
Driving in Traffic – Stay in the correct lane, signal, check blind spots, and maintain a safe following distance.
Traffic Signals & Signs – Obey all signs, signals, and right-of-way rules.
Intersections – Scan for hazards, yield when required, and navigate safely.
Stopping – Stop smoothly at the correct spot; perform an emergency stop if instructed.
Backing Up – Look over your right shoulder, back in a straight line, and stay in control.
Judging Distance – Maintain safe space around other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Respectful Driving – Stay alert, avoid distractions, and be courteous to others.
Maneuvers – Demonstrate proper hand signals, emergency braking, hill parking, parallel parking, and backing around a corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Bal Driving School is an official Washington State Department of Licensing-approved testing center. The driving exam is an official DOL skills test rather than a practice test. After testing, Bal Driving School electronically submits the applicant’s results to the Department of Licensing within 24 hours for the licensing process.
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Applicants must earn at least 80 points out of 100 to pass the official driving test. The examiner evaluates vehicle control, traffic awareness, intersections, stopping, backing, signaling, parking, and other road skills. Bal Driving School submits completed test results electronically to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
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Yes. Bal Driving School allows applicants to take the official DOL driving test in a customer vehicle. The vehicle must meet Washington safety and documentation requirements, including valid registration and insurance, working lights and signals, appropriate mirrors, safe tires, functioning seat belts, and other required equipment.