What is the minimum age to apply for a driver's license in Washington?

In Washington, the minimum age to apply for a driver's license is 16 years old. This law establishes a foundational requirement that aims to ensure that individuals have reached a certain level of maturity and experience before being granted the responsibility of driving independently. At 16, applicants typically have the opportunity to complete a required driver’s education program, which not only teaches the rules of the road but also imparts essential skills for safe driving.

Prior to obtaining a full license, individuals under 18 are often issued an intermediate license after passing both a written and a driving test. This intermediate license comes with specific restrictions to help ensure safety as they gain more driving experience.

The other age options are not applicable according to Washington state law, as individuals must be at least 16 to apply for their driver’s license, while younger applicants may start the process with a learner's permit at 15 but are not eligible for a full license until they reach the required age.