Planning a Trip to WA for Driver's license - Page 7

nvm.i got my answer

I got my license there 2 years ago...I showed them my high school transcript from Massachusetts...they didn't ask anything about it....I took both tests at the same day...I got there at 9:30 am, and at 12:00 I already had my license...I guess I was reallly lucky...

why can't you go?

If you go let me know, i'll try hard to go

Hey, what documents did you bring with you? high school transcript.... and also what city did you go to apply for your DL?

I got my license here in WA close to a month ago and have been working here in Seattle everyday since until today got our first rainy day.

I brought the following documents:

For proof of identiy:
Out of state Official High School Transcript (from a couple years back)
Out of state High School Yearbook (from a couple years back)
Valid Mexican Matricula ID Card (obtained at Mexican Consulate within the United States)
Valid Foreign Passport with no visa. (obtained at Mexican Consulate within the United States)
Mexican Birth Certificate (had a relative in Mexico obtain a couple copies for me)

For proof of Washington state residence:
Utility Bill with only my name on it.


To obtain the utility bill I used my Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) and Foreign Passport as ID. The first month bill arrived at my WA address within two weeks.

When you visit the Washington Department of Licensing you will first need to take a number to mark your place in line. I suggest taking more than one. When your number is called you will go up to the clerk and state what you are there for, then present your documents for proof of identity and washington state residence. You will then be allowed to take the vision test, you stick your eyes into a binoculars looking box and then tell them what you see. If you pass, you are then sent to a computer room where you take the knowledge test - multiple choice driving knowledge test. The test has 25 questions and you need to get atleast 20 correct in order to pass. If you pass both the vision and knowledge test you are then allowed to schedule an appointment for a behind the wheel driving test, expect to have to wait about a week or so for the appointment. The driving test is out of 100 points and you need a score of 80 or more to pass.

Tips for the knowledge test:
-read the WA state drivers guide and pay close attention to the numbers.

Tips for the driving test:
-know your hand turning signals. (left, right, and stop)
-know how to parallel park. (don't forget the blinker)
-know how to properly park on a hill. (parking brake and tires turned the correct way depending on if you are facing uphill or downhill)
-know how to back up out of a parking spot properly (hand on passanger seat headrest and head turned back.)
-look out for crosswalks and remember pedestrians always have the right of way.
-yield and look both ways at unmarked intersections.


Good Luck.

DeseoUnPoco, thanks alot for the info!! Does the matricula consular and Passport have to be from WA? I have my passport and matricula valid till 2014 but i got them in New York.

No they do not need to be from the state of Washington..

Mine were not from the state of Washington.

Also a couple more tips.

The car you use for the behind the wheel driving test needs to be registered and insured (under the owners name, not yours) in the state of Washington. They do not do some big fancy computer test to check the car history or any of that crap, you show up for the appointment, go inside tell them you are there, they tell you to move the car you plan on using for the test into one of the designated drive test parking spots outside and to wait for the employee to come to your car. They will get in the car and ask for a photo id (you can use your foreign passport) and proof of insurance (just show them the insurance card, they check the date the insurance expires and thats it).

Documents I used:

passport
school transcript
birth certificate
expired visa
high school yearbook


They did not ask for a proof of Washington state residence back then....

I went to a dmv just outside of Seattle...don't ask me which one (I don't remember...) it was a very small dmv and the staff there was really friendly...the director there is married to a brazilian,and as a result of that he likes all brazilians...I just told him I was brazilian and things got really easy for me...I was able to take the driving test at the same day I took the multiple choice test...and yes, he knew there was a lot of people from other states going there to get a license...I told him I was staying, and I was going to go to college there.
But again...it was two years ago...maybe now, things are a little different.

expired visa? they wouldve sent your azz right back.. so.. lies..