Washington statute
RCW 46.20.510 — Instruction permit—Fee—Examinations—Director may adopt and enforce rules
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 46.20: Drivers' Licenses—Identicards, Revised Code of Washington.
Full text of RCW 46.20.510
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
(1) Motorcycle instruction permit. A person holding a valid driver's license who wishes to learn to ride a motorcycle may apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. The department may issue a motorcycle instruction permit after the applicant has successfully passed all knowledge and skills examinations required and approved by the department. The director shall collect a fee of fifteen dollars for the motorcycle instruction permit or renewal, and deposit the fee in the motorcycle safety education account of the highway safety fund.
(a) The examination for a two-wheeled motorcycle instruction permit and the examination for a three-wheeled motorcycle instruction permit must be separate and distinct examinations.
(b) The department may authorize an entity that has entered into a contract authorized under RCW 46.20.520 to administer the motorcycle instruction permit examinations.
(c) If a motorcyclist fails the motorcycle endorsement skills test, but demonstrates a level of riding skill consistent with a motorcycle instruction permit, the department may waive any further skills testing required to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit.
(2) Effect of motorcycle instruction permit. A person holding a motorcycle instruction permit may drive a motorcycle upon the public highways if the person has immediate possession of the permit and a valid driver's license. An individual with a motorcyclist's instruction permit may not carry passengers and may not operate a motorcycle during the hours of darkness.
(3) Term of motorcycle instruction permit. A motorcycle instruction permit is valid for one hundred eighty days from the date of issue.
(a) The department may issue one additional one hundred eighty-day permit.
(b) The department may not issue more than two motorcycle instruction permits to an applicant within a five-year period.
(4) The director may adopt and enforce reasonable rules that are consistent with this section.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.