Motorcycle permit question?

i turned 16 a couple months ago and im going through drivers ed and ill be driving at soonest mid august and i was planning on this summer getting a job and buying a kawasaki ninja 250r (learner bike) and i was going to take the test to get my permit to learn but i looked at the rules for riding with a permit and im not quite sure what they are, i live in washington ... the big thing i dont get is they are so lenient on the rules .. so if i had my permit i am legally able to ride to school to the store across town as long as i ride during daylight? it just doesnt seem right ... can someone clarify for me thanx?