DMV.com - your advisor for Washington DMV issues (not from Washington? Select another state)
FEATURED TRAFFIC SCHOOL SPONSOR
?
Washington Online Traffic School - Court Approved
GoToTrafficSchool.com powered online traffic school offers courses for:
  • Court ordered traffic school
  • Traffic ticket dismissal
  • Insurance reductions
You can complete all the course work online without leaving your home but make sure to check with your court to ensure it approves the course for your case. Once you have enrolled in the course You are Guaranteed to Pass!
ENROLL NOWGET MORE INFORMATION
Powered by GoToTrafficSchool.com

Driver's Education in Washington

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

Most new drivers in Washington are required to successfully complete a State-approved driver's education program in order to obtain a Washington driver's license. In fact, for many applicants, the driver's education certificate of completion is part of the actual driver's license application.

WHO MUST TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

Washington residents aged 15 can apply for a learner's permit if they complete a State-approved driver's education program before applying for a new license.

WHERE TO TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

Driver's education courses are offered through both public and private school programs, all of which must be approved by the Washington Department of Licensing. Driving schools, licensed by the Department of Licensing, cover the same course content.

WHAT'S COVERED IN A DRIVER'S EDUCATION COURSE

While driver's education courses vary from one school to another, all licensed programs must include the following components:

  • Thirty hours of classroom periods, focusing on issues including alcohol safety and drug abuse awareness, defensive driving, motorcycle awareness and organ and tissue donation.
  • In-car instruction sessions, divided into six hours of actual driving and at least one hour of observation time.

After the successful completion of the driver's education course, your driving school will a send a copy of the completion certificate to the Washington Department of Licensing, after which you may be issued a permanent driver's license. Drivers under the age of 18 must have their certificate signed and authorized by a parent or legal guardian, who must certify that the student has had at least 50 hours of driving practice, including at least 10 evening or nighttime hours.

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS

In addition to the core requirements of a driver's education course, many driving schools in Washington offer optional programs that focus on particular aspects of driver education. Specialized courses include Auto Insurance Discount Courses or Defensive Driving courses, either of which may qualify students for a discount on auto insurance. These and other courses may also enable students to get their license back sooner after a suspension. See our section on Washington driving schools for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION