What is the process for a teen to obtain their driver’s license?

In Washington State, teens under 18 can obtain their driver’s license by following a series of steps designed to ensure they are prepared to drive safely:

1. Obtain a Washington State Driver License (WDL) number. For more info.

2. Enroll in an approved Washington State Driver Education Course.

3. Report to Precision Driving Academy your WDL number so they can submit your student waiver to the Department of Licensing.

4. Visit the Department of Licensing to obtain your student instructional permit within ten days of starting the Driver Education Course. For more info.

5. Successfully complete the Washington State Driver Education Course.

6. Successfully pass the written (knowledge) test; you do not need to be 16 years old to take the test.

7. Take the driving (skills) test; you do not need to be 16 years old to take the test.

8. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours of night driving.

9. Visit the Department of Licensing to apply for their drivers license. For more info.

For more information about the specific requirements and application process, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing's page for drivers ages 16-17 here.

What is the driving course curriculum?

This curriculum is based on the guidelines from the Washington State Driver Training: Required Curriculum supplemented with the Washington Driver Guide and the AAA driver safety and training student worksheets and videos. The curriculum consists of at least 30 hours of classroom instruction including 5 hours of ZED simulation, and 6 hours of in-car experience, 5 of which are behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction for each student and 1 hour of driving observation. For more information, refer to the following link: Washington State Driver Training: Required Curriculum.

What is required prior to starting driving school?

Each student has to obtain a WDL number from either License eXpress or the Department of Licensing (DOL). If the student has a Washington State Identification card, they can insert their WDL number to their student account, so a student waiver can be reported to the Department of Licensing.

What happens when the student completes the course?

Upon successful course completion, a certificate of completion will be electronically issued to the Department of Licensing (DOL). It is important to note that all tuition and fees must be paid in full before the Certificate of Completion can be issued. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete status. Course completion is necessary before scheduling a knowledge or road test.

What’s on the written (knowledge) test?

The knowledge test is a written multiple-choice test taken electronically onsite through your License eXpress account. You must get 32 out of 40 correct answers to pass the test. If you do not pass, you can immediately take the test again, but we urge you to take the time to study. A passing score is good for 2 years.

The knowledge test is available in 12 languages:

• English

• Español (Spanish)

• <中文 (Traditional Chinese)

• 한국어 (Korean)

• Русский (Russian)

• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

• 日本語 (Japanese)

•  العربية (Arabic)

• 简体中文 (Chinese Simplified)

• ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ (Punjabi)

• Tagalog (Tagalog)

• Українська (Ukrainian)  

What’s the driving (skills) test?

During the drive test, our examiner will determine whether you are able to operate a vehicle safely while applying your knowledge of traffic laws to real-life situations. You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass the test. Our examiner will discuss your results with you, and if you do not pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retest. Either way, your test scores will be reported immediately to the Department of Licensing.

To be able to take the drive test, you must bring:

• Proof of auto liability insurance for the vehicle you are using to test

• A vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs, and plates

• Proof of Identity

What should I expect on the driving (skills) test?

The drive test measures your ability to drive legally and safely. Below is a list of what we will test you on once you're behind the wheel:

1. Starting your vehicle

2. Leaving the curb

• Signal and wait until it's safe to re-enter traffic

3. Controlling the vehicle

• Use the gas pedal, brake, steering wheel, and other controls correctly

• Change your speed to meet:

  • The number and speed of other vehicles and pedestrians

  • Road and weather conditions

  • Construction

  • Amount of light

  • The distance you can see ahead

4. Driving in traffic

• Use the proper lane

• Signal to change lanes

• Change lanes carefully

• Follow other vehicles at a safe distance

• Turn your head and look back before changing lanes

• Signal the proper distance before turning

5. Obeying traffic signals and signs

• Turn into the proper lane without cutting the lane or going wide into the improper lane

• Scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles, yield, and take the right-of-way correctly

6. Driving through blind or crowded intersections

• Scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles

• Yield and take the right-of-way correctly

7. Stopping

• Stop smoothly and at the right spot

• Stop quickly and safely in an emergency

8. Backing up

• Look over your right shoulder

• Back in a straight line

• Have complete control of your car

9. Judging distance

• Stay a safe distance away from:

  • Other cars when following or passing

  • People walking or riding on the roadway

10. Respectful driving

• Be courteous to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists

• Pay full attention to the driving task

11. Performing specific maneuvers 

• Arm signals for right/left turn and slow or stop (you may use your arm signals during the test)

• A brake reaction test/emergency stop: you will be asked to put your foot on the gas pedal and step on the brake as fast as possible when told to stop

• Parking on a hill: you will park as if you were going to leave your car there unattended

• Parallel parking: you will parallel park without parking assist features on your vehicle

• Simulating backing out of a driveway or alley into traffic using a corner: you will be directed to back your vehicle around the corner to the right, staying as close to the street as you can, and continue backing in a straight line until directed to stop