Q. What are the requirements for a teenager under 18 to
get a driver's license in Washington State?
- A traffic safety education or T.S.E. certificate issued
by an authorized school such as First Pass Driving School.
All T.S.E. programs consist of a minimum of 30 hours of
classroom instruction, six hours behind-the-wheel
instruction and one hour of in-car observation time.
- A learner's permit for at least 6 months
- 50 hours of driving experience (10 hours must be at night)
- Pass the 25 question knowledge test at Department of
Licensing with a score of at least 80%
- Pass the road test at Department of Licensing with a score
of at least 80%
- Pay the Washington State Department of Licensing license fee
Q. How does my teenager get a learner’s permit?
During the first class, students are issued a "Permit Waiver"
which allows them to go to any Department of Licensing office
with a parent or legal guardian and get the permit without
taking the knowledge test. However, the knowledge test must be
taken before being issued a driver's license. Your son or
daughter will be given detailed instructions on what documents
to take to the Department of Licensing.
Q. What homework is assigned?
We assign no homework--all the work is done in class.
However, we require that students practice driving. Your
teenager needs experience behind the wheel more than anything
else.
Q. What should the students bring to class?
Students need a notebook and pen or pencil to take notes and
complete assignments.
Q. Does your insurance cover my teenager during the
driving lessons?
Yes, when students are driving our vehicles they are covered
by our insurance.
Q. Are your vehicles dual controlled?
Yes, all driving schools in Washington are legally required
to have a brake on the instructor's side.
Q. How do you teach students who are extremely nervous
about driving?
We are experienced helping nervous students learn to drive.
Our instruction is completely nonjudgmental and very patient. We
assure the student that they will not be involved in collisions
in our car and we also assure them that the instructor will not
become angry when mistakes are made.
