Drivers ed in Washington

How it works

1. Get your WDL number online first. The school needs it.
2. Choose an approved course from DOL's training and testing location finder, and register.
3. Give the school your WDL number. It tells DOL you're enrolled.
4. Apply for your learner permit no more than 10 days before the course starts, so you can drive during it. You can start at 15.
5. When you finish, check that the school has sent DOL your completion and test scores. Schools have 24 hours to enter scores after each test.

Courses from another state

Washington accepts an out-of-state course if it included 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Send proof to tse@dol.wa.gov. If your old course doesn't meet that and you don't want to take another, you'll have to wait until 18 for your license.

Cost and what DOL doesn't publish

DOL doesn't set or list driving school prices. Each school charges its own fee, and the knowledge and drive tests are priced by each testing location too. If your school closes before entering your results, email tse@dol.wa.gov.

Help for parents

DOL points parents to The Parent's Supervised Driving Program, an online guide in English and Spanish with 13 lessons and a driving log, and to a Safe-Driving Agreement form that families can sign together. Both help with the 50 practice hours teens need.