September 21, 2009

DOL to test remote site drive tests

OLYMPIA — The Department of Licensing will soon test the concept of conducting behind-the-wheel drive tests in convenient locations away from existing Licensing Service Offices (LSO).

Traditionally, first time drivers must visit a LSO to take a written knowledge test and then return later to take a behind-the-wheel driving test. Drive tests are typically booked out three to four weeks.

Beginning September 22, DOL will schedule behind-the-wheel drive tests at the former Seattle Greenwood office, located at 320 North 85th Street, Seattle. “Remote drive testing is part of our larger strategy to provide services in various manners away from our traditional ‘brick and mortar’ locations,” said Licensing Director Liz Luce. “Providing drive tests at centralized locations currently works well for motorcycle skills and commercial driver license testing. We expect it to save new drivers a trip to a LSO and provide the agency with more flexibility when leasing new office locations.”

The recently closed Greenwood location was chosen because DOL can test the concept with established drive test routes. Two Licensing Service Representatives will conduct drive tests twice a week, freeing more availability for drive tests at other full service LSOs.

Drive tests in metro Seattle area are available at:

• Seattle West LSO 8830 25th Ave Southwest (206) 764-4144
• Lynnwood LSO, 18023 Hwy 99 N Suite E (425) 672-3406
• New Bellevue LSO location, 13133 Bel-Red Road (425) 649-4281 (opening October 6, 2009)
• Seattle Greenwood, 320 North 85th Street, (425) 670-8376. Testing at this location begins September 29.

These new options come as part of Governor Gregoire’s 21st Century Government plan. Under this plan, 10 LSO locations across the state are being consolidated with other offices and many new service options are being made available.