Get your license: Driver training instructor

Learn how to get your license to be a driver training instructor.

Who needs a license?

Anyone who provides driver training instruction for a fee.

How to apply

Follow the steps below to get your driver training instructor license.

1. Meet requirements

You must be at least 21 years old to get a driver training instructor license.

Complete your instructor training with one of the following:

  • A licensed Driver Training School (DTS)
  • An approved secondary school (currently only Western Oregon University)
  • Office of the Superintendent of Public Schools (OSPI) to become an active fully endorsed Traffic Safety Education (TSE) instructor

If you have completed a training program that is not listed above, you may submit documentation to us for review.

2. Pass the required exams

Exams preparation

Review the following to prepare for the knowledge and skills exams:

Take your exams

Schedule an appointment with a licensing service office to complete your instructor written and skills exams. You will pay a $25 testing fee at the licensing office.

You must receive a minimum score of 87% on the Knowledge Exam before taking the Skills Exam. You will need a minimum of 90% on your Skills Exam to pass.

3. Gather the necessary documents

  • A complete driver's abstract from all states outside of Washington where you have had a driver's license
  • Proof of your completed instructor training
  • Payment for the application fee

4. Submit your application

You can submit your application online or by mail.

Submit your application online

You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.

Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)

Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.

Submit your application by mail

Complete a Driver Training School Instructor License Application.

Mail your form and a check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:

Driver Training Schools
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401

5. Submit your fingerprints

You must pass your test before submitting your fingerprints for background checks.

Inside Washington

Schedule an appointment through Idemia, our electronic fingerprinting vendor. You'll pay a fee for the fingerprinting service and background checks required for your license type.

Outside Washington

See Fingerprinting and background checks for steps to send your fingerprints from out-of-state. You'll also find instructions for disputing your FBI criminal history record.

After we’ve received your application

  • We'll wait for the results from the Washington State Patrol for state and national background checks. This can take up to 6 weeks. For questions, call 360-902-3703.
  • We will notify you when we approve your license.
  • Once you establish your association to a school in License eXpress for Business, your printable license will become available on your dashboard within 24 hours.

Post your license

  • Log into SAW to print copies of your license.
  • Your license must be posted at your place of business before instructing any students.
  • You can also request a copy of your license be mailed to you ($5 fee).

Related information

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-902-3703
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: TSE@dol.wa.gov
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