Driver training programs
Requirements
Minimum age
Parents may enroll their children in any Traffic Safety Education (TSE) program as soon as their child turns 15.
Instruction permit
Students must have an instruction permit to participate in the behind-the-wheel phase of a TSE course. To get an instruction permit, students must meet the following requirements:
| Student’s age | Requirements for an instruction permit |
|---|---|
| Under 15½ |
|
| 15½–17 |
|
| 18 and older | Pass the driver’s knowledge test. |
Complete curriculum
Driver training programs must include all of the following:
- A total of 30 hours of classroom instruction, with a maximum of 2 hours per day.
- A minimum of 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, with a maximum of 1 hour per day.
- A minimum of 1 hour of behind-the-wheel observation.
Driving practice with parents
Parents of teen drivers must supervise a total of 50 hours of out-of-class practice time, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.
How to choose a good driver training program
- Make sure the instructors and the schools are licensed. Schools are required to display certificates for each instructor, and each instructor must carry a wallet certificate.
- Compare the school’s curriculum with the state curriculum requirements.
- Look for instructor-led classroom instruction that makes appropriate use of videos and visual aids.
- Make sure the school has enough instructors to meet the students’ needs and answer their questions in the classroom.
- Ask how the school will keep records of your student’s attendance and classroom and behind-the-wheel lessons. Request a copy so you can confirm the training.
- Check if a school has received any disciplinary actions for violating licensing laws or rules.
If you have questions or concerns about a particular driving school, please contact our Driver Training School Program at tse@dol.wa.gov.
Traffic Safety Education at high schools
High school TSE programs are managed locally through the school districts, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) oversees and certifies the instructors and curriculum for these programs. To get more information, check with your local high school.
How to file a complaint
If you have a complaint against a driver training school or instructor, please submit a Driver Training Schools Program Complaint.
Be sure to include a detailed explanation of your complaint and copies of any related documents. When we receive your complaint, we’ll review the information and determine whether we should take action against the driving school or instructor. We’ll notify you of the outcome of your complaint.
Driver Training School Program
This program oversees driver training schools and instructors who provide Traffic Safety Education in Washington to ensure they deliver the necessary classroom and behind-the-wheel experiences for proper student training. The program:
- Determines the driver training course curriculum.
- Screens school and instructor qualifications and backgrounds.
- Investigates complaints.
- Initiates disciplinary actions including license suspension, revocation, cancellation, and denial.
Contact information
Driver Training School Program
PO Box 435
Olympia, WA 98507-0435
Phone: 360-664-6692
Fax: 360-570-4976
Email: tse@dol.wa.gov
See also
- Washington Parent Guide to Teen Driving (tips on supervising driving practice)
- Intermediate License logbook (to record behind-the-wheel driving practice)
- Teens (steps to getting a driver license if you are under 18)
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Washington Traffic Safety Commission
