How to get your license: Driver training instructor

Who needs a license?

Anyone who provides driver training instruction for a fee.

Before you apply

1. Take your instructor training with:
   • A licensed Driver Training School, or
   • An approved secondary school (currently either Central Washington University or Western Oregon University)
2. Review the following to prepare for the Knowledge and Skills exams:
   • Washington Driver Guide
   • Washington state laws
     • RCW 46.82: Driver training schools
     • RCW 46.20: Drivers' licenses – Identicards
     • RCW 46.61: Rules of the road
     • WAC 308–108 Driver training schools
   • Drive Right (10th edition), available at commercial driving schools

How to apply

1. Complete Driver Training School Instructor License Application.
2. Go to www.identogo.com to schedule an appointment through MorphoTrust, our electronic fingerprinting vendor. You will pay IdentoGO for taking your fingerprints and for the background checks required for your license type. For more details, see Fingerprinting and background checks.
3. Attach the following to your application:
   • A complete driver's abstract for all states outside of Washington where you have had a driver license.
   • Proof of instructor training:
     • 100 hours training log from licensed training school, or
     • Certificate of Course Completion from approved secondary school.
     • Receipt for submission of fingerprints to IdentoGo.
   • A copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college transcript.
   • Your application fee (non-refundable): check or money order payable to Department of Licensing.
4. Mail documents and fees to:
   
   Driver Training Schools
   Department of Licensing
   PO Box 35001
   Seattle, WA 98124-3401
   Incomplete applications will not be processed
   Background check results are retained for 90 days.

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.

Allow at least 3 weeks for us to review your application. When your application is approved, we’ll send you an email authorizing you to take your instructor's exams.

Continue to study the exam preparation materials listed above while waiting for your testing authorization.

Take the knowledge and skills exams

• You must pass the Instructor's Knowledge exam before you can take the Skills exam.
  • After you pass the Instructor's Knowledge exam, you can schedule your Skills exam.
  • After you've passed the Instructor's Skills exam, the licensing office will email us results from both exams.
• Once we receive and review the exam results, you will be licensed within 24–48 business hours.
• If you don’t pass the Instructor's Knowledge or Skills exam, you must schedule a new exam, and send a $25 fee, with a copy of your testing letter or email showing the results, to:
  
  Driver Training Schools
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 35001
  Seattle, WA 98124-3401

Post your license

Once you've received your license, you must post it at your place of business before instructing any students.

Related information

• Driver Training School (DTS) Instructor Curriculum
• How to renew your license
• RCW 46.82 Driver training schools
• RCW 46.82.325 Background checks for school personnel
• WAC 308–108 Driver training schools

Questions? Need help?

Contact us