WASHINGTON  DRIVER’S EDUCATION

Summary of Washington Graduated Licensing Law

Washington has a three stage licensing process for minors.
  1. Learner’s Permit (at least age 15). We recommend our DriverEdToGo Video-to use during the Learner stage. Shows the parent how to teach collision-free driving habits and provides unique teaching tools (mirrors, checklists, videos, audio instruction series, etc.).
  2. Intermediate License (ages 16 - 17)
  3. Regular License (age 18)
  4. The state of Washington does not accept ANY parent taught driver education in lieu of its state mandated driver ed course. You can use the full version of Driver Ed Kit if you wait to age 15 1/2 to obtain your permit and age 18 to obtain your regular license.
Washington License Chart
Instruction Permit
At least age 15

Requirements
Actively enrolled in driver education course OR at least 15 ½.

Vision & knowledge test.

Restrictions
Licensed driver w/ minimum 5 years driving experience in front seat beside driver.

Knowledge test or proof of driver education.

 
Intermediate License
Age 16 - 17

Requirements
Held Instruction Permit minimum 6 months.

Completed minimum 50 hours supervised driving practice - including 10 hours at night.

Traffic safety education course.

No traffic violations within 6 months of applying for the license, and no alcohol or drug offense while holding an instruction permit.

Restrictions
May not drive between 1:00 a.m. & 5:00 a.m. unless supervised by licensed driver 25 or older. Driving for agricultural purposes is an exception. Restriction removed after 1 year no collisions or traffic citations.

First 6 Months
No passengers under 20 unless members of immediate family.

After First 6 Months
No more than 3 passengers under 20. Restriction removed after 1 year no collisions or traffic citations.

At 18 Intermediate Driver License automatically becomes regular license

 
Driver's License
Age 18

No driver education requirement if licensed at age 18.

Requirements
Vision, knowledge & driving test.