Driver’s ed is required in Washington State only if you’re under 18. Teens applying for a first license must finish an approved driver training course with 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Anyone 18 or older can skip the course entirely and go straight to the knowledge and skills tests.
What the Course Requires for Drivers Under 18
Washington runs a graduated licensing system, and driver training is the gateway into it. An approved program must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction covering traffic laws, defensive driving, and hazard recognition, plus a minimum of 6 hours behind the wheel with a certified instructor.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application: Ages 16 to 17
The course is only part of what a teen has to do. Alongside it, they must log 50 hours of supervised practice driving: 40 in daylight and 10 at night. The supervising driver for those hours has to be licensed and have held a license for at least three years.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application: Ages 16 to 17
Before any of that, the teen needs a learner permit. To get one they must be at least 15½, pass the knowledge test, and have a parent or guardian provide authorization in person or by notarized affidavit. While driving on the permit, they can only drive with a licensed supervisor who has at least five years of experience.2Washington State Department of Licensing. Get Your Learner Permit The permit has to be held for at least six months before the teen, once they are 16, can apply for an intermediate license.
What Happens After the Course
Finishing driver’s ed doesn’t produce a full license. A teen who completes the course, the practice hours, and the six-month permit period gets an intermediate license, which carries restrictions until they turn 18 or hold a clean driving record for 12 consecutive months.
The main restrictions:
- No driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. without a licensed driver 25 or older in the car. Exceptions apply for school, religious activities, work for the driver or an immediate family member, and agricultural work.3Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20 – Intermediate License
- No passengers under 20 for the first six months unless they’re immediate family. After six months, up to three non-family passengers under 20.3Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20 – Intermediate License
- No wireless devices while driving, even hands-free. The only exception is calling to report an emergency.4Washington State Department of Licensing. Distracted Driving
Restrictions lift automatically at 18. They can also end earlier if the driver keeps a clean record for 12 straight months from the date the license was issued: no at-fault accidents, no single-vehicle accidents, no traffic offenses.3Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 46.20 – Intermediate License
If You’re 18 or Older
Adults applying for a first Washington license don’t need to take driver’s ed, and they don’t need a learner permit first. Passing the knowledge test and the driving skills test is enough.5Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application: Ages 18+
The skills test covers basic maneuvers: backing up in a straight line, parallel parking without parking-assist features, parking on a hill, an emergency brake reaction, and backing around a corner. You may also be asked to demonstrate hand signals for turns and stops.6Washington State Department of Licensing. What to Expect on Your Drive Test The course isn’t required, but adults who have never driven often find the parallel and hill parking sections harder than they expect.
Teens Moving From Another State
A teen who already has a valid out-of-state license can transfer it to Washington, but the out-of-state driver training must meet Washington’s 30-hour classroom and 6-hour behind-the-wheel standard. The traffic safety education certificate has to be emailed to the DOL for approval before the teen visits a licensing office. At the office, they’ll need proof of the out-of-state license, proof of having held a learner permit for at least six months, proof of identity, and parental authorization (in person or via a notarized Parental Authorization Affidavit).1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver License Application: Ages 16 to 17
Finding an Approved Program
Only courses on the Washington DOL’s approved list count toward the licensing requirement. The DOL keeps a searchable list of driver training schools and testing locations on its website.7Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Training Schools and Testing Locations Some approved providers offer virtual and self-paced online formats alongside traditional in-person classes.8Washington State Department of Licensing. Approved Safe Driving Course Providers When comparing programs, ask about total cost including materials and extra drive time, scheduling flexibility, the instructor-to-student ratio for behind-the-wheel sessions, and whether the school files the DOL paperwork for you.