Driver's Training in Washington

Washington Driver's Training

If you're a teenager applying for your first driver's license in Washington, you'll need to complete driver's training and supervised driving practice to satisfy the behind-the-wheel requirements of the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).

Both components of your behind-the-wheel training will help you gain driving experience and help you become a more responsible driver. You'll have the benefit of receiving supervised driving practice during different times of the day, in a variety a traffic conditions, and under various driving circumstances.

You'll be able to apply all of the practice you receive during your supervised driving requirements when you take your driving test and get on the road with your first driver's license.

On this page you'll find information about your behind-the-wheel driver's training requirements and the next steps towards your first driver's license.

WA Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need to:

  • Complete behind-the-wheel training with your driving instructor as part of a Driver's Ed course.
    AND
  • Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed adult.

You can begin your behind-the-wheel requirements as early as 15 years old by enrolling in a driver's education course and applying for your learner's permit.

For more information about applying for a learner's permit and enrolling in driver's education/driver's training, please visit our pages on those topics:

Washington Driver's Training Course

Driver's education/Traffic Safety Education (TSE) programs are offered by both high schools and professional driver's training schools.

Your Driver's Ed program will include at least:

  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice.
  • In-car observation.

Once you complete the classroom component of the course, you will be able to begin your behind-the-wheel training with your driving instructor.

After completing both sections of the course, you should receive a driver's training course completion certificate.

WA Behind-the-Wheel Practice

In addition to driver's training (see “ Washington Driver's Training Course" above), you will also need to practice driving with a licensed adult who has held a driver's license for at least 5 years.

While you hold your learner's permit, you must complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel supervised driving practice with at least 10 hours completed at night.

You can keep track of your driving practice with the Behind-the-Wheel Workbook for Driving Lessons.

Before obtaining your driver's license, your parent/legal guardian will need to complete and sign a Parental Authorization Affidavit (Form DLE-520-003) or grant you permission online.

Getting Your Intermediate Driver's License

You'll be able to take your driving test and obtain your Washington driver's license once you:

  • Are at least 16 years old.
  • Have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months.
  • Have completed driver's training.
  • Have completed your supervised driving practice.

You must not have had any:

  • Traffic violations in the past 6 months.
  • Alcohol/drug offenses while holding your learner's permit.

For more information about the next steps towards your first driver's license, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Washington page.

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Forms

DLE-520-003
Parental Authorization Affidavit
Form used to certify a new driver has completed the WA Department of Licensing's required supervised driving hours. Must be completed by the parent, legal guardian, OR employer of the new driver.
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