Washington Online Driver Education and Washington Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Washington? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Washington has implemented a graduated driver license program for Washington drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Washington.

Washington Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You may apply for an instruction permit in Washington when you are 15 years and 6 months old. However, if you enroll in a state-approved drivers' ed course, you may apply on the your 15th birthday.

When you're ready to get your instruction permit, head down to your local driver's license office and take the following paperwork with you:

• If you are 15, but less than 15 years and 6 months, your application must be signed by your drivers ed instructor
• Documents proving your identity & Washington residency (for a complete list of acceptable documents, please visit the Washington DMV website)
• A completed and signed Parental Authorization Affidavit (a blank copy can be located on the Washington DMV website)

At the driver's license office, you will need to first pass a vision screening test, and then you'll be given your written test (based on material covered in the WA Driver Guide). If you pass, you'll be issued an instruction permit.

Instruction Permit--Restrictions:

• You may only drive if a licensed driver with at least 5 years' driving experience is actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat
• Everyone in the car must wear seat belts

The Washington Intermediate Driver License (aka--Provisional License)

You may apply for your intermediate license if you meet the following requirements:

• Have held an instruction permit in good standing for at least 6 months
• Have had your 16th birthday
• Completed a state-approved drivers education course
• Accumulated at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night). You need to record your driving practice in the Intermediate License logbook (you can print out a blank copy of the logbook from the WA DMV website)

When you're ready to upgrade to an intermediate license, call the local driver's license office and schedule an appointment to take your road test. Remember to take the same paperwork you took when you went to get your instruction permit, plus your instruction permit (so you can surrender it). If you pass the road test, you will be issued an intermediate license.

Intermediate License--Restrictions:

• No cell phones while driving (that includes both hand-held and "hands-free" ones)
• For the first 6 months, you may not carry any passengers who are younger than 20 years of age (unless they're family)
• For the second 6 months, you may carry up to 3 non-family passengers who are under the age of 20
• For the first 1 year, you may not drive unsupervised between the hours of 1am and 5am (unless you are driving for agricultural purposes)

These restrictions will be lifted once you turn 18.

Washington Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Washington is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $10,000--property damage per accident

Driving without required liability coverage is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Washington Drunk Driving Laws

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Washington--and this law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST conviction of a DUI, you will face the following penalties:

• Jail time ranging from 24 hours to 2 years
• Electronic Home Monitoring for 15 days
• A fine ranging from $865 to $5,000
• Suspension of your license (ranging from 90 days to 1 year)
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Enrollment in a drug-alcohol education class

Further DUI violations will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Washington Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Washington state law currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones while driving (no, it doesn't matter if they're "hands-free"!)

Washington Drivers Education

For more information on state-approved drivers education courses available in your area, please visit the Washington DMV website.