At Safety First Driving School, located at 14741 Aurora Ave N, Suite #101 Shoreline, WA 98133 we provide the required instruction, training, and testing to help you fulfill Washington State requirements for obtaining a driver’s license.
Whether you need driver’s education or a DOL-approved location for your knowledge or skills test, we’re here to guide you every step of the way! Your requirements for obtaining a driver’s license will depend on your age.
For Drivers Under 18
1.
First, Get a Learner’s Permit
If a teen is 15 years old, they must be enrolled in a Traffic Safety Education (TSE) course to apply for a learner’s permit.
If a teen is 15½ years old, they can take the knowledge test to get their learner’s permit. However, they must complete the full TSE course before they can take the skills test portion.
The learner’s permit must be held for at least six months. Time spent with an out-of-state permit can count toward this requirement.
2.
Take a Traffic Safety Education (TSE) Course
Teens must complete a TSE course before taking the DOL- Skills test. The course format options includes:
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Option 1: 30 hours of classroom instruction + 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training + 1 hour of peer observation
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Option 2: 30 hours of classroom instruction + 4 hours of video simulator + 5 hours of behind-the-wheel training + 1 hour of peer observation
3.
Pass a Knowledge Test
Teens can take the Washington DOL-approved knowledge test after completing the classroom portion of the TSE course, or once they turn 15½.
This test can be taken at our Shoreline location.
4.
Practice Driving At Home
You must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 40 hours of daytime and 10 hours of nighttime driving, with a licensed driver who has held a valid license for at least 5 years.
5.
Sign Up for Professional Behind-the-Wheel Training and Observation
At Safety First Driving School, because our TSE courses include 4 hours of video simulator training, we offer the reduced 5-hour behind-the-wheel requirement. You can sign up for these lessons, along with your 1-hour peer observation lesson, to meet the state’s behind-the-wheel driving requirements. [Include Hyperlink to lessons sign up page]
6.
Take the DOL-Approved Skills Test
After passing the knowledge test, completing your practice hours, and behind the wheel training, you can take the skills test at Safety First Shoreline.
Other Requirements:
Maintain Clean Traffic Record
You must not have any violations within the six months before applying for your driver’s license.
For Drivers Over 18
Learner’s Permit (Optional): Obtain a learner’s permit if you want to practice skills on the road before taking your driving test.
Pass the Knowledge and Drive Tests: You must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. (We offer both DOL-approved tests at our location!)
DOL-Approved Testing Services
Take Your Knowledge and Skills Tests at Our Seattle Location
14741 Aurora Ave N, Suite #101 Shoreline, WA 98133
At Safety First Driving School, we make it easy to fulfill requirements and get your driver license.
Once you’ve met the education requirements for your age and passed your knowledge and skills tests, visit a Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) office with the following:
Proof of identity and legal presence (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
Proof of Washington residence
Completed driver’s education and skills test certification
Parent consent (if under 18)
Payment for driver's license fees
Vision test (required to meet state visual standards)
After meeting and presenting all Washington requirements, you’ll receive your driver’s license. If you’re under 18, you’ll receive a provisional license, which has certain restrictions (check the DOL website for these details).
Need to schedule your skills test or have questions?
Call us to set up any portion of your driver’s education journey