Steps to get your license:

If you do not already have a “permit” or a Washington ID card, get a permit by using the pre-apply License Express process at the Department of Licensing.  At the end of the process, you will be given your Washington Driver License -- WDL#. Keep track of your WDL# as it becomes your Washington State ID Card number and is necessary to register for the DOL approved Knowledge or DOL approved Skills test. We also need your WDL# for verification purposes and to enter your scores into the Department of Licensing system. Make sure you have your WDL# when you arrive for the test. Without this number, you will not be able to take the test to get your permit.

Study for the DOL approved Knowledge test ~ All test answers can be found in the pdf version of the Department of Licensing driver’s guide Driver’s Guide, or prepare for the test by going to Practice Test; where you can take a sample test as many times as you want!

Knowledge test  ~ Use our secure website to sign up for the DOL approved Knowledge test. Again, you will need your WDL# from the Department of Licensing, as well as a valid photo ID. The test is 40 questions and you must get 32 correct answers to score the minimum to pass. The test takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and your score will be sent to the Department of Licensing within 24 hours. You can pick up your Learner’s Permit at the Department of Licensing after you have passed the DOL approved Knowledge test. You must take the DOL approved Knowledge test before taking the DOL approved Skills test.   

Now, practice driving as much as possible. Practice makes you more comfortable behind the wheel and could help reduce your nervousness while testing.

Pass the DOL Approved Skills test ~  Register on our secure website to take the DOL approved Skills test. Bring your WDL# and a Photo ID. The test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and your score will be sent to the Department of Licensing within 24 hours. One must score a 80 out of 100, or above to pass the test. Please arrive a few minutes early. To see what is on the skills test please visit these video links: Pre-Test, Backing Around a Corner, Parallel Parking, Lane Changing and Turning.  

We have a temporary authorization form that will allow someone to take the DOL approved Skills test without their learner’s permit. The temporary authorization form can only by used for the Department of Licensing approved Skills test, with proper identification.

You’ve passed the DOL Approved Knowledge and Skills tests ~ You are now ready to head to the closest Department of Licensing to pick up your new Washington State Driver’s License; here, you can find the closest Department of Licensing office.

You will need to bring these items to the Department of Licensing to get your license:

• Proof of Identity
• Social Security Number
• Proof of Residency
• Application Fee

If you are under 18, you have to complete the Traffic Safety Education (TSE) teen driver’s course before taking the approved Department of Licensing Skills test. Teens may take the approved Department of Licensing Knowledge test at 15 ½ years of age or after they have completed a Traffic Safety Education course.

Refunds ~ Refunds are subject to a $50.00 handling fee; there is also a $50.00 fee for any returned checks, and disputed or denied credit card charges. In order to get a refund the check or credit card payment must have cleared or was approved and credited to our account. All fees are due in full before the beginning of any examination and there are no refunds once testing begins. Tests must be taken within three (3) months of payment or all funds are forfeited. There is a $50.00 fee for any returned checks as well as disputed or denied credit card charges.

In the event that Safety First Driving School must cancel a scheduled test, applicant will be given every opportunity to reschedule the test or obtain a full refund.

To cancel or reschedule a test, one must login to cancel their scheduled drive, or contact our office, at least 36 hours in advance. Sundays and Holidays are not considered a business day for the purposes of 36 hours notification. Late cancellations or a no-show will result in being charged full price with the student required to purchase an additional test.

Please arrive on time; any late arrivals forfeit their testing time.