Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• What payment options do you accept?

  We only accept cash and credit cards for same day testing. Checks may be accepted for some packages – please check with our office. For the Teen course, a $200.00 deposit is required to secure a seat in the class and the balance must be paid within 7 days of the first class. All adult packages must be paid in full before drives can be scheduled. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and the Discover card, which can all be used on our secure website.

Teen Student Quesiton

• What is the Washington State Graduated Driver License Program?

  The State of Washington joined thirty other states to enact a graduated licensing program designed exclusively for teen drivers. This program limits what a new teen driver can do in order to allow the teen time to fully and safely learn the rules of the road.

• What is the minimum age to enroll in the Traffic Safety Education Course?

  A teen must be at least fifteen [15] years of age on the very first [1] day of the class. No exceptions.

• How does a Teen get a license?

  • The teen must first complete a thirty hour classroom course with five hours of Behind-the-Wheel drive lessons and one hour of the student observing another student driver.
  • After completing the course with an 80% score on all classroom work, and passing the school’s driving test, the teen is expected to continue practicing with parents, gaining at least fifty (50) hours of driving experience with at least ten hours driven at night.
  • If the teen driver, after paying all testing fees, passes the Department of Licensing approved Knowledge and Skills exams with a score of 80% or higher, then at the age of 16, or if already 16 years of age, they are eligible to get their license. A teen must be in possession of a permit for six months to be eligible to get their license.

• What do I need to bring on the day of my Behind-the-Wheel lesson?

  You must bring your permit or any valid driver’s license (if applicable), glasses if they are required for driving, and you must wear slip-on or tie-up shoes, no flip-flops or slippers on driving days.

• Can I have the same instructor for all my Behind-the-Wheel lessons?

  Yes, if the instructor’s schedule matches with your schedule, you may certainly sign up with that same instructor.

• Can I observe my Teen or their Behind-the-Wheel lesson?

  Absolutely! Our Instructors encourage all parents to join a drive to see how their child is doing; and on how we give instruction. We also welcome feedback from the adults after the drive is complete.

• What are the limitations for a Teen driver after licensing?

  • The Washington State Graduated Driver License Program limits the driving activity of new drivers.
  • For the first six [6] months, no other teen can be in the car unless that teen is an immediate family member. If the teen is violation-free for the first six [6] months, he/she graduates to the next level; the teen is now allowed to have up to three [3] other teens in the car. However, for the first [1] year of driving, a teen driver is not allowed to drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. or use a phone, even Bluetooth. 

Adult Student Questions

• Do you offer Adult-Oriented classes to learn how to drive?

  Yes! We offer both a focused 4-hour course (Adult Safe Driving course) to get you road-ready with essential driving knowledge and an in-depth 34-hour Traffic Safety Education Course for a comprehensive understanding of driving and the laws.

• How do I sign up for Behind-the-Wheel lessons?

  • Review the many package options to find one that is right for you.
  • Select that package, enroll, and pay online using our secure website.
  • Once payment is received, you’ll receive a login to schedule your drives.
  • Schedule your drives. You have now signed up for Behind-the-Wheel lessons!

• What do I need to bring on the day of my Behind-the-Wheel lesson?

  • You must bring your permit or any valid driver’s license (if applicable), glasses if they are required for driving, and you must wear slip-on or tie-up shoes, no flip-flops or slippers on driving days.

• Can I choose the same instructor for all my Behind-the-Wheel Lessons?

  Yes, if the Instructor’s schedule matches with your schedule, you may certainly sign up with that same instructor.

• Can I use your car for the Skills (Drive) test, if I don't have a car?

  • Absolutely! Unless you are required by the state to test in your vehicle, all DOL Skills Tests must be completed in a Safety First Driving School safe and secure vehicle.