1st Ave Driving School & License Testing

FAQs

Do I have to go to driving school?

Anyone over 16 years but under the age of 18 wishing to obtain a driver's license must complete a traffic safety education course at a state of Washington licensed driving school. You will need an instruction permit that allows you to practice driving and must be accompanied by a 5-year licensed driver.

How do I get an instruction permit?

The state Department of Licensing (DOL) will issue an instruction permit at age 15 ½ if you pass the written exam.

However, if you are enrolled in a traffic safety education class (driving school), you can receive the permit at age 15. The driving school will electronically authorize a "permit waiver" in the Department of Licensing's computer system as soon as 10 days prior to the class start date. The "permit waiver" allows you to obtain a permit to practice driving before you take the state-required knowledge test. The knowledge test will have to be taken and passed with at least 80 percent prior to taking the driving skills test. A "permit waiver" cannot be obtained from the DOL until 10 days before the first class date.

Helpful Information

Driving permit waivers are available 10 days prior to class start dates (we will provide instructions for getting your permit from the Department of License).
You must be 15 years of age by the first day of class.
You can miss up to 3 classes, but they must be made up during a designated make-up class session.
A $99 deposit will reserve a place for you in class.
The balance isn't due until the first day of class.

Please call 253-845-3333 to register by phone.

Your deposit is refundable, but only if you cancel with us more than 72 hours prior to the start time of the first class. Or, with a 72-hour notice, we can always apply it to a different available class in case you need to change classes.

Anyone under the age of 18 wishing to obtain a Driver's License must meet the following requirements required by the State of Washington Department of Licensing

You must have completed with an 80 percent or better a traffic safety education class at a state-licensed driving school.
You must be at least 16 years old.
You must have held your State of Washington learner's permit for a minimum of 6 months.
You must pass the state knowledge test with 80 percent or higher.
You must pass the state driving skills test with 80 percent or higher.

After the passing of House Bill 1635 State Knowledge and Driving Skills, tests are now given at many of the driving schools with State of Washington-licensed and -certified examiners.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the "Intermediate License Laws" for teen drivers in detail on the DOL website at www.dol.wa.gov. Here are some highlights:

First 6 Months – No passengers under 20 years old except for immediate family.
Next 6 Months – No more than 3 non-family member passengers under 20 years old.
Nighttime Driving – For the first 12 months, you can't drive between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless with a licensed driver 25 years or older.
No Cell Phones – You aren't permitted to use wireless devices while driving, even with a hands-free device. This includes talking on cell phones and sending or receiving text messages. You may only use a wireless device to report an emergency.

For a detailed list of penalties for violations and accidents, refer to the DOL website at www.dol.wa.gov.