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Steps to getting your first license: Teens 16-17 years old
Be at least 16 years old at the time we issue your license.
Be a Washington (WA) resident (your license must show your residence address).
Successfully complete an approved driving training course.
Have your WA instruction permit for at least 6 months.
Not have been convicted of any:
* Traffic violations within 6 months before applying for the license.
* Alcohol or drug offense while holding an instruction permit.
For more information:
Check Washington state department of licensing web site
Requirements Minimum age
Parents may enroll their teen in Traffic Safety Education (TSE) as soon as they turn 15. Instruction permit: Students must have an instruction permit to practice driving.
Age requirements for an instruction permit:
- For under 15½: Certificate of enrollment from the driver training school or instructor.
- For 15½–17: Pass the driver’s knowledge test and parent’s signature granting permission for the instruction permit.
- 18 and older: Pass the driver’s knowledge test.
Complete Curriculum
Driver training programs must include all of the following:
- A total of 30 hours of classroom instruction, with a maximum of 2 hours per day.
- A minimum of 6 hours of practice driving, with a maximum of 1 hour per day.
- A minimum of 1 hour of behind-the-wheel observation.
Online and parent-taught traffic safety education are not approved courses in Washington State. If your teen completes a course in another state it must meet Washington State minimum requirements.