Washington Online Driver Education and Washington Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Washington Learner’s Permit or first Washington driver’s license. Washington has a Graduated Driver License Program for Washington teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Washington driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Washington Learner’s Permit or Washington Instruction Permit
If you enroll in a Washington approved driver education course, you can apply for a Washington Instruction permit when you turn 15 (if you apply for the permit no more than 10 days before the class starts)
When you turn 15 and a half, you can also apply for a Washington Instruction Permit. Either way, in order to apply you’ll need:
Once you’re ready, make an appointment, then head on down to your local Washington Driver License Office with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test. If you’re not enrolled in a Washington approved driver education course, you’ll also have to pass a knowledge test. Congratulations. You’ve just earned your Washington Instruction Permit, which is valid for 1 year and may be renewed once.
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who has at least 5 years experience. Of course, all passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Washington Learner’s Permit with you at all times.
Once you’ve held your Washington Instruction Permit for 6 months have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Washington Graduated License Program, the Washington Intermediate Driver License.
The Washington Intermediate Driver License or Washington Provisional License
You can apply for your Washington Intermediate Driver’s License once you’ve held your Washington Instruction Permit for 6 months in good standing. However, you’ll need to make sure you meet these requirements:
Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local Washington Driver License Office again. Remember to bring your identification documents, your parent/guardian, your traffic safety certificate, and your Parental Authorization Affidavit. Now you’ll have to take the dreaded Washington road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Washington Intermediate Driver’s License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Washington Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are still a few restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind now that you have your Washington Intermediate Driver’s License:
- All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts
- For the first 6 months, no passengers under 20 unless family
- For the second 6 months, no more than 3 passengers under 20 unless family
- For the first 12 months, no driving between 1AM and 5AM unless with a driver 25 or older (or if you drive for agricultural purposes)
- And finally, no cell phones while driving (that includes hands-free devices)
Upon your first violation of these restrictions, you’ll receive a warning letter. For your second violation, your Washington Intermediate Driver license will be suspended for 6 months (or until you turn 18, whichever comes first). Upon your third violation, your Washington License will be suspended until you turn 18. However, once you turn 18, these restrictions will be removed. Freedom!
Washington Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Washington Provisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Washington drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Washington mandatory liability insurance, your Washington Learner Permit or Washington Driver’s License could be suspended.
Washington Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Washington teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Washington drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Washington has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Washington DUI or Washington DWI, your Washington Learner Permit or Washington Driver’s License will be suspended.
In general, upon your first conviction of a Washington DUI of .08, you’ll also face the following penalties:
- Jail 24 hours to 1 year or Electronic Home Monitoring 15 days
- Fine $865.50 to $5,000
- Washington License Suspension 90 days
For a Blood Alcohol Content of .15 or above, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail 2 days to 2 years or Electronic Home Monitoring 30 days
- Fine $1,120.50 to $5,000
- Washington License Suspension 1 year
- Ignition Interlock Device installation
- Possible Alcohol/Drug Education class
And of course, further Washington DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Washington license suspension or even Washington license revocation.
Currently, Washington teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, even with hands-free devices!
Washington Online Driver Education
Washington teen drivers can receive their Washington Learner’s Permit if they enroll in a Washington approved driver education class. You can find more information about approved Washington online driver education on the Washington Department of Motor Vehicle website.
