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Washington requires all 15–17‑year‑olds to complete a state‑approved driver education course before they can get their first license. This ensures new drivers build safe habits early, with structured lessons, supervised practice, and guidance that families can trust.
New Requirements for Young Adults (HB 1878) JANUARY 2027
A major new safety law—HB 1878—expands driver education requirements to young adults. The state is phasing this in over several years to help reduce serious crashes among first‑time drivers.
Beginning soon 01/01/2027, driver’s ed will be required for:
18‑year‑olds starting January 1, 2027
19‑year‑olds starting January 1, 2028
20‑year‑olds starting January 1, 2029
21‑year‑olds starting January 1, 2030
By 2030, anyone under 22 applying for their first Washington license must complete a state‑approved driver training course.
Why the Change?
State lawmakers found that young adults who skip formal training are far more likely to be involved in serious or fatal crashes compared to those who completed driver’s ed as teens. HB 1878 was created to give families more support, improve safety, and ensure every new driver—teen or young adult—gets the foundation they need.
Skagit Drive Academy is fully licensed to provide the required course and behind‑the‑wheel training.
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How to Get Your WDL Number (Washington Driver License Number)- link provided at bottom.
Create a License eXpress Account. Go to the Washington DOL website and select “Join Now” to create your License eXpress account. This is required before you can get a WDL number.
Pre‑Apply Online: Use the DOL’s Pre‑Apply Online process to start your application. The system generates your 12‑digit WDL number that begins with “WDL.”
Log In to View Your WDL Number: After creating your account, log back into License eXpress to view your WDL number. You will need this number for testing and enrollment.
Provide Your WDL# to Your Driving School. The school uses this number to enroll you, submit waivers, and report completion to the DOL.
Apply for Your Instruction Permit: Once you have your WDL number, you can apply for your permit online (if taking a course) or after passing the knowledge test.
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Teens may apply for their permit up to 10 days before Driver’s Ed begins, as long as they have completed the DOL Pre‑Apply process and have a WDL number. Once you have given the WDL# to the school the waiver can be entered and they are eligible to obtain a permit.
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Both options have benefits. In‑person classes give you direct interaction with instructors and classmates, which can make it easier to ask questions and stay engaged. Online classes offer flexibility and convenience, letting you learn at your own pace from home. The best choice depends on your schedule, learning style, and comfort level.
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Yes- your teen is allowed to miss up to 3 classes. They are not allowed to miss the first 3 days of class. Any classes missed will need to be made up at a later date. A date and time for a make- up class can be obtained by calling the main office.
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It depends on the student. Most beginners need several lessons to build confidence and master basic skills. In Washington State, driver education programs include both classroom instruction and a minimum of 5 in‑car lessons. Some students may need extra practice beyond that, while others progress more quickly.
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In Washington State, teens can begin driving alone once they’ve earned their driver license. That usually means completing driver education, holding an instruction permit for at least 6 months, and meeting all Department of Licensing requirements. Until then, you must have a licensed adult in the car with you.
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Yes. Our lessons are designed to cover the skills and knowledge you’ll need for the Washington Department of Licensing driving test, including practice with maneuvers like parallel parking, lane changes, and safe decision‑making.
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The Washington State Department of Licensing provides official Drive Test practice videos that show exactly what to expect during the skills exam, including pre‑test checks, backing, parking, lane changes, and turning.
These videos were created by the DOL and are the most accurate resource for understanding the drive test process.
Watch the official DOL video playlist:
1. Pre‑Test Vehicle Safety Check
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw4-0GfcFYA
2. Backing Around a Corner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il5KdPDJG98
3. Parallel Parking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRgeq8xrqTg
4. Lane Changes & Turning
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You must bring one physical, unexpired or recently expired (see notes below) form of photo identification:
Washington State ID card or Instruction Permit (Accepted even if expired up to 6 years)
Out‑of‑State ID or Driver License (Also accepted if expired up to 6 years)
Passport (From any country; may be expired)
School‑issued Photo ID (Must include full name and date of birth — otherwise bring WA ID or permit as well)
Military ID (Active, retired, or dependent)
Tribal ID (Must include photo and date of birth)
Additional Requirement
All customers must have a Washington State License/ID Number (WDL#). If you do not already have one, create a License eXpress account to generate it:
Join License eXpress (Get Your WDL#) https://secure.dol.wa.gov/home/LicenseExpress.aspx
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Our drive instructors make their own schedules. Often instructors reach out via text to students and parents to arrange drive lessons. If you have not been contacted yet, you will be. In the meantime, continue to drive and practice getting closer to the 50 hours required by the state.
Cancellations: To cancel a drive lesson or appointment, please call 360‑708‑7187. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance will not be charged. If you reach voicemail, leave your name and the day/time of your appointment.
Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice are non‑refundable and will require a new payment to reschedule.
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No. Skagit Drive Academy is a fully independent, locally owned driving school. We’re built right here in the community and operate on our own — not as part of a franchise or larger chain.
Our focus is on providing personalized instruction, clear communication, and support that truly meets each student’s needs. We take the time to help new drivers feel confident and prepared because we’re committed to serving our community, not rushing people through the process.
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Below is a link that will bring you directly to the DOL website where you can view or download the Washington Driver Guide.
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Below is a link to the DOL Knowledge Test Practice Questions
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2571783/2015-Driver-License-Practice-Test-English-v2