Everything parents and students ask before signing up.
If you don't see your question below, email Drive@GoWMST.com or contact us.
Is drivers education required in Washington?
Yes, for anyone under 18. Washington requires a DOL-approved driver education course before you can be licensed under 18. At 18 and older a course is not required, though private lessons and testing are the fastest way to get ready.
What is the minimum age to enroll?
You must be at least 15 years old by the first day of class to enroll in our Teen Drivers Education program.
What is included, and what does it cost?
Every Teen Drivers Ed package is the full DOL-approved program: 30 hours of classroom (online or in person), 6 hours behind the wheel across six named drives, and 1 hour of in-car observation. Four packages run from $549 to $699, and you can add license testing, a test-day warm-up, or an advanced lesson. See Teen Drivers Ed.
When can I get my permit?
If you are enrolled in driver's ed and are at least 15 years old, you can apply for your permit within 10 days of class. You do not need to take the knowledge test before applying. You need to provide us with a WDL identification number, which you can obtain by pre-applying for your permit with the DOL. Once we have the WDL number we add your waiver to the DOL, which allows you to get your permit without having passed the DOL knowledge exam.
How do I get my permit?
You first need a Washington Driver License (WDL) ID number. You can pre-apply for that through the DOL. We walk you through pre-apply during the first class.
Do I need a permit by the first class?
No, but you'll need it prior to booking any driving lessons.
How long do I have to complete drivers ed?
There are three classroom sessions a week over a five-week period. Ideally you will want to book one driving lesson a week after the third day of class. Typically you will complete all classroom sessions and driving lessons within two months; however, you have 120 days to complete.
Can I miss any classes?
Yes, but no more than three classes can be made up over the course of the program.
What happens if I fail the final drivers ed test?
You'll need a score of 80% or higher to pass. If you score below, we'll schedule a retake.
Can I take the classroom online?
Yes. The classroom is available fully online and self-paced, or in person at high schools across Snohomish County and our Mukilteo classroom. Both are the same DOL-approved course, so you can pair the online classroom with any location. See Drive locations.
I am 18 or older. Do I need drivers ed?
No. Adults do not need a driver education course to get a Washington license. Private one-on-one lessons are the fastest way to get test-ready, and you can take your knowledge and skills tests with us. See adult driving lessons.
How many adult lessons do I need, and what do they cost?
Private adult lessons are one-on-one in a dual-control car at $75 per hour, in packages from 1 to 9 hours; the 3-hour and 9-hour packages can include the DOL skills test. How many you need depends on your experience; nervous or first-time drivers usually book more seat time. See adult driving lessons.
Where do I take the knowledge test, and what does it cost?
WMST is a DOL-approved knowledge and skills examiner. The Washington driver knowledge exam is $25 for three attempts at our Everett Express Office (4929 Evergreen Way), walk-in Monday through Friday at 9:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 4:00 pm, or scheduled Saturdays at 4:00 pm. You will need a WDL ID number. See license testing.
What does the skills (drive) test cost?
The behind-the-wheel skills test is $65 walk-in at our Everett office (Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm), or $50 scheduled at our Mukilteo and Everett offices, seven days a week. A DOL-approved examiner scores it the moment you finish.
What do I need to bring to test?
Your WA Driver License (WDL) ID number and a valid photo ID for either test. For the skills test, bring a vehicle with current registration, insurance, and working signals and brakes. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with signed permission, plus the required DOL test fees.
Do you teach manual transmission?
Drivers Education is taught in automatic-transmission vehicles. Manual (stick-shift) training is available as a separate, dedicated lesson series in our dual-pedal training car. See manual transmission lessons.
What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, MasterCard, check, money order, or cash. Payment plans are evaluated case-by-case, call us if you need to discuss one.
What about your training vehicles?
Our fleet exceeds NHTSA standards and is updated regularly. Every car has dual brakes for the instructor, and full collision-avoidance equipment.
How do I register?
Two ways: online via the registration page, or in person at 8227 44th Ave W, Suite F, Mukilteo WA 98275.
Read our step-by-step Washington license guide and the rest of our driving guides, or contact us.