Guides/WA
Washington's Expanded Drivers Ed Law for Young Adults
Washington's ESHB 1878 phases in drivers ed for new drivers 18 to 21 starting in 2027. See the dates, who is exempt, fees, vouchers and what changes in 2031.
Starting January 1, 2027, Washington will require 18-year-olds getting their first driver's license to complete a driver training course, and the age limit rises each year until it covers applicants under 22 in 2030. The change comes from Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1878, which Gov. Bob Ferguson signed on May 17, 2025, according to Fox 13 Seattle.
Until now, only applicants under 18 had to take drivers ed in Washington. Here is what the law changes, when, and what families should plan for.
Key takeaways
- Drivers ed for first-time applicants expands one age year at a time, from 18 in 2027 to under 22 in 2030.
- From May 1, 2026, applicants under 25 must pass a free online work zone and first responder safety course.
- Young drivers with two moving violations will need a safe driving course or face suspension, starting in 2027.
- Fees rose on January 1, 2026, with part going to a new driver education fund.
- A voucher program for low-income learners is planned from 2027, subject to funding.
- From 2031, first licenses for drivers under 21 will expire sooner and need a refresher course to renew.
The phase-in schedule
Section 2 of the bill sets out who must complete a driver training education course to get an initial license. It phases in by age:
| Starting | Who must take drivers ed (first license) |
|---|---|
| Already in effect | Under 18 |
| January 1, 2027 | At least 18 but under 19 |
| January 1, 2028 | 18 but under 20 |
| January 1, 2029 | 18 but under 21 |
| January 1, 2030 | 18 but under 22 |
The course can be one offered through a school district or by a driver training school licensed under Washington law.
A note on ages: some summaries, including the IIHS licensing table, describe the phase-in as reaching applicants younger than 25. The drivers ed requirement in the enacted bill text stops at under 22. The under-25 age limit applies to the other requirements below. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission's bill summary uses the same 2027 to 2030 dates.
Who is exempt
The bill allows several exceptions. According to the bill text:
- Applicants already licensed in a reciprocal jurisdiction outside Washington are exempt.
- The Department of Licensing (DOL) may waive the course if the applicant could not take it, needs to drive, and can drive safely.
- DOL may accept equivalent education from a reciprocal jurisdiction.
- DOL may pause or delay the requirement by rule if there are not enough courses or instructors.
That last point matters. If you are planning around a specific date, check DOL's current guidance before you enroll.
Other changes for drivers under 25
Work zone and first responder safety course
From May 1, 2026 until January 1, 2031, applicants under 25 must pass an online driver work zone and first responder safety course, which DOL must provide at no cost. DOL may waive it if the course is unavailable. Driver training curriculum is also updated to include work zone and first responder safety.
Two moving violations
Starting January 1, 2027, any initial license holder aged 18 to under 22 who is found to have committed two moving violations must complete a safe driving course. If they do not finish within 180 days of notice, DOL must suspend the license until they do.
Drivers aged 22 to under 25 face the same rule from 2027. From January 1, 2031, that older group must instead complete a condensed traffic safety education course. The bill defines that condensed course as at least eight hours of classroom instruction and three hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
Shorter first licenses from 2031
Beginning January 1, 2031, a first license for anyone under 21 will expire on the later of the driver's 21st birthday or the second birthday after the license is issued. To renew, the driver must complete a driver training education refresher course.
Fees and help with costs
The bill raised two fees on January 1, 2026:
- The new license application fee went from $35 to $50.
- The instruction permit fee went from $25 to $35.
Part of each fee ($15 of the license fee and $10 of the permit fee) goes to a new driver education safety improvement account.
To help families, the bill directs DOL to run a voucher program starting January 1, 2027, for low-income people aged 15 to under 25. Vouchers can cover up to the average cost of eligible courses. The program is subject to state funding, and the bill says it does not create an entitlement. Some people who already received certain state driver training support are not eligible.
For a sense of what drivers ed costs in general, see How Much Does Drivers Ed Cost? Prices by State.
Changes for driving schools
The law also touches how courses are delivered:
- Schools may give up to four hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in a single day in cases of hardship.
- Schools are encouraged to use self-paced online components for classroom instruction.
- Classroom instruction is defined as in-person or live virtual.
- DOL must expand instructor certification training, subject to funding.
As each phase begins, more young adults will need a course. Schools can make it easier for families to find them by keeping their listing current; a free RoadVerified listing can be claimed at claim your free listing.
What families should do now
- Know your date. If your young adult will be 18 to 21 when applying, check which phase applies on the date they plan to apply.
- Plan for the online safety course. If they are under 25, the free work zone course applies now.
- Choose a licensed school. Washington requires the course to come from a school district program or a licensed driver training school. Our guide How to Find a Licensed Driving School in Your State shows how to check.
- Keep the certificate. Store the completion certificate safely. You will need it at licensing.
- Watch for voucher details. If cost is a barrier, check DOL for the voucher program as 2027 approaches.
FAQ
When does Washington require drivers ed for 18-year-olds?
Starting January 1, 2027, applicants at least 18 but under 19 need a driver training course for their first license. The age limit rises each January until it covers applicants under 22 in 2030.
Does Washington's law apply to drivers up to 25?
The drivers ed requirement for a first license stops at under 22. But other parts of the law apply to people under 25, including the free online work zone safety course and the rule for drivers with two moving violations.
I moved to Washington with a license. Do I need drivers ed?
Applicants licensed in a reciprocal jurisdiction outside Washington are exempt, according to the bill. Check with DOL for how this applies to your license.
Is there financial help for drivers ed in Washington?
The law creates a voucher program for low-income people aged 15 to under 25, starting January 1, 2027, subject to state funding.
Find a verified driving school
With the new rules phasing in, now is a good time to compare licensed schools. Browse driving schools in our directory and look for the verified check mark.