Quick answer
The course is required if you are under age 25 and applying for your first Washington driver license. If both of those are true for you, you need to finish this course before DOL will issue your license.
If neither applies, the course is optional — but it’s free and covers safety information every driver can use.
In this article
- The simple rule
- Common situations
- Why the under-25 rule
- Can I take it even if I’m not required?
- How to check your status
The simple rule
Under Washington State law (ESHB 1878), the course is required only when both of these are true:
- You are under 25 years old, AND
- You are applying for your first Washington driver license.
If either one of those is not true for you, the course isn’t required — though anyone is welcome to take it voluntarily.
What counts as your “first” Washington license
A learner’s permit is not the same as a full driver license. So if you’re holding a Washington learner’s permit today and you’re about to apply for your first full driver license, the course still applies to you.
If you’ve held a Washington driver license at any time in the past, you’re not on your “first” one anymore, even if it has expired.
Common situations
If you’re not sure where you fall, the table below covers the situations we hear about most. When in doubt, DOL is the final word — see “How to check your status” below.
| Your situation | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| You’re under 25 and applying for your first Washington driver license. | Yes | This is the main group the course was created for. |
| You’re under 25, have a Washington learner’s permit, and are now applying for your first license. | Yes | A learner’s permit isn’t a full driver license, so the requirement still applies. |
| You’re 25 or older and applying for your first Washington driver license. | No | You can still take it voluntarily — it’s free and useful. |
| You already have a Washington driver license that hasn’t expired. | No | Renewals don’t require the course. |
| You’re moving to Washington and transferring a license from another state. | Usually no | Check with DOL — your situation may depend on the type of license you’re transferring and your age. |
| You’re replacing a lost or damaged Washington driver license. | No | A replacement doesn’t require retaking the course. |
Why the under-25 rule
Washington State chose the under-25 age threshold because newer drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes near work zones, emergency scenes, and stopped first responders. The course is designed to give new drivers the specific situational awareness and rules they need before they head out on the road for the first time.
For more on the legislation and the rationale, see Why is this course required?
Can I take it even if I’m not required?
Yes — anyone with a WA.gov account can take the course voluntarily, regardless of age or whether you already have a license. There’s no downside:
- The course is free and covers practical safety information you can apply right away.
- Voluntary completions are still recorded under your driver record, so it’s easy to confirm you’ve taken it.
- There’s no impact on your driver license, insurance, or any future renewal — voluntary completion is simply a personal choice to take the course.
How to check your status
If you’re close to the age threshold or your situation doesn’t fit neatly in the table above, DOL can confirm whether the course is required for your specific application. Two easy ways to check:
- Online: sign in to your DOL driver portal — if the course is required for your application, you’ll see it listed under the steps you need to finish before your license can be issued.
- By phone: call Driver Licensing Customer Service at (360) 902-3900 during business hours.
Heads-up if you’re close to turning 25
The age check is based on the date you apply for your license, not the date you finish the course. If you’re close to 25, plan to finish the course before your appointment so the requirement is satisfied on the day you apply.