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Understanding Teen Licensing in Washington: With and Without Driver's Education

If you're a parent trying to figure out how (and when) your teen can start driving in Washington State, you're not alone. The process can definitely be confusing, especially because the rules change depending on your teen's age and whether or not they're enrolled in a Driver's Education course.

Let me break it down in the simplest way I can.

You've Signed Up Your Teen for Driver's Ed—What's Next? A Parent's Guide from Control Driving School (Part 1)

So you've signed your teen up for Driver's Education at Control Driving School. Great! What's next? Here we go:

✅ Get a Washington ID or Washington Driver's License Number (WDL Number)

Once your teen is enrolled in Driver's Education at Control Driving School, the next step is getting them a Washington ID or WDL number. This number is required before your teen can get their permit.

You've Signed Up Your Teen for Driver's Ed—What's Next? A Parent's Guide from Control Driving School (Part 2)

Welcome back! In Part 1, we covered getting your teen started. Now let's walk through the final steps to getting their license.

✅ Complete the Driver's Education Course

Once your teen begins the course, it's important to keep a steady pace.. Most students finish in 1 to 3 months, and pacing the drives alongside the classes helps reinforce what they're learning both in class and behind the wheel.