Avoid DOL Wait Times With 5 Simple Steps

Washington's recent changes to the process of getting your driver's license can be a little tricky to navigate at first but they should also save you time by not waiting weeks on end for a road test appointment. For most applicants, the testing facility will be closer to home, which gives an added convenience.  

In order to address lengthy Department of Licensing wait times, the State Legislature approved a bill which allows approved driving schools the ability to act as third-party testers. Defensive Driving School now offers drive test appointments, many within a few days.

The DOL created a new online database (License Express), which gives the public not only an ability to manage their driver's license or ID card, vehicles and addresses online but also a way to avoid a physical trip into their office. Driving school employees also access the system to insert test scores for driver license applicants. 

So what do you need to do to use our testing services and minimize trips to the DOL? 

If you already have a learner's permit:

1. Register for License Express on the DOL's website. At the end of the process, you will be given a PIC # (Personal Identification Code) which is a combination of letters and numbers. Write this number down as it will be required to enroll in both Knowledge or Skills test.
2. Study the Washington Driver Guide to prepare for the Knowledge Test.  Take our practice test here with your smart phone.
3. Pass the Knowledge Test. Register for the test on our secure website. We accept Visa and MasterCard payments. When we receive your order, our office will call you to set up a testing appointment for you. (If you do not already have a learner's permit, you can go to the DOL the day after you take the knowledge test with us and get one.)
4. Practice driving every day. Drive so often that your confidence and skill will overcome any test anxiety that may hit you. 
5. Pass the on-road Skills Test. Register for your on-road Skills Test and our office staff will help you schedule a convenient test time at the location of your choice. If you need an appointment as soon as possible, we often have weekday openings between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm in our Bellevue location.

The final step in getting your driver's license, which cannot be totally eliminated is:

Go to the DOL office nearest you to complete the Licensing application process.  This includes paying an application fee, having your picture taken and receiving your license.  Some documents you will need to bring include:

1. Proof of Identity,
2. Traffic Safety Course Certificate (if applicant is 16 or 17 years old), 
3. Social Security Number (actual card not necessary),
4. Proof of Residency.

If you do not already have a learner's permit and are enrolled in driver's education, we will provide you with a test waiver (handed out on the first day of class) for you to take to the DOL. You will need to show the waiver, along with your identification, birth certificate, proof of residency and parental permission to get a permit.

Additional Training
If you would like to take advantage of our training services, please visit our website for a list of our locations and class information.

Best wishes as you prepare for a lifetime of ticket and collision-free driving. 

Defensive Driving Is NO Accident!