Washington State Statutes - Washington Attorney Directory

(1) Application. The application of a person under the age of eighteen years for a driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement must be signed by a parent or guardian with custody of the minor. If the person under the age of eighteen has no father, mother, or guardian, then the application must be signed by the minor's employer.

     (2) Traffic safety education requirement. For a person under the age of eighteen years to obtain a driver's license he or she must meet the traffic safety education requirements of this subsection.

     (a) To meet the traffic safety education requirement for a driver's license the applicant must satisfactorily complete a traffic safety education course as defined in RCW 28A.220.020 for a course offered by a school district, or as defined by the department of licensing for a course offered by a driver training school licensed under chapter 46.82 RCW. The course offered by a school district or an approved private school must meet the standards established by the office of the state superintendent of public instruction. The course offered by a driver training school must meet the standards established by the department of licensing with the advice of the driver instructors' advisory committee, pursuant to RCW 46.82.300. The traffic safety education course may be provided by:

     (i) A recognized secondary school; or

     (ii) A driver training school licensed under chapter 46.82 RCW that is annually approved by the department of licensing.

     (b) To meet the traffic safety education requirement for a motorcycle endorsement, the applicant must successfully complete a motorcycle safety education course that meets the standards established by the department of licensing.

     (c) The department may waive the traffic safety education requirement for a driver's license if the applicant demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that:

     (i) He or she was unable to take or complete a traffic safety education course;

     (ii) A need exists for the applicant to operate a motor vehicle; and

     (iii) He or she has the ability to operate a motor vehicle in such a manner as not to jeopardize the safety of persons or property.

The department may adopt rules to implement this subsection (2)(c) in concert with the supervisor of the traffic safety education section of the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

     (d) The department may waive the traffic safety education requirement if the applicant was licensed to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle outside this state and provides proof that he or she has had education equivalent to that required under this subsection.

[2002 c 195 § 1; 1999 c 274 § 14; 1999 c 6 § 16; 1990 c 250 § 36; 1985 c 234 § 2; 1979 c 158 § 146; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 § 87; 1972 ex.s. c 71 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 218 § 10; 1967 c 167 § 1; 1965 ex.s. c 170 § 43; 1961 c 12 § 46.20.100. Prior: 1937 c 188 § 51; RRS § 6312-51; 1921 c 108 § 6, part; RRS § 6368, part.]

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