Q – I would like to start my son in classes, but he isn’t 15 1/2 yet and will not be able to get much practicing in before classes start; is there anything I can do?
A – Did you know that your student can actually get a Learner’s Permit at age 15? Yes, 15 years is the minimum age to attend Traffic Safety School in Washington and obtain an instruction permit. To do this, simply enroll your student in a Traffic Safety Education Class, pay the tuition (or a down payment), and the school will issue a “Permit Waiver” (to be used no sooner than 10 days before the class starts). Take the waiver to the nearest DOL, along with an original Birth Certificate or passport, a picture ID (school ID), Social Security number (the DOL doesn’t need the Social Security card, just the number) and $20! After all classes and drives are completed with us, your student will recieve his/her Traffic Safely Certificate and will be allowed to take the DOL Knowledge Test and Road Test. Please go to the DOL website for the latest information concerning when those tests can be taken.
Q – Is there anything my child needs to bring when getting the actual permit; i.e. a Birth Certificate?
A – He/she needs to bring in a Birth Certificate or Passport, Social Security Number and a photo ID. He/she can also pick up a “Permit Waiver” form from us to waive the written/computer exam. The DOL will issue your student a permit as long as he/she is enrolled in a Traffic Safety Course.
Q – Where exactly are you located?
A – We are located in Vancouver (Hazel Dell) on Highway 99 across the street from Wal-Mart and the Blind Onion. We are located in the same center as Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Our address is 9317 NE Highway 99, Suite J, Vancouver, WA 98665
Q – Where can I find the nearest Washington Department of Licensing?
A – Go to www.dol.wa.gov, the Washington State Department of Licensing website, for the location information for their offices.
Q – Once a class is started, how much time does the student have to complete the drives?
A – Students will start driving with us after their 3rd class. They are allowed to take one drive a week to allow plenty of practice time in between drives. Realistically, the drives should run 6-8 weeks in length; however, if you are not getting in adequate practice time, drives will have to be scheduled farther apart. Please keep in mind that when you sign up for a Traffic Safety Course, you are making a commitment; the commitment is between the school, the parents and the student. The parents’ role is just as important as the student’s. Parents must supply a vehicle for practice that is in good and safe working order, provide enough practice time and a good frame of mind in which to teach and guide their student. The student is responsible to be available to drive, complete all home work assignments, etc., and practice what they have learned in class and on drives and apply it while driving.