Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands requirements for youth drivers education and training

Highlights:

• Requires any individual 25 years old or younger to complete a traffic safety education course before receiving their driver’s license (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the traffic safety education course may include the following, including (Sec. 3):

• Virtual classroom-based student instruction with a live instructor; or

• Self-paced, online components as authorized and certified by the department of licensing.

• Prohibits individuals with an intermediate driver's license from operating between the hours of 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM except if accompanied by immediate family, an individual at least 25 years of age, or for school, religious, or employment activity (Sec. 2).

• Defines “immediate family” for the purposes of this bill as an individual’s spouse, domestic partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, or half-sister of the individual, including foster children living in the household (Sec. 2).

• Requires the department of licensing to post on its website by January 1, 2025 a map and list of all the driver education course providers and programs in the state (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands requirements for youth drivers education and training

Highlights:

• Requires any individual 25 years old or younger to complete a traffic safety education course before receiving their driver’s license (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the traffic safety education course may include the following, including (Sec. 3):

• Virtual classroom-based student instruction with a live instructor; or

• Self-paced, online components as authorized and certified by the department of licensing.

• Prohibits individuals with an intermediate driver's license from operating between the hours of 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM except if accompanied by immediate family, an individual at least 25 years of age, or for school, religious, or employment activity (Sec. 2).

• Defines “immediate family” for the purposes of this bill as an individual’s spouse, domestic partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, or half-sister of the individual, including foster children living in the household (Sec. 2).

• Requires the department of licensing to post on its website by January 1, 2025 a map and list of all the driver education course providers and programs in the state (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text