Driving Instruction Permit

Instruction permits are issued by the Department of Licensing; there is a $20.00 fee.

Students who are at least 15 years old, enrolled in a DOL or state approved program and are able to pass an eye examination will not have to take the written DOL test until after the successful completion of a course. Permits will not be issued until within 10 days of the start of a traffic safety education program. If a student has any drug or alcohol violation on his/her record or has outstanding fines, he/she may not be able to get a permit. Permits are good for one year and can be renewed once.

If a student is not enrolled in a DOL or Washington State recognized program, the person must be at least 15 and one-half years of age and must pass written and eye examinations at a DOL office in order to obtain a driver permit.

Take the following to any Department of Licensing Office:

  1. A custodial parent or guardian with picture I.D. If your last names are different, take a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and/or court documents proving custodial guardianship.
  2. Minors must have proof of age, i.e. a certified birth certificate, passport or an official school transcript.
  3. A completed Instruction Permit Application signed by a Traffic Education program instructor or a Traffic Education administrator. You and your custodial parent or guardian should sign the form at the DOL office.
  4. The $20.00 permit fee in cash or a check.

All Department of Licensing offices are closed on Mondays, national holidays and Sundays. General operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check with individual offices for hours.

You must be in the DOL office at least one-half hour before closing to apply for your permit.

Seattle Area Department of Licensing Office Locations:

With the closure of the Aurora Avenue North office the Greenwood location has become very busy. We advise that you do not wait until the last minute to get the driver permit. Be prepared to wait and expect Saturdays to be very busy.

For other information relating to the DOL, use the link - Washington State Department of Licensing

Traffic Education Office
1330 North 90th Street, Building 400, Room 404
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 252-4735
email: gemiller@seattleschools.org