How/When to apply for your Driver’s License

Make sure your student qualifies to apply for their license.  Below are the requirements that need to be met:

To qualify for their Driver’s License:

1)  Complete a Driver’s Ed course **
2)  Pass the DOL Written Test **
3)  Pass the DOL Driving Test **
4)  Be 16 years old
5)  Have had permit for at least 6 months
6)  Complete 50 hours (10 at night) of driving practice ++

** Xcelerate will enter this info directly into the student’s DOL record within 24 hours of each completion.  This is done electronically, no papers or documents are issued.
++ Parent will verify verbally during the driver’s license application process, either online (see below) or at the DOL office.

When these requirements are met, it’s time to apply for their Driver’s License through the DOL: 

If your student has his/her picture on their permit, you can apply for the license by logging into their DOL License eXpress account.**  There is a chance that it will not work online for you, If that is the case for your student, you will need to visit a DOL office instead.  If you have questions as to why the online process is not working, you will need to contact the DOL directly for assistance. Some students have run into a message on the DOL site during the process that they need to go into a DOL office to get a vision check.  This requirement can be waived in some instances. You will need to CALL the DOL and ask for this to be done.  Also, if you want to apply at 12:01am on your student’s birthday or the 6 month date that they qualify, be warned!  The DOL system does not “wake up” until around 6am, so it won’t work until then 🙂

If your student does NOT have their picture on their permit, you will need to visit a DOL office in person.**  You will need to make an appt.  At this time they are 2 – 4 weeks out, so keep that in mind.  You will need to bring proof of identity for both the student and parent.  If you have any questions about proof of identity, you can find that info on the DOL site (https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/idproof.html)  or contact the DOL directly for assistance.

** Either way, the state charges $89 for the Driver’s License.