More people will have to take driver’s education in Washington soon. House Bill 1878, signed earlier this month, will require 21-year-olds to take driver’s ed to get an initial license to drive. Right now in Washington, only 16 and 17-year-olds are required to take the course to get a license.
The law phases in the ages. Starting in 2027, 18-year-olds will have to take it. In 2028, 19-year-olds and younger will have to take it. It goes on until 2030 when you’ll have to be 22 to not need to take driver’s ed.
Starting in May next year, everyone under 25 years old trying to get an initial license will have to pass an online course on work zone and first-responder safety.
There are other driving requirements in the bill. Starting in 2027, if you’re between 18 and 22 years old and have committed 2 moving violations, you’ll have to take a safe driving course or have your license suspended until you do. In 2031 that age jumps to 25 years old.
Local legislators were split on the idea. Representative Mary Dye voted for it and Senator Mark Schoesler and Representative Joe Schmick voted against it.
