Bills to Watch & Legislative Updates
Stay informed about important legislation that may affect our community and the way we drive. Here, you’ll find a regularly updated directory of relevant bills. Whether or not you can attend hearings in person, we want to make sure you have the information you need to stay involved and voice your opinions.
How to Use This Resource:
Browse Current Bills: Learn about the legislative proposals on the table and see at a glance how they could impact drivers.
Meeting Schedules & Agendas: Find important committee meeting dates, times, and agendas so you can follow discussions, watch live streams, or submit written testimony.
Stay Engaged: Use the links and tools provided to contact your representatives, share feedback, and encourage others to stay involved.
Why It Matters: By staying informed and engaged, you help shape decisions that directly affect our roads, our community, and the future of driving. Your voice counts—thank you for staying up to date and involved!
PDSA Press Release – 09/13/25
New Driver Education RCWs Published: ESHB 1878 Implementation Moves Forward
Olympia, WA – The Professional Driving Schools Association (PDSA) is notifying members, partners, and the public that the Washington State Legislature has published the new Revised Code of Washington (RCW) sections associated with Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1878. These RCWs provide the legal framework for the expansion of driver education requirements designed to improve safety and equity for young drivers across the state.
The newly published RCWs are as follows:
RCW 46.82.470 – Traffic Safety Education Requirement
Establishes the requirement for driver education for individuals up to age 22. This provision extends formal traffic safety education beyond teen drivers, ensuring that new drivers between 18 and 22 receive structured instruction before licensing.RCW 46.82.480 – Work Zone and First Responder Safety Course
Requires the development and successful completion of an online course focused on work zone safety and first responder awareness for new drivers. The course emphasizes safe interactions with emergency vehicles and roadway workers, addressing a critical gap in driver preparedness.RCW 46.82.490 – Voucher Program for Low-Income Households
Establishes a voucher system to make driver education accessible to individuals from low-income households, including youth up to age 24. This program reduces financial barriers and ensures that all Washington residents can access quality driver training regardless of income level.
“These RCWs lay the groundwork for meaningful improvements in road safety. By expanding education requirements, introducing new safety-focused courses, and removing financial barriers, Washington is setting a higher standard for preparing the next generation of drivers.”
The Professional Driving Schools Association will continue to provide updates on the implementation of ESHB 1878, including committee developments, rulemaking, and opportunities for schools and instructors to participate in shaping the rollout.
PDSA Press Release – 09/09/25
Washington Establishes Driver Education Advisory Committee to Support ESHB 1878 Implementation
Olympia, WA – Washington Department of Licensing announces the creation of the Washington Driver Education Advisory Committee, formed to guide the Department of Licensing (DOL) in implementing Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1878. This legislation expands driver education requirements for young and first-time drivers as part of a statewide effort to improve road safety.
The Advisory Committee will play a critical role in ensuring a smooth and equitable rollout of the new requirements. Key responsibilities include advising on mandatory education for drivers ages 18–24, developing a new work zone and first responder safety course, and supporting the creation of a voucher program to make driver education more accessible to low-income families.
Committee members represent commercial driving schools, certified instructors, OSPI programs, online learning experts, and community advocates. Ex-officio representatives from the DOL, PDSA, WTSEA, and OSPI will ensure statewide coordination. Members will serve through 2031 to provide consistent oversight during the transition period.
Implementation begins in 2026 with corrective safe driving courses for newly licensed drivers under 25, followed by vouchers and online learning options in 2027. Additional requirements, including refresher courses at renewal, will phase in by 2031.
Opportunity to Serve on the Washington Driver Education Advisory Committee (WDEAC)
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to serve on the Washington Driver Education Advisory Committee (WDEAC).
This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the future of driver education and training across the state—especially in light of recent changes tied to ESHB 1878, which aims to expand access to driver education.
As a member of WDEAC, you’ll collaborate with others who care deeply about traffic safety and youth driving outcomes. Your insights will directly support improvements in driver education requirements and help shape policies that affect communities across Washington.
PDSA Press Release – June 12, 2025
Washington Driver Guides & Electronic Testing Delays Impact Schools and Students
The Professional Driving Schools Association (PDSA) is urging the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to act swiftly on two critical issues:
Driver Guide Availability: The updated Washington Driver Guide remains unavailable in many languages. Students—especially non-English speakers—are delaying tests or skipping them altogether, causing lost revenue and increasing the risk of unlicensed drivers on the road.
Electronic Exam Access (ATS): While ATS has improved test pass rates, the requirement for students to log in through License Express is creating major access issues. A promised “no login” option has been delayed for over a year, leaving schools with no alternative and forcing many students to go directly to DOL offices.
The PDSA and its member schools continue to support the DOL’s mission, but urgent action is needed to resolve these growing challenges.
HB 1878 Advisory Group Documents
Implementation of ESSB 1878 requires significant rulemaking by the Department of Licensing. To support this effort, the PDSA—alongside other key stakeholders—is participating in an advisory group dedicated to shaping how this new law is rolled out. This page serves as a central hub for all related documents, meeting notes, reference materials, and updates.
The links and resources shared here are intended to promote transparency and keep our broader driving school community informed of the group’s progress. Whether you're an advisory group member, industry partner, or simply interested in the implementation of ESSB 1878, you’ll find everything you need to stay up to date.
Reference Materials
Supporting resources and background documents.
SB 5583 - 2023-24
Improving young driver safety.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5583 is a Washington State law aimed at enhancing young driver safety by expanding driver training requirements for individuals aged 18 to 24. Signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on May 11, 2023, the legislation introduces several key changes effective January 1, 2025.
Washington Senate Democrats (Article by Senate Democrats)
Key Provisions of ESSB 5583:
Mandatory Driver Training for Young Adults:
Individuals aged 18 to 21 are required to complete a full driver training education course from a licensed private driver training school or a school district before obtaining a driver's license.
Individuals aged 22 to 24 must complete either a condensed traffic safety education course or an online, self-paced equivalent, along with at least three hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
Driver Training Education Voucher Program:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) is tasked with establishing a voucher program to cover the average cost of driver training courses for novice drivers from low-income households, subject to available funding.
Traffic Safety Education Grant Program:
In collaboration with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the DOL will create a grant program to help schools initiate or reinstate traffic safety education programs.
Fee Adjustments to Support Programs:
The driver's instruction permit fee increases from $25 to $37, and the driver's licensing examination fee rises from $35 to $51, effective October 1, 2023. The additional revenue is intended to fund the voucher and grant programs.
Interactive Map of Driver Training Providers:
The DOL is required to publish an interactive map on its website, detailing all driver training education course providers, including contact information, course pricing, and available services by language.
Intermediate License Nighttime Driving Restrictions:
Modifications allow intermediate license holders to operate a vehicle between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. if accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older, or for school, religious, or employment activities involving the license holder or an immediate family member.
Implementation Timeline:
By October 1, 2024, the DOL must present an implementation plan to the Legislature, detailing strategies for expanding driver training requirements for the specified age groups.
The new driver training requirements for individuals aged 18 to 24 are set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
These measures aim to reduce traffic fatalities and accidents among young drivers by ensuring they receive comprehensive driver education before obtaining a license.
TVW is Washington State’s public affairs network.
They provide gavel-to-gavel (complete and unedited) coverage of:
Legislative Sessions and Committee Hearings – Watch the legislative process in real-time or access archives of past sessions.
State Supreme Court Proceedings – Follow significant legal decisions and arguments as they happen.
Public Policy and Government Events – Stay informed about press conferences, debates, and interviews with state officials.
By offering live and on-demand video, TVW enables Washington residents to stay connected and engaged with the state’s government activities—even if they can’t attend in person.