Facilities
Driver training school locations must follow specific guidelines. They must:
- Be located in a business or commercial zone or area suitable for educational institutions.
- Be more than 1000 feet from an office or building owned or leased by the Department of Licensing.
- Be used only for driver instruction during operational hours.
- Not consist of or include a:
- House.
- Tent.
- Temporary address.
- Room or rooms in a hotel or rooming house or apartment house.
- Premises occupied by a single or multiple-unit dwelling house.
Driver training school classrooms have extra requirements:
- Proper equipment.
- Separate classroom and office spaces.
- Adequate seating and desk space for all students.
- Must meet city fire codes.
State law defines classroom instruction as in-person or live virtual lessons following the required curriculum. We must approve any self-paced online parts of your instruction.
Download a classroom checklist to help you get started.
Traffic safety education vehicles
Vehicles used for driver training must meet safety standards, including:
- Dual controls for the foot brake and clutch.
- Instructor’s rearview mirror.
- A first aid kit with at least 20 pieces, including:
- A fully charged fire extinguisher.
- An emergency strobe light, reflective triangle, or two 18-inch cones.
- A sign on the back or top of the vehicle, meeting the following requirements:
- Clear English letters at least 20 inches wide and 10 inches tall.
- The words “Student Driver,” “Instruction Car,” or “Driving School” in letters at least 2.5 inches tall.
- The school’s name and phone number in letters at least 1 inch tall.
- Signs must be visible from 100 feet away in daylight.
- Signs must not block the driver's view if placed on the rear windshield.
You must complete annual vehicle inspections. You must repair any vehicles that fail inspection before use. Download a vehicle inspection report to help you get started.