Work zone and first responder course

Starting November 1, 2026, first-time driver license applicants under the age of 25 must pass a free online course for work zone and first responder safety to get their license.

Key features of a roadside emergency or work zone are orange safety cones, speed reduction signs, and flashing lights. The course covers how to navigate these zones and avoid risky last-minute decisions.

This course is only required for first-time driver license applicants under the age of 25, but it is available to everyone who wants to take it.

About the course

• Free of charge
• Available starting September 1, 2026
• Takes about an hour to complete
• Includes a test at the end
• Mobile and desktop friendly
• Available in 14 languages
• Can be completed before or after any other required driver education and testing

This new mandatory online training for younger drivers in Washington state aims to reduce collisions with emergency and first responders on the roadside. It is part of a larger effort to improve driving habits among younger drivers who typically experience more serious crashes than other age groups. The program also builds on previous DOL efforts to improve work zone traffic safety.

Future training and resources for younger drivers

The work zone and first responder course is part of a new state law focused on improving younger driver safety.

In the years ahead, younger drivers should expect the following changes:

• Starting January 1, 2027, applicants age 18 – those born in 2009 or after – will be required to complete driver education. A new age group will be phased in each year after that until 2030. Applicants under age 22 will be the last age group required to take driver education.

  Do I need to take driver education before getting my first WA driver license?

  Whether you need to complete driver education depends on two things:

  1. The year you get your first WA driver license and
  2. Your age on the day you get your first WA driver license

  Driver education required?	Age 16	Age 17	Age 18	Age 19	Age 20	Age 21	Age 22 or older
  In 2026	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
  In 2027	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
  In 2028	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
  In 2029	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
  In 2030 or later	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

• We are developing a voucher program to help reduce the cost of driver education courses for some low-income individuals. We expect the program to start in January 2027.
• We are implementing a safe driving course for license holders ages 18 to 24 who have two moving violations. Beginning January 2027, drivers who fail to take the course risk license suspension.

DOL will be releasing more information and will conduct outreach about these changes as they get closer to launch.