Learn more about our efforts to partner with Tribes to increase access to driver education and licensure for Native youth.
About the program
Beginning July 1, 2026, as established in RCW 46.82.490, we're partnering with Tribal governments to expand access to driver education in Tribal communities.
Whether you're a Tribal government interested in partnering with us or Native youth looking for driver education and licensing resources, you'll find information on available resources and how to get started.
Our mission
We are committed to partnering with Tribes to co-develop culturally relevant, community-informed solutions that improve access to driver education and support safer driving outcomes.
Tribal governments
Consultation
Honoring Tribal sovereignty is central to this work. Consultation is the primary process for ensuring Tribal priorities, perspectives, and leadership guide the development of driver education and licensure partnerships. Council members and Tribal leaders are encouraged to contact us at DOL-TribalTSE@dol.wa.gov to schedule a consultation.
Agency support
The agency has the authority and flexibility to adopt rules that improve access to driver education and licensure for youth in Tribal communities. Barriers to driver education impacting access may be diminished through collaborative rule-making.
Native youth
Get involved
We want to hear from Native youth and parents/guardians of Native youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who have insights about driver education. Take our short, 5-minute survey and share your experiences, barriers, and needs related to driver education.
Voucher program
Beginning in January 2027, a state-funded voucher program will help eligible low-income individuals cover the cost of driver education. Additional information, including eligibility requirements and technical assistance, will be given as the program becomes available.
Student groups and organizations
If you are part of a Native student organization, club, or association interested in improving traffic safety, driver education, and licensure for Native communities, we invite you to partner with us. Opportunities include sharing experiences, providing input, and participating in the development of a supplemental Native traffic safety education course. Connect with us using the contact information below.
Partnership opportunities
- Opening a driver training school
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The agency can provide technical assistance throughout the application and licensing process for opening a driver training school. If the Tribe is interested in establishing a driver training school, we can also help connect you with driver training curriculum resources. For information about opening a driver training school, please visit our driver training school webpage.
- Training to become a driver training instructor
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The agency is establishing a program to expand training access for driver training school instructors. Driver training instructors must complete 100 hours of training to become licensed instructors. To learn more information about this program and how the agency can support training requirements for licensure, use the contact information below using the email subject line: “Driver Training Instructor- Tribal”
- Becoming a satellite instructor
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When Tribes do not have the capacity or demand to open their own driver training school, becoming a satellite instructor by partnering with an existing driver training school may be an option. The satellite instructor model connects driver training instructors within the community to an existing school in order to provide local behind-the-wheel instruction. This model would include a partnership between the Tribal member that becomes an instructor, an existing and willing driver training school, and the agency.
- Creating a Native traffic safety education course
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A Native traffic safety education course may be developed with any interested Tribe to provide access to culturally relevant driver education for Native youth. The project may include guidance and participation from Tribal leaders, elders, educators, first responders, Native artists, and Native youth to ensure the training is community-driven and meaningful. The agency intends to partner with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to provide compensation to participants where applicable.
- Receiving DOL2Go and community outreach services
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The DOL2Go mobile unit provides onsite ID card and driver licensing services to people with difficulties visiting traditional offices. If you are an organization or municipality that would like DOL2Go services in your community or at an event, please submit a DOL2Go Event Request. Learn more about services offered by DOL2Go.
Our community engagement and outreach team strives to provide equitable and increased access to the Department of Licensing's information and services within underserved communities. We have team members across the state, so we can help no matter where you are. Use the Community Engagement and Outreach request form to request our presentations or attendance at resource or networking events. Learn more about our community engagement and outreach efforts.