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.

About the course

• Free of charge
• Available now!
• Must be completed online
• 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

Do you need to take the Work Zone First Responder course?

Do you need to take the course?

Whether you need to complete the Work Zone First Responder course depends on 2 things:

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

When you'll get your first WA license	Age 16	Age 17	Age 18	Age 19	Age 20	Age 21	Age 22	Age 23	Age 24	Age 25 or older
On or before October 31, 2026	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
On or after November 1, 2026	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Note: 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.

How to take the course

Ready to get started? Here are the steps you will use to access the Work Zone First Responder course.

1. Get a Washington driver license (WDL) number

   You will need to enter your WDL number the first time you log into the online Work Zone and First Responder course. A WDL number is a unique 12-digit number that identifies you and appears on learner permits, ID cards, and licenses.
   
   Already have a WDL number? You can skip to step 2.

   Do I already have a WDL number?

   You may already have a WDL number if you have:

   • A Washington learner permit
   • A valid or expired Washington ID card
   • Have filled out an application on our website
   • Received a ticket in the past such as a minor in possession or driving without a license

   
   If you think you already have a WDL number but don't remember it, use our account lookup tool or call us for assistance at 360-902-3900.

   I don't have a WDL number. How do I get one?

   To get a WDL number, you'll need to log in or create a License Express account. After logging into License Express, you'll pre-apply and get a Washington Driver License (WDL) number.

   1) Under "License Express for Individuals," click on "Pre-apply for your license or ID card."

   

   2) Click on "Create account."

   

   3) Select "License Express for individuals" and click on "Next."

   

   4) Follow the instructions to create your account. When you log in for the first time after registering your account, you will immediately start the pre-apply process.

2. Create a WA.gov account

   This course uses WA.gov (Washington’s new single sign-on system) to sign you in. If you don’t have a WA.gov account yet, you’ll need to create one. Creating an account is free and only takes a few minutes.

   Get step-by-step instructions

   Note: This isn't the same account you use to log into Secure Access Washington (SAW) or License Express.

   Already have a WA.gov account? You can skip to step 3.

3. Sign into the course

   Now you will log into the online course using your WA.gov account.

   Log into the course

4. Verify your identity

   Right after you sign in for the first time, you will prompted to enter your Washington Driver License Number (WDL), your last name, and your date of birth. These are checked against our database to confirm we’re updating the right driver record. It’s a one-time step. After it succeeds, you won’t see it again on future visits.
   
   Get step-by-step instructions

5. Start the course

   Once you’re signed in and verified, you land on the course home page. You’ll see a greeting and your "My Courses" list with the Work Zone and First Responder course. Click "Start" to open the course.

   

   Get step-by-step instructions

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. It 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 our previous efforts to improve work zone traffic 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 you need to take driver education before getting your first WA driver license?

  Whether you need to complete driver education depends on 2 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

  When you'll get your first WA license	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 2 moving violations. Beginning January 2027, drivers who fail to take the course risk license suspension.

We will release more information and conduct outreach about these changes as they get closer to launch.