Washington Work Zone and First Responder Course Under 25

Who must take the work zone course in Washington?

Two things decide whether you need the course: the date you get your first Washington driver license and your age on that day. If you are under 25 on that day, and the day is November 1, 2026 or later, the course is required.

The law calls this an "initial driver's license": a license for a driver who has not had a license in Washington before. If you are under 18, the course is also part of the traffic safety education requirement, and it is one of the requirements for an intermediate license.

When does the work zone course start?

DOL requires the course starting November 1, 2026. The course is available now, so you can finish it early.

The state law, RCW 46.20.1191, sets the rule from May 1, 2026 until January 1, 2031. It also lets DOL waive the course "if the department finds the online course is not available at the time of application." For your plans, use the DOL date of November 1, 2026.

Is the course free, and how long does it take?

• It is free of charge. The law tells DOL to make it available at no cost to initial applicants under 25.
• It takes about an hour.
• You must complete it online.
• It ends with a test.
• You can take it before or after any other required driver education and testing, so it does not hold up your permit, your driver training or your tests.

What does the course teach?

The course covers how to move through work zones and roadside emergencies and how to avoid risky last-minute decisions. The key signs of these zones are orange safety cones, speed reduction signs and flashing lights. The state law behind it aims to reduce collisions with emergency workers and first responders on the roadside.

You can practice the same ideas with our free questions. One asks what speed to keep in a highway work zone with cones and narrow lanes. Another asks what to do when a tow truck with flashing lights is stopped on the shoulder. Our practice questions are in English only and are not real test questions.

Do I need my WDL number?

Yes. You enter your WDL number the first time you log into the online course. A WDL number is a unique 12-digit number that identifies you. It appears on learner permits, ID cards and licenses, so you may already have one if you hold a Washington learner permit or a valid or expired Washington ID card. If you have never had a WDL number, you must request one through License Express (step 2 below).

1. 1
   Find your WDL number. If you have one, go to step 4.
2. 2
   If you have no WDL number, create a License Express account on the DOL website and request one. DOL asks only for basic information in this step.
3. 3
   In the License Express menu, choose "Instruction Permit" if you will apply for a learner permit and take driver education. Choose "Personal Driver License" if you will transfer a valid out-of-state license.
4. 4
   Create a free WA.gov account. It is not the account that you use for Secure Access Washington or License Express.
5. 5
   Sign into the course with your WA.gov account. The first time, enter your WDL number, last name and date of birth. This identity check happens only once.
6. 6
   Finish the lessons and pass the test at the end.

How the course fits with permit, driver education and tests

The DOL test page lists the course next to the knowledge test and the drive test. For an intermediate license at 16 or 17, you also need an instruction permit for at least six months. Our guide to getting a license at 16 or 17 in Washington shows the full order of steps.

Driver education has its own rule. Starting January 1, 2027, first-time applicants age 18 must complete driver education. One more age group joins each year until 2030, ending with applicants under 22. Our guide to the Washington license at 18 and older explains that phase-in. The work zone course is a separate, free course.

Work zone course: common questions