Please note:  11/29/24  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  I am grateful for all the Happy Thanksgiving wishes from my students this year.  This is a first.  My knee surgery went well.  Although it is painful and will be for some time, I am doing well.  The pain is tolerable.  Therefore, since I am not taking any drugs for pain, I will resume working as planned.  For anyone who needs to take the department of licensing knowledge test, I will be open tomorrow for that as usual.  I will also resume driving lessons as scheduled on Monday.  Have a great weekend.

There is still room in my January 13th class which meets on Monday and Wednesday from 4-6pm.  Please remember that there is a parent student orientation on Saturday, 1/11/25 at 10am.  The cost is $500.  You can pay at the orientation.  Future classes also have plenty of room for students.  I already have classes scheduled for next year.  You can find those on my drivetimes calendar.

1/11/24 Here is something that it would be good for some parents and youth to know.  Governor Jay Inslee signed into law that the department of licensing has until October 2024 to have a plan and by 2026 to implement a program for those who did not take driver's ed to take driver's ed who are age 18-24.  This ruling is because of the number of deaths from crashes, in which this age group are killed in crashes, caused by drivers who have not taken driver's ed and are age 18-25. Here is an article concerning this.

OLYMPIA, WA. – (KGMI.com) Driver’s education will soon become mandatory for more Washington drivers.

Governor Jay Inslee signed SB 5583 into law earlier this year, which requires the Department of Licensing to expand the requirement for new drivers aged 18 to 24.

Currently, drivers’ education is only mandatory for 16- and 17-year-olds in Washington state.

But data from the state Traffic Safety Commission backs up lawmakers’ concerns over a lack of education for other young drivers.

In Whatcom County, more drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 have been involved in fatal accidents than any other age group within the past decade.

Half of those accidents were caused by the driver speeding.

The state DOL has until October of 2024 to create the new expansion plan and present it to state transportation committees.

State Senators anticipate the requirement will go into effect by 2026.

Each student will need a Washington ID Number.  You can apply on my website, or at the department of licensing office.  I will need that number before students can apply for their permit.  Students can get their permit 10 days prior to the class start date and must be at least 15 years old.  If students are at least 15 1/2 they can pass the department of licensing knowledge test to get their permit.  I administer that test at my office.  If you have questions, please contact me.

(360) 975-2799

danblack@topgeardriversed.com

Top Gear Driving School is approved and authorized by the Department of Licensing to give the knowledge and driving(skills) tests.  As of December 31, 2012 the DOL in White Salmon and Goldendale will no longer give the knowledge test and the skills (driving) test.  Testing can now be done at Top Gear Driving School.  This will benefit patrons who previously had to  go to Goldendale, White Salmon or Vancouver for testing.

This service will be available not only for beginning drivers, but for anyone needing the testing. Testing will be available by appointment only. Testing locations will not be able to take pictures, or issue a driver's license. It will be necessary to visit a Department of Licensing location  in White Salmon, Goldendale, or Vancouver.

** Very important!!!  Before you come to test, you must visit the Department of Licensing Office or Website to get your Washington Driver's License number. dol.wa.gov.  You will need to bring this number with you along with picture ID.  This can include school ID.

You can apply for a Washington ID Number either at the Department of Licensing office, or online on my website, topgeardriversed.com.  On the left side click on Sign-UP.  Then scroll down to dolpreapply and click there.  Begin filling out the required information.  You will need a state issured birth certificate and Social Security number.  The number needed is not the Confirmation Number.  Go to the bottom and click on continue to print off your Washington ID Number.  I will need that number if you are enrolled in my class so you can get your permit 10 days prior to the class start date.  You will also need this number if you are going to take the Department of Licensing Knowledge and Driving Tests.  You will also need picture ID.  This ID can be school Id, Passport, or other types of picture ID.