Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Mandatory to a broader demographic
OLYMPIA — More young adults in Washington will soon be required to complete driver’s education under a new law signed by Governor Bob Ferguson earlier this year.
Senate Bill 5583 directs the state Department of Licensing to expand mandatory driver’s education to include new drivers between the ages of 18 and 24. Currently, only 16- and 17-year-olds are required to complete a driver training program before receiving a license.
Lawmakers cited crash data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission showing that, over the past decade, drivers between 18 and 25 have been involved in more fatal crashes than any other age group in Whatcom County. According to the data, half of those fatal crashes were caused by speeding.
The Department of Licensing has until October 2025 to develop and present an implementation plan to state transportation committees. Lawmakers expect the expanded education requirement to take effect by 2026.
Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.
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