What should I do first?

Before enrolling into any New Driver Training program it's a good idea to do some research.

• Spend some time investigating; this is an important choice.
• Got questions? Take a look at Choosing The Right School
• You can also call our friendly Customer Center (877-7SWERVE, 877-779-3783). They've got answers to your questions, and they can sign you up over the phone.

How do I get a permit?

Your enrollment at SWERVE will mean you automatically get a Permit Waiver mailed to you about 10 days before the start of your course.

• Grab your birth certificate, your parent or legal guardian, a $20 bill, and take that Waiver to your nearest Department of Licensing office.
• They will give you a learner's permit-which allows you to drive legally as long as you're under specialized supervision.
• With this permit waiver you will not have to take the written exam.

When can I start Driver Training?

Are you at least 15 years old?

• Your 15th birthday is the first day you're eligible to take a seat in a SWERVE classroom and the first day you can start practicing. Congratulations and welcome!
• Most of our students are between 15 and 17 years old; however, there is no age limit and adult students are welcome too.
• Give us a call at 1-877-7SWERVE (1-877-779-3783) to enroll or pre-enroll by clicking here.

What happens in the classes?

There are 15 two-hour classes in the SWERVE New Driver Training program.

• The state requires that a parent attend class 1 of the course. The first SWERVE class is designed to introduce you and your parents SWERVE and to tell you what to expect throughout the program.
• The remaining 14 classes teach you what you'll need to know to be safe and prepared for your behind the wheel drives.
• The SWERVE Curriculum has been developed to be engaging to teens so don't worry that you'll be bored. We make sure our classes are interactive and we'll keep you involved.

What if I miss a class?

By law, you must attend all 2 hours of every single class and all six drives.

• If you miss a class you must make it up.
• You cannot miss more than 3 classes. The state of Washington will require you to retake the entire program if more than 3 classes are missed.
• We try to make it as easy as possible to schedule and make up a class if you do miss one.

How do I schedule behind-the-wheel drives?

mySWERVE makes it easy.

• A username and password to this online tool will arrive in your welcome email.
• Use this username and password to get online and choose the six drive sessions that work best in your schedule.
• These sessions will be available to start scheduling 10 days prior to your first class. Don't wait! These sessions can fill quickly.

What is The Reality Check?

Most of our students take this half-day behind-the-wheel collision avoidance course within a few months of graduation.

• This program is designed to simulate a variety of emergency situations. It's a high-energy, fun way to let drivers learn what their cars can and can't do under extreme braking and cornering conditions. This program helps drivers improve their reaction time.
• The Reality Check is not required, but we think it ought to be. We know it has kept many participants out of what might have been serious collisions.

There's much more information about the Reality Check here.

When can I get my license?

Is it your 16th Birthday? Happy birthday!

• You can schedule your driving test at the DOL for the day you turn 16.
• Before you go, be sure that you've practiced for the full 50 hours with your parents, including 10 hours at night.
• You'll need to bring your Traffic Safety Certificate along - this is the certificate you receive when you complete all classes and drives in the SWERVE program. Also make sure you know your social security number.
• You'll also need to make sure you've had your permit for at least six months. Otherwise, just keep practicing and schedule your test when those six months have passed.
• a lot more information about that process is here.

What does Graduated License mean?

In Washington all new drivers under the age of 18 must adhere to the Graduated License Law.

• The first six months after you have your license you can't have any passengers (except siblings) under the age of 18, and you can't drive between 1 and 5 am.
• In the second six months you're allowed to have other passengers, but not more than 3 teenaged passengers and still no driving between 1 and 5 am.
• After you've made it through a full year of driving with your new license - and as long as you've had no collisions or traffic tickets - you become a fully licensed driver with no state-imposed limitations.

Is there anything after the Graduated License?

Yes! Your life as a fully licensed adult starts now!

• Live it well. Use what you've learned at SWERVE to stay collision-free, one day at a time, for as long as you drive.
• Challenge your friends and family members to stay collision-free too; remember-crashes are not random. You can prevent them.