Instruction permit.

(1) Driver's instruction permit. The department may issue a driver's instruction permit with or without a photograph to an applicant who has successfully passed all parts of the examination other than the driving test, provided the information required by RCW 46.20.091, paid a fee of twenty dollars, and meets the following requirements:

(a) Is at least fifteen and one-half years of age; or

(b) Is at least fifteen years of age and:

(i) Has submitted a proper application; and

(ii) Is enrolled in a traffic safety education program offered, approved, and accredited by the superintendent of public instruction or offered by a driver training school licensed and inspected by the department of licensing under chapter 46.82 RCW, that includes practice driving.

(2) Waiver of written examination for instruction permit. The department may waive the written examination, if, at the time of application, an applicant is enrolled in:

(a) A traffic safety education course as defined by RCW 28A.220.020(2); or

(b) A course of instruction offered by a licensed driver training school as defined by RCW 46.82.280.

The department may require proof of registration in such a course as it deems necessary.

(3) Effect of instruction permit. A person holding a driver's instruction permit may drive a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, upon the public highways if:

(a) The person has immediate possession of the permit;

(b) The person is not using a wireless communications device, unless the person is using the device to report illegal activity, summon medical or other emergency help, or prevent injury to a person or property; and

(c) An approved instructor, or a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience, occupies the seat beside the driver.

(4) Term of instruction permit. A driver's instruction permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

(a) The department may issue one additional one-year permit.

(b) The department may issue a third driver's permit if it finds after an investigation that the permittee is diligently seeking to improve driving proficiency.

(c) A person applying to renew an instruction permit must submit the application to the department in person.

[2010 c 223 § 1; 2006 c 219 § 14; 2005 c 314 § 303; 2004 c 249 § 3. Prior: 2002 c 352 § 10; 2002 c 195 § 2; 1999 c 274 § 13; 1999 c 6 § 11; 1990 c 250 § 34; 1986 c 17 § 1; 1985 c 234 § 1; 1981 c 260 § 10; prior: 1979 c 63 § 1; 1979 c 61 § 3; 1969 ex.s. c 218 § 8; 1965 ex.s. c 121 § 7.]

Notes: Effective date -- 2006 c 219: See note following RCW 46.82.285.

Effective date -- 2005 c 314 §§ 101-107, 109, 303-309, and 401: See note following RCW 46.68.290.

Part headings not law -- 2005 c 314: See note following RCW 46.68.035.

Effective dates -- 2002 c 352: See note following RCW 46.09.410.

Intent -- 1999 c 6: See note following RCW 46.04.168.

Severability -- 1990 c 250: See note following RCW 46.18.215.