FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I'm 15, can I enroll in Driver's Ed? 

Yes! All you'll need is a permit from the Department of Licensing. Enroll with us and we can then submit a waiver for you to purchase your permit from your License Express account on dol.wa.gov

I'm over 18, am I eligible to participate in a Driver's Ed course?

Yes! You are welcome to purchase a Basic or Bundled NorthStar package just like any of our teen students. We have on occasion, adults who choose to do this over our Adult Drive Lesson package. However you want to learn the laws and mechanics of driving is your choice, we are happy to accomodate whichever process you choose. 

How long does it take to complete Driver's Ed to get my license? 

Timelines vary, but the baseline amount of time acquired to complete all of Washington State's requirements is at least 6 months. This includes a 4-5 week course, 5-6 drive lessons spread out a week a part, your drive-time practice with experienced drivers, and operating under a permit for at least 6 months. It is possible to complete the course, drive lessons, and hours of training in less than 6 months, but you still will only be able to operate a vehicle under Driver's Permit limitations due to the state requirement of holding a permit for at least 6 months.

What happens if I miss a class? 

There's no penalty, it just delays your progress of obtaining your license. You must makeup the class in order to get course certified through NorthStar. Due to the Covid-19 viral spread, we offer online courses alongside our in-classroom experience. It's easiest to find the next class session that you missed by attending an online session. Depending on enrollment size of our in-classroom courses, it may be possible to make-up a class that you missed from an online course, in-person. Just contact us so we can get you set up!

What happens if I miss a drive?

Similar to missing a class, we'll have to reschedule with you, and it will delay your progress due to the delay in scheduling. If you miss your drive and we were not notified by you 24 hours in advance, you will receive a no-show fee on your account of $40. You can also incur this fee by failing to bring your permit or an expired permit to your drive.

I purchased a bundled package in order to take my DOL exams at NorthStar, but I want to take the tests sooner than what you have available. Can I be refunded for the exams? 

No, we cannot issue refunds in this case. We understand the eagerness to get your license, but remember, the more practice you have driving while on your permit, the better you will do on your exams and the more comfortable you'll be on the road thereafter! If your permit is expiring before your scheduled skills exam, you do not need to renew it in order to take your test. You will however not be legal to practice on the roadways before your exam date should it expire before the test.