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New bill raises age for mandatory Driver’s Ed in Washington state

2 years ago in Local

Photo: KGMI

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.

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