Washington State’s driving laws stipulate that individuals operating a vehicle with an instruction permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver. This licensed driver must be at least 21 years old and have held their license for a minimum of five years. They are required to sit in the front passenger seat and provide supervision at all times. For example, a teenager with a permit practicing driving must have a qualified licensed driver beside them.
This requirement ensures the safety of the permittee, passengers, and other road users. Having an experienced driver present allows for real-time guidance, corrective feedback, and immediate intervention if needed. It reflects the state’s commitment to fostering responsible driving habits and reducing the risk of accidents among new drivers. This supervised driving period is a crucial step in the graduated driver licensing system, which progressively grants driving privileges as experience and competency increase. It builds on the knowledge gained through driver’s education and provides practical, on-the-road experience under safe conditions.