Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5583 is a Washington State law aimed at enhancing young driver safety by expanding driver training requirements for individuals aged 18 to 24. Signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on May 11, 2023, the legislation introduces several key changes effective January 1, 2025.

Washington Senate Democrats (Article by Senate Democrats)

Key Provisions of ESSB 5583:

1. Mandatory Driver Training for Young Adults:

   • Individuals aged 18 to 21 are required to complete a full driver training education course from a licensed private driver training school or a school district before obtaining a driver's license.

   • Individuals aged 22 to 24 must complete either a condensed traffic safety education course or an online, self-paced equivalent, along with at least three hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

2. Driver Training Education Voucher Program:

   • The Department of Licensing (DOL) is tasked with establishing a voucher program to cover the average cost of driver training courses for novice drivers from low-income households, subject to available funding.

3. Traffic Safety Education Grant Program:

   • In collaboration with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the DOL will create a grant program to help schools initiate or reinstate traffic safety education programs.

4. Fee Adjustments to Support Programs:

   • The driver's instruction permit fee increases from $25 to $37, and the driver's licensing examination fee rises from $35 to $51, effective October 1, 2023. The additional revenue is intended to fund the voucher and grant programs.

5. Interactive Map of Driver Training Providers:

   • The DOL is required to publish an interactive map on its website, detailing all driver training education course providers, including contact information, course pricing, and available services by language.

6. Intermediate License Nighttime Driving Restrictions:

   • Modifications allow intermediate license holders to operate a vehicle between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. if accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older, or for school, religious, or employment activities involving the license holder or an immediate family member.

Implementation Timeline:

• By October 1, 2024, the DOL must present an implementation plan to the Legislature, detailing strategies for expanding driver training requirements for the specified age groups.

• The new driver training requirements for individuals aged 18 to 24 are set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

These measures aim to reduce traffic fatalities and accidents among young drivers by ensuring they receive comprehensive driver education before obtaining a license.