Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my permit?

Go to DOL.WA.GOV and sign up for License Express.  This is where you will get your future permit number, this number will start with WDL.  You need to then send this number to the school so we can enter a permit waiver for the student.  Once we enter a Permit Waiver for the student you can then log back into License Express and print out a non-photo permit, byt not earlier than 10 days before the start of your class.

Student must be enrolled with the $100.00 non-refundable deposit before the students information will be entered into the DOL database.  If you obtain your permit and then drop the course you will lose your deposit.  It will only carry over if you do not get your permit.

Do I need my permit by the first day of class?

No.  You will need to get your permit by the 3rd day of class.  

How do I reserve a space in the class?

Register on our website! 

• Make sure to write down your username and password. 
• Read CWDS policies before submitting completed registeration.
• The $100.00 non-refundable deposit is required to guarantee the student's seat in the class.  You can make payments online (2.5% card processing fee), in our office or send a check by mail.

What happens at the parent meeting?

This is our opportunity to introduce our course, explain the requirements and get you a little more excited about having a new teen driver in the house.

There are forms that are required to be signed by both the parent and the student before they can participate in a behind-the-wheel lesson.

We also show you how to navigate our website.  You will learn how to monitor student progress, schedule BTW lessons, cancel and reschedule BTW lessons, change account information and view student's ledger.

The meeting is approximately 1 hour.

If you can't make the scheduled meeting, contact us so we can meet with you at a different time.

Can I make payments?

Yes you can make payments.  A minimum of 1/2 is due by the first day of class and there will be two $100 payments due on day 6 and 12 according to the parent/ student contract.  Accounts not paid in full by the last day of class will be charged a $25 fee.

Students will not be able to participate in the final two behind-the-wheel lessons until the account is paid in full. 

What is the refund policy?

The $100.00 deposit is non-refundable. 

If you need to change classes, you can transfer your deposit as long as it is done prior to the first day of class.  If you obtain your permit prior to classes starting the deposit will not transfer, and you will need to repay the $100.00.

After the first three days of class, there are no refunds. Half of the fees are refundable if the student withdrawls by the third day of class.

What happens if I miss a classroom session?

You can make it up! The state policy does state that a student cannot miss more than 3 classes and missed days must be made up prior to taking the final exam. Students have 120 days from the start date of the course to complete the program.

We have a make-up calendar in our office.

How do I cancel or reschedule a driving lesson?

Cancellations require at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a late cancellation fee.

You can cancel or reschedule driving lessons two ways:

1.  Log into our website and make changes yourself.    

2.  You can call our office and cancel appointments by talking to our staff during regular business hours.   Cancellations cannot be made via voicemail.  

What if I forgot my username or password?

Contact our office.  We will change it!!

How do I schedule for my DOL Knowledge and Drive Test?

The Department of Licensing no longer does the Knowledge or Drive Exam.  You must go to a driving school.

Once you successfully complete drivers education, you can start DOL testing at anytime. Appointments are recommended for the knowledge test.  Tests are generally available anytime during regular business hours.  Once the student passes the knowledge test, a drive test can be scheduled!

The testing fees at a driving school for the Knowledge and Drive Test are separate from the driver education course tuition and the Department of Licensing fees.  Students of CWDS receive discounts on these exams.

Due to the COVID requirements, CWDS vehicles are used for drive tests.

For more information on DOL testing, visit the DOL website, www.dol.wa.gov.

The Department of Licensing will charge $35 application fee and a $54 for the license.  Total: $89 for a first license.