Getting your license--

Getting your first license can be quite the process-- Here are a few links to helpful web sites that can point you in the right direction.
Of course we are able to answer any questions you may have as well but the links are a good start!--

DOL website:
Has all of the steps lined out for you including helpful hints and tips that may help you make the grad and get the keys!!

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/gettingalicense.html

All Seasons Website:
Being that we are traffic safety educators we have compiled a list of helpful links and videos that are geared more toward Teens

www.allseasonsdriversed.com

From Olympia-- Testing

Nice Blog that the state put out regarding testing

OLYMPIA— On December 1, the Department of Licensing will expand a new program allowing driver training schools and school district driver training programs across the state to conduct driver knowledge and skills testing for new driver license applicants.

“We started this program in King County and it has gone smoothly,” said DOL Director Alan Haight. “Now driver training schools in many other areas of the state are ready to conduct drive tests, which will remove one of the most time-consuming transactions from our offices. We think this is going to speed things up for other customers who must come into an office.”

As of December 1, driver knowledge and skills tests will no longer be offered in the following licensing service offices: Bellingham, Friday Harbor, Everett, Greenwood, Smokey Point, Renton, Federal Way, Lacey, Parkland, Centralia, Vancouver East, Vancouver North, Kennewick, Chelan, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Davenport, Newport, and Spokane.

Previously scheduled drive tests will be honored in these offices. The Department of Licensing will continue to offer tests in areas that don’t have driver training schools nearby that offer testing.

To conduct driver tests, driver training schools must be licensed with the state or be part of a state-certified public school driver training program. They have to apply for the authority to administer driver testing, and are subject to audits and record checks.

After passing the tests, customers will go to a licensing office to obtain their license. Customers are still required to pay the driver license application fee to DOL. Driver training schools will set the fee they charge for the tests.

The program is the final phase of implementing House Bill 1635, which gives the Department authority to contract with private driver training schools, school districts and motorcycle training schools to conduct some knowledge and skills tests. The bill was passed in an effort to reduce wait times in licensing service offices.

For a list of state-approved driver training schools, go to:http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/testing.html.

Winter Car Tips

Winter Driving- Things to think about.

Winter can be very harsh in this part of the country. This exacts a heavy toll on a vehicle. It is intelligent to make sure that your vehicle is well prepared and ready to cope with all of its rigors. Protocol requires the following precautions and they may save you a great deal of trouble and inconvenience.

· ENGINE TUNE-UP to ensure that the fuel and ignition systems will perform in all conditions. The engine oil should be replaced with an engine oil of the correct viscosity for cold-weather. A block heater is a good investment to ensure starting in extreme cold.

· THE FUEL SYSTEM should be protected from gas line freezing by keeping the fuel level as full as possible. Allow at least fifteen minutes of driving time to elapse after a fill-up before turning off the engine. This ensures moisture will pass through the system rather than collect at the bottom of the tank and in the fuel lines and freeze. In extreme cold, add gas line antifreeze at each fill-up.

· THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM should be checked to make sure that the battery is charged and operates at maximum strength. The terminals should be cleaned. The alternator should be tested and the V-belt adjusted to ensure maximum efficiently.

· THE TIRES should be of the correct type for the winter conditions in your area. All season or snow tires are recommended and should be installed before the onset of winter. The inflation pressure must conform to manufacturer's specifications and should be checked regularly.

· THE COOLING/HEATING SYSTEM should be tested and the coolant anti-freeze level and concentration added to as needed. The system should be flushed every third year. The air ducts and fan should perform properly. Keep outlets clear.

· THE BRAKE SYSTEM should be verified, adjusted and repaired as needed. It must respond effectively and precisely to pedal pressure to ensure control in critical winter driving conditions. The parking brake is part of the system and must also function properly.

· THE WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER SYSTEM should have special winter wiper blades installed. The wiper arms should be checked to make sure they will last the season. Make sure that the washer fluid in the reservoir and in your trunk is appropriate for winter temperatures.

· THE EXHAUST SYSTEM should be checked for leaks and looseness all the way to the tailpipe. Winter conditions test the system severely.

· THE LOCKS AND SEALS should be prepared for the rigors of winter. The locks should be lubricated with a product recommended by the manufacturer. The rubber seals around the doors and the trunk (hatchback) should also be treated with an appropriate product to prevent sticking and freezing.