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Northwest Driving School All of our instructors have completed our rigorous certification process and are also fully licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Our teachers are experienced in adapting to the learning styles of students and use a variety of techniques such as cooperative learning, direct instruction, visual aides, discussions and hands-on experiences.

They also have the unique ability to make the learning meaningful to the lives of their students. We're not strangers to working with young people and adults in the educational and teaching fields.
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Once you've passed the Knowledge Test, you'll be eligible to schedule the Skills (driving) Test! It costs $60 and includes the use of our vehicle so you would need to be eligible to use our automatic Scion XB without any special equipment installed. We can usually get you scheduled within just a few days or so, depending on location!
BEFORE YOU REGISTER: Students MUST pre-apply for their permits before registering with us. Apply for your permit at www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/preapply.html. Please refer to one of our other locations for available classes. Folks are registering for an online Port Angeles class, that way they only need to commute to Port Angeles for their five drives and any test retakes.
BEFORE YOU REGISTER: Students MUST pre-apply for their permits before registering with us. Apply for your permit at www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/preapply.html. We are currently doing a mix of in-person and online classes for the classroom portion, which means your student can do the 15 two-hour LIVE ONLINE CLASSES now from the comfort of home and the location later to complete their five driving appointments.
5. Set ground rules in order to provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate maturity and responsibility. 6. Make sure the student is familiar with all controls and safety devices within the vehicle.
Reviews (11)
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Laura Beck
May 24, 2022
I would give them zero stars if I could. Trying to get in touch with these people is non existent. No phone communication at all. Everything is done through emails. They don't send out notifications when they change testing dates. Everything is scheduled on a weekday in the middle of the afternoon. Which makes perfect sense for high school kids, who then have to miss school. If there was any other drivers ed school within a hundred mile radius I would use them.
Frank DePalma
Jul 23, 2021
Critical:Communication, Professionalism Unorganized and unprofessional. Voicemail box is full, no response to emails. Charged my credit card after cashing the check they said they never received. I don't think they purposely double charged us, but are too scattered to run such an important business.
Kitty Felix
Jul 03, 2021
I am an adult who was a DMV overflow needing a driver skill test, as the wait list for a DMV appointment was well over a month out. I emailed Northwest Driving School and they responded in the evening, outside of normal business hours to accommodate me. What's better, I was able to make an appointment within the week. I was genuinely terrified from the reviews here, but thankfully, had a great experience.

My instructor was friendly and professional, prompt but thorough. It was a pleasant experience and you can tell they do this a lot. My instructor was able to explain missed points for improvement once the test was complete, which I really appreciated. It was an excellent exchange, I got out quickly, and felt fairly scored. I would recommend anyone needing to get their driving skills test done to contact Northwest Driving School. Thank you so much!
Mary Corcoran
Jun 25, 2021
They don't answer their phone or return messages, and they don't communicate details about zoom classes even after several emails. We finally gave up, canceled, and went with the other driving school. I will also mention that with my other foster kiddos who didn't take the driving instruction but just needed to take the test because they're over 18, they failed and failed and failed them then said it was because they didn't take Northwest driving school's driver's ed.
Dara Peppard
Jun 11, 2021
Northwest Driving School takes great care to ensure every kid who goes through their classes and instructional drives are prepared for all kinds of driving situations on the road. They actually care about every kid's safety. The classes are intense and rigorous, but the mood is upbeat and encouraging. Safe drivers start here.
Ryleigh Scheid
Dec 19, 2019
The drive instructors are really great and understanding. If you miss a turn they understand because it is part of the learning process. They talk to you nicely. They help you understand stuff if you dont know what they mean.
Miriah S.
Feb 11, 2019
I went in to take my drive test today. I'll be the first to admit I did make a couple of mistakes due to my nervousness. You have to understand, when you have PTSD from previous car accidents, its difficult to make the initial step to get your license. Well, this wasn't the issue. I understand that I made my mistakes and I will learn from them. The examiner Linda amplified my anxiety.

Besides the ridiculous and persistent nitpicking over things that were virtually non-existent she was incredibly rude! I heard her muttering under her breath and shaking her head and when I said "pardon?" she said nothing. I get it, its a drive school and they have their own techniques of driving based on laws and regulations. However, that does not justify the examiner being incredibly rude.

Of course, it made me more nervous and apt to make other very small mistakes. Also, instead of saying "Do I need to repeat the instructions?" in a nasty tone of voice consider using a little more positive undertones. I will learn from my experience and definitely want others to know do not go here for your drivers test. They just want the money.
Erica Jovick
Feb 02, 2019
When we showed up the gentleman that works there already expressed his feelings of not wanting to take my son on his drive because of traffic (as though traffic would stop after that day because my son got his license. Practice makes perfect) It was the 4:00 drive so I'm sure he was just thinking about getting home before the labor day traffic got thicker.

He was irritated and rude! When they finally took the drive he took control of the car within the first 3mins. My son spotted this speeding truck coming down a four way intersection with no stop signs before the instructor he started to apply the breaks and as soon as he did the instructor slammed on his stopping the car 20-30ft before the actual intersection.

My son was still within stopping distance especially going 25mph. When they arrived back the first thing he said was he had to because about 3weeks earlier one of their cars was totalled. So basically he took control of the car because he was paranoid. If you have temporary PTSD because of an accident then a leave of absence is necessary for you to work thru it.

My son actually said it was like he was just looking for an opportunity to get out of the drive asap and I agree! He did not actually go to school here he went in yelm with highly reputable company so I'm positive it wasn't their teaching but rather your companies unprofessional/selfish behavior and unwillingness to actually give my son a fair chance. A refund is due in this situation since the evidence supports our claim!
Emma Lynn McHenry
Oct 11, 2016
Actually i went to and am currently going to drivers ed right now. and we have 19 people in my class. yes sometimes the rooms are small but they cant always control what room you get in its whatever building they rent that picks the rooms. and the reason they have so many rules is because driving is very serious and i think all the rules are completely cable able of doing. if you child cant follow the rules then he or she is not mature enough to drive. but what do i know im only 16.
Donna Winter
Aug 10, 2016
Both of my daughters have attended NDS and they had a good time. Neither had really driven at all before the class started and now understand the laws and have absorbed the safety techniques. Kudos to the staff who actually get into the car with these kids and teach them to drive--they're fearless! :D My girls always felt nothing but positive after each of their drives. Tabatha has been a great help for me--quick to respond to my many questions to clarify laws and the steps we need to follow to get my girls licensed.
DatFalDoe
Oct 15, 2015
The instructor was disrespectful towards my family, they have the most ridiculous amount of rules and he was a lousy instructor. I don't know what the other teachers or locations were like, but the one I went to was terrible. They jammed 16 teenagers in this tiny room, that they call one of their classrooms. The amount of money I paid, I think they could of updated the books, that a lot of were in pretty much terrible shape. Honestly, I don't care about the room, the books or the location or the dumb rules, it was the disrespect that was shown towards my family and I. The lack of customer service was disgraceful and the lack of respect was disgusting.