Business Details
Your Trusted Driving School in Battle Ground, WA
Wake's Driving School has been serving Clark County since the early 1990s, establishing itself as the longest-operating driving school in the region. Our mission centers on equipping new drivers with comprehensive safety training through a defensive driving curriculum aligned with Washington state risk prevention standards. Our team of dedicated instructors combines classroom education and hands-on driving instruction to foster responsible driving habits. We maintain strong partnerships with local schools and communities in Battle Ground, Vancouver, Orchards, La Center, Brush Prairie, Ridgefield, and Woodland. As an approved Washington State Department of Licensing testing site, we provide both knowledge and drive tests with flexible scheduling options. Our commitment to student success extends to offering in-person and online course formats, ensuring accessibility for all learners. We transparently communicate pricing and tax requirements, maintaining open lines of communication through our main office contact channels.
Services
Driver Education Course
Classroom Instruction
Behind the Wheel Training
WA State License Testing
Online Driving Classes
Highlights and features
- Longest operating driving school in Clark County since the 1990s
- Defensive driving curriculum based on Washington state risk prevention
- Approved Department of Licensing testing site for knowledge and drive exams
- Flexible class formats: in-person and online options available
- Experienced instructors focused on new driver safety
Services
Driver Education Course
Our comprehensive driver education program combines 30 hours of classroom instruction with 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. The curriculum follows Washington state risk prevention standards to develop safe driving habits. Students receive one attempt at the Department of Licensing knowledge test as part of the program.
WA State License Testing
As an approved Department of Licensing testing site, we administer both knowledge and drive tests. The automated knowledge test requires prior account setup, while drive tests evaluate road skills in either our vehicle or yours. Appointments are required for both testing options.
Classroom Instruction
Our 30-hour classroom program covers defensive driving techniques and Washington state traffic laws. Instructors emphasize risk prevention strategies through interactive lessons. Students learn about vehicle operation, road signs, and safe driving practices in preparation for behind-the-wheel training.
Behind the Wheel Training
Six hours of hands-on driving instruction develop practical skills under instructor supervision. Training includes vehicle control, lane changes, intersections, and highway driving. Lessons focus on applying classroom knowledge to real-world driving scenarios while emphasizing safety protocols.
Online Driving Classes
Flexible online options deliver the same state-approved curriculum through virtual instruction. Students complete 30 hours of classroom content remotely while maintaining access to instructor support. The program includes scheduled virtual sessions and self-paced learning modules.
Questions
What does the driver education course include?
Our program includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and one Department of Licensing knowledge test attempt.
How do I schedule a driving test?
All knowledge and drive tests require advance scheduling by calling our office directly for appointment availability.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and credit card payments for tuition and testing fees. Checks are not accepted for any services.
Are online class options available?
Yes, we offer state-approved online driving courses with structured virtual sessions and flexible self-paced learning components.
What vehicle requirements exist for drive tests?
Vehicles must have valid insurance, current registration, working lights/signals, functional seat belts, and meet state tire/tread standards.
Reviews (16)
Rachael T.
Feb 02, 2022
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My daughter made a silly mistake when taking her driving test. Foster had to fail her. I called later to see what she did wrong, and he patiently told me what she had done. He seemed like he genuinely cared about her frame of mind ( she was crushed at knowing she failed it). She took it again a few days later, with Foster, and did great. I know he must deal with cranky teenagers ( and probably some cranky parents) everyday. but I appreciated the kindness that he showed, every zoom class. and even when he had to fail my kid. Thank you
Miranda N. Drivin Mama Crazy
Dec 18, 2021
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2 of my children have been through this school and my younger ones will as well. We commute from Woodland (even before woodlands driving school shut down) because the program is great and the staff are so helpful and patient.
Charles Hines
Jun 26, 2021
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I have 100% nothing but positive things to say about Wakes. I did a ton of research to find the right fit for my twins. I have one who is zooming ready to go and another who is ready to burst into tears at the thought of driving. We drove all the way from Camas to go here as the local places tend to be run by sadists who like abusing teens. The staff at Wakes really get teens and how to talk to them, encourage them but also let them know driving is serious and should be taken that way. Foster, Russ, Ally, Tammy, Larry, all are super cool people.
Well we never had Larry but I chatted with him in the office a few times, he seems like a fun dude. I listened in a few of the zooms, most are taught by Russ, he knows how to talk to teens to get them engaged and not asleep. Part fun uncle, part football coach who will keep you in check, which all teens need! Even if the classes were not on zoom I would still drive past three other schools to come here. Oh, and with all this awesome, they are also the most affordable school too!
Well we never had Larry but I chatted with him in the office a few times, he seems like a fun dude. I listened in a few of the zooms, most are taught by Russ, he knows how to talk to teens to get them engaged and not asleep. Part fun uncle, part football coach who will keep you in check, which all teens need! Even if the classes were not on zoom I would still drive past three other schools to come here. Oh, and with all this awesome, they are also the most affordable school too!
Katie Leslie
May 31, 2021
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Have struggled with gaining the confidence to drive for some time. I had an awful experience at a other local driving school a while back & ever since have been terrified to take the tests needed to get my license. Wake's Driving School & their kind staff certainly helped me overcome get at it & take the tests! The staff is beyond welcoming to anyone who walks in their door & all are amazing communicators. 10/10 recommend to anyone!
AxolotlMC
May 19, 2021
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Wakes is a really great driving school, not only are all the teachers nice but they are really easy to talk to. I had to miss a class since I had another thing planned and it was easy to reschedule my class.
Haley Hankel
Nov 11, 2020
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Now that I am almost done with wakes..I am so great full for yall teachers. I have Russ as my teacher, and he was kind, funny, and just a really cool dude! Every once in a while Larry or foster will pop in, and they both seem like cool people too. I know for sure that I always look forward to the classes, unlike my regular school classes. I look forward to seeing both the teachers and the students.
All the teachers and staff at wakes are very polite and nice, but not only that, they really do care about each and every one of us passing the class. Everyone really makes you feel welcome. They follow all the Covid precautions very closely which makes everything much safer than many other drivers ed classes. Also...the only homework they have you do is DRIVE. So no complaining about that lol. But thank yall again at wakes for the amazing experience...and thank you again Russ for being an amazing teacher!
All the teachers and staff at wakes are very polite and nice, but not only that, they really do care about each and every one of us passing the class. Everyone really makes you feel welcome. They follow all the Covid precautions very closely which makes everything much safer than many other drivers ed classes. Also...the only homework they have you do is DRIVE. So no complaining about that lol. But thank yall again at wakes for the amazing experience...and thank you again Russ for being an amazing teacher!
Steven L.
Aug 23, 2020
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Very well priced for testing. And Driving instructor Tanya was great. Definitely recommend this place
Lepton Spin
Apr 25, 2020
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Well done. Good instruction in class and in the car. My second kid just finished here too, they are still great! PS: I met an older couple from someplace in rural Chile. They didn't speak very good English, so they needed an English Translator to help out/explain questions. Anyways, they very much liked this place too.
Jessica Braga
Nov 24, 2019
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I was so impressed with Wakes Driving School! I am 28 years old & needed to get my license & they helped me feel comfortable & not emberessed! Russ & Cassandra were my instructors and they were awesome! Thank you Wakes Driving school for having employee's that care about their customers & make them feel more confident! They were so patient with me every step of the way! I can't thank Wakes Driving school enough for helping me reach a HUGE milestone in my life!
Tammy Short
Oct 26, 2018
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Wake's was so good with my kids. They are friendly, patient, and most of all excellent instructors. The office gal is so nice and always called to remind us of upcoming driving appointments. They do their best to make sure our roads are have the most knowledgeable skilled drivers possible!
Mary Smithline
Nov 23, 2016
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I didn't get my license as a teen, never needed one. As an adult I need one with driving my kids around while my husband works. I was nervous to test for a license since I never had real driving experience. I did a few private driving lesson with Wake's Driving School before doing my driving test with them. They were very professional. They helped me more in just a couple hours of practice than I ever could have imagined. Thank you Wake's Driving School for going above and beyond my expectations!
Stacie Mercado
Oct 28, 2016
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Any place but here! I Don't recommend this school. They do not ensure the success of your child when it comes to driving and it's clear they are only there as a JOB and to make money. My child failed the test do to wording and they offer no help. Other driving schools will spend extra one on one time with your child (without and additional fee). Wakes doesn't care!
Devin M.
Aug 06, 2015
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I come here now! This is the driving school I go to now and I have my learner's permit. The staff and the teachers are very helpful and they are way beyond perfection. It only gets better and more badass every time your 15-16 year old takes classes there.
Kohl Yankovsky
Jan 25, 2014
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Shut up and go to full circle, the teachers are literally angels sent from above to teach kids how to drive
Tammy Short
Wake's was so good with my kids. They are friendly, patient, and most of all excellent instructors. The office gal is so nice and always called to remind us of upcoming driving appointments. They do their best to make sure our roads are have the most knowledgeable skilled drivers possible!
Jessica Braga
I was so impressed with Wakes Driving School! I am 28 years old & needed to get my license & they helped me feel comfortable & not emberessed! Russ & Cassandra were my instructors and they were awesome! Thank you Wakes Driving school for having employees that care about their customers & make them feel more confident!! They were so patient with me every step of the way! I cant thank Wakes Driving school enough for helping me reach a HUGE milestone in my life!!!