Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Port Angeles, WA
Northwest Driving School has been dedicated to driver education since 1991, serving communities across Washington State. Our state-licensed program features a progressive curriculum approved by the Washington Department of Licensing, with experienced instructors trained to adapt to diverse learning styles. We combine classroom instruction with hands-on driving experience, emphasizing cooperative learning and practical safety techniques. Our team's expertise in educational methodologies ensures students receive comprehensive training tailored to their needs. With locations in Port Townsend, Poulsbo, Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks, we maintain a strong local presence while upholding rigorous state standards.Our commitment to road safety extends beyond basic requirements, focusing on life-saving driving skills. We utilize visual aids, interactive discussions, and personalized instruction to create meaningful learning experiences. The school's reputation for excellence is reflected in numerous testimonials praising our instructors' professionalism and effectiveness. While transitioning to part-time operations in 2022, we continue prioritizing quality education over expanded services. Our program remains a trusted choice for families seeking comprehensive driver training in the Pacific Northwest.
Services
Traffic Safety Education
Adult Driving Lessons
Evaluation Drives
Driver Improvement Programs
In-Car Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- State-licensed program with Washington Department of Licensing approved curriculum
- Experienced instructors trained in diverse teaching methodologies
- Comprehensive 30-hour classroom and 13-hour in-car training package
- Proven track record with thousands of satisfied students since 1991
- Multiple locations serving communities across Washington State
Associations and certifications
- Washington State Department of Licensing
What people say
Experienced instructors
Comprehensive curriculum
Improved driving skills
Supportive environment
Effective teaching methods
Services
Traffic Safety Education
Our state-approved traffic safety courses combine 30 hours of classroom instruction with 13 hours of in-car training. Designed for teens, this comprehensive program covers road rules, defensive driving techniques, and practical experience. Students receive a Traffic Safety Education Certificate and waiver for the DOL knowledge test.
Adult Driving Lessons
Tailored 1.5-hour driving sessions for adults over 18 with a Washington Learner's Permit. Our certified instructors provide personalized guidance to develop essential driving skills. Most students complete 3-5 lessons, with optional pick-up service available for added convenience.
Evaluation Drives
Professional 1.5-hour driving evaluations with detailed written feedback. Designed for licensed drivers seeking objective assessment of their driving skills, this service helps identify areas for improvement while maintaining safe driving practices.
Driver Improvement Programs
Two-hour programs meeting court requirements for traffic infractions and qualifying for insurance discounts. These courses provide essential safety training and certification for drivers with valid licenses from any state.
In-Car Instruction
Hands-on driving experience with certified instructors using proven teaching techniques. Our practical training emphasizes real-world scenarios, defensive driving strategies, and personalized feedback to build confidence behind the wheel.
Questions
What driver education programs do you offer?
We provide Traffic Safety Education courses for teens, adult driving lessons, evaluation drives, and driver improvement programs that meet court requirements.
Are your instructors certified?
All instructors are fully licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing and complete our rigorous internal certification process.
Do you offer online classes?
Online classes are temporarily available during pandemic conditions, with potential limited availability in Poulsbo, Sequim, and Port Angeles pending state approval.
What payment options are available?
We accept payments for driving lessons ($95/lesson), evaluation drives ($130), and driver improvement programs ($130) with optional pick-up service ($30/lesson).
Do you provide transportation for lessons?
Yes, we offer optional pick-up service for adult driving lessons at an additional $30 per lesson fee.
Reviews (5)
Laura Beck
May 24, 2022
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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
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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
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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!
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
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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
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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.