Complete Driving Experience

Beginner lessons, refresher training, and driving tests — all in one place. We specialize in nervous drivers, ADHD learners, and real-world confidence.

STUDENT SCHEDULING PORTAL

Washington HB 1878

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

🚦 Washington State Driver Education Law (HB 1878)

Washington State passed House Bill 1878 (2025) to improve road safety by expanding driver education requirements for new drivers.

📅 Key Dates

Now: Driver’s education is required for ages 16–17
May 1, 2026: New Work Zone & First Responder Safety Course required
January 1, 2027: Driver’s education becomes required for ages 18–19

👥 Who Needs Driver’s Ed?

✔️ 16–17 year olds (current requirement)
✔️ 18–19 year olds starting 1/1/2027

👉 This means more new drivers will be required to complete formal training before getting licensed.

📘 What is Required?

To obtain a Washington State driver’s license, students must complete:

A state-approved driver education course
Classroom instruction
Behind-the-wheel training
Knowledge and driving tests

🚨 New Safety Course Requirement

Work Zone & First Responder Safety Course (Starting May 1, 2026)

This required course teaches drivers how to safely respond in high-risk roadside situations.

Students will learn:

How to safely drive through construction/work zones
How to respond to police, fire, and emergency vehicles
Washington’s Move Over / Slow Down laws
How to protect road workers and first responders

👉 The goal is to reduce preventable accidents and save lives.

🎯 Why This Law Matters

HB 1878 was created to:

Reduce crashes involving new drivers
Ensure drivers are properly trained before licensing
Improve safety for everyone on Washington roads

🚗 What This Means for You

If your student plans to get their license:

Under 18: Requirements remain the same
18–19 after January 1, 2027: Driver’s ed will be required

👉 Completing driver’s education early helps avoid delays and keeps students prepared.

📣 Questions?

We’re here to help you understand the requirements and get started with a program that fits your timeline.

Safer Drivers = Safer Roads

Comprehensive Driving School Tacoma

At Complete Driving Experience-Driving School, based in Tacoma, we're dedicated to offering comprehensive driver education tailored to everyone's unique needs. Our services span diverse programs, including teen and adult driver education, specialized rehabilitation, and instructor certification, facilitated by experienced instructors. Call us at (253) 387-7733.

Patient, Inclusive Driver Education

Our mission is rooted in a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-friendly approach, creating an inclusive space for every student. We prioritize individualized care and professional guidance, fostering confidence and safety. By cultivating a supportive community, we empower families and individuals to conquer their driving challenges and thrive on the road.

Community-Centered Driving Success

Established in 2021, we've expanded from a solo initiative into a full-service driving school and testing center. Our roots in nurturing each student's potential have flourished into a community hub, nurturing confidence and road readiness. Committing to personalized guidance, we're proud to serve diverse learners with unique needs.

What Our Students Say

Jhonna

Complete Driving School has been instrumental in helping me overcome my driving anxiety. Richard Dubois is an exceptional instructor. Although I only completed two lessons with him, he provided the skills and confidence I needed to feel truly comfortable behind the wheel. I am incredibly grateful to this school. Tara and her team is knowledgeable, patient, and supportive throughout the entire learning process. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking a positve and empowering driving experience.

Hyjek F.

The staff was exceptional and professional. CDX is a great place to get your drivers license. Top rated school that goes above and beyond to help every student.

Michelle Dann

Misses Tara was really helpful. I only to take both drivers tests and choose her school because it's close to where I live and had openings for when everyone else was months away. She was clear in her instructions, had a really great and friendly attitude with everyone.

I would recommend her driving school for all your driving needs. Tara is the BEST.

Charles S.

I hadn't really driven much for years until I took three CDE classes. Now I have a license! The instructor was very helpful and supportive. She explained things in a way I found easy to understand, pointed out errors I didn't notice, and I always left the classes having learned something. The only issue I had was finding the place the first time! Although I got what I wanted, I wouldn't mind having more classes with CDE in the future.

Thanks!

Cat Dom

I cannot recommend Complete Driving Experience enough. If you are looking for a driving school that is inclusive for people with anxiety, ADHD or other learning difficulties. This is the place for you.

Tara and staff are amazing so calming and knowledgeable. My son was having such testing anxiety. With their assistance, and provided tools. He was able to feel confident, and be successful. Thank you so much!

Kesha M.

I'm glad we went with this driving school for my daughter. Everything was easy as far as getting her started and completing all the steps needed for her to complete the program. I'm not going to lie my daughter called me out on a few things after starting this class, which lets me know she was actually learning how to be a responsible driver. I have one more to go and will definitely be sending him through this program.

Yannis Bourodimos

Just the best school and people.

I recently had the pleasure of working with this school in order to get my WA drivers licence. Being a driver for 35 years already I thought I knew pretty much everything but Tara and Dan were just incredible teachers, very knowledgeable but also able to transfer their knowledge to their students. They of course cater mostly to young kids learning how to drive and want to instill them with the right driving ethics. Just go by the school talk with them and you will understand immediately what they are about.

Driving is a serious thing and they are the best people to teach you!

Important Notes

Knowledge Exams

In-person only.
Sessions are held once per week on various days and times.
Phones and doors will be locked during exam sessions.
Electronic exams: Taken on Phone or laptop.

Location & Appointment Entry Instructions

Tacoma Armory Building

1001 S. Yakima Ave, Suite #6A, Tacoma, WA 98405

When arriving for an appointment, enter from the North (By Jail) or South side of the building (By Bates College).
Use the black call box on the wall.
Select "Business Directory".
Choose "Complete Driving Exp.".
We will buzz you in, if there's no immediate response, please be patient and try again.

Important Reminders

Phones are turned off during exams, classes and CDX staff lunch.
Leave a voicemail or send us an email—we'll respond as soon as possible!
All registration and scheduling must be completed online.
Prices and availability subject to change.

Fees and Policies

NO REFUNDS — READ POLICY BEFORE YOU PURCHASE
$50 fee and/or loss of DOL exam registration for:
No-shows
Late cancellations
Late arrivals
Arriving without a valid ID/permit
No exceptions.

Knowledge & Skills Exam Pricing

$45 – Knowledge Exam (1 attempt)
$85 - Skills Exam (1 attempt)
$125 – Knowledge + Skills Exam
(Includes one attempt for each exam).
$60 - Knowledge Exam Study Session (2hrs)-Self-Led Computer program
$120 - Knowledge Exam Study Sesson (4hrs)-Self-Led Computer program

Before You Register

Review the policies associated with the services you wish to purchase prior to checkout
All Knowledge exams are electronic and taken on your personal device (Phone, Tablet, Laptop).
All applicants must have a valid License EXpress account before attending the Knowledge exam.

Upcoming Knowledge Exam

May 8th @ 5pm
May 15th @ 5pm
May 22nd @ 5pm

(Customers must be in the classroom at least 5 minutes prior to the start time of the exam. If customer is late, your fee will be forfeited and you will need to pay an additional fee to attend and take exam)

EXAM IS ELECTRONIC AND TAKEN ON PERSONAL DEVICE.

ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING AND PROVIDE A VALID FORM OF IDENTIFICATION AND HAVE A VALID LICENSE EXPRESS ACCOUNT PRIOR TO ATTENDING KNOWLEDGE EXAMS.