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1st Time Driving Academy

Foreign Driver Course

Foreign Driver Course Convert Your Skills for Washington Roads

Moving to a new country or switching from an overseas license can be stressful — especially when driving rules and road patterns are different. Our Foreign Driver Course helps drivers with licenses from other countries quickly and safely adapt to Washington state driving norms, local signage, and the practical skills needed for the DOL test or day-to-day driving.

Who this course is for

New Washington residents

New Washington residents with a valid overseas license who want a professional orientation to local roads.

International Students

International students or workers needing focused driving practice before taking a Washington driving test.

Drivers Experienced
Drivers experienced elsewhere who want confidence driving in suburban streets, highways, and roundabouts common on the Eastside.
Drivers who want a Tailored
Drivers who want a tailored, one-on-one lesson plan to address gaps caused by differences in rules or vehicle controls.

What we cover

Every student begins with an assessment drive so we can tailor lessons to your experience and learning goals.
Local Rules and Washington-style signage
Local rules of the road and key differences from common overseas practices, Washington-style signage, lane markings, and right-of-way nuances
Defensive driving strategies and Practical skill
Defensive driving strategies for suburban roads, highway merging, and roundabouts. Practical skill drills: lane changes, highway on/off ramps, parking, parallel parking, and controlled stops.
DOL test preparation and Vehicle orientation

DOL test preparation (mock test drive to simulate exam conditions). Vehicle orientation — local vehicle controls, mirrors, blind spots, and safety checks

English language support

English language support during lessons (plain-language instruction), and referral to DOL materials in other languages when available

Note

We provide practical training and mock tests to prepare you — for specific legal requirements (license exchange, tests, or documentation), please confirm current DOL rules directly with the Washington State Department of Licensing. We’re happy to help you understand what the DOL will look for during the road test.

Typical Program & Duration

Programs are customized after the initial assessment. Common options:
Intro Assessment (60 min)
Quick evaluation of skills and a recommended plan.
Starter Package (2–4 hours)
Focused lessons for drivers with solid overseas experience who need local orientation.
Comprehensive Prep (6–10 hours)

Full DOL preparation and confidence-building for those new to left/right differences or highway driving.

Mock DOL Test
60-minute simulation with detailed feedback.
Pricing

$100 (1 hr), $180 (2 hrs), $300 (4 hrs = two 2-hr lessons)

What to bring to your first lesson

Your valid driver’s license
Your valid driver’s license from your home country (bring any translation if you have it).
Passport or photo ID and DOL

Passport or photo ID and any DOL paperwork or instructions you’ve received (optional).

Glasses and Comfortable clothing
Glasses or hearing aids if you use them while driving. Comfortable clothing and a charged phone for pickup coordination.

Why train with 1st Time Driving Academy

Personalized instruction: Lessons built around your exact experience and needs.

Experienced instructors: Decades of on-road teaching tailored to practical outcomes.

Safety-first vehicles: In-car safety brake and instructor controls for calm, secure training.

Flexible scheduling & pickup: We can often pick you up (subject to availability) to reduce stress.

Local focus: Lessons emphasize the specific driving scenarios you’ll face in Sammamish and across the Eastside.

How To Enroll

Call or text: (425) 785-1597 — quickest way to confirm availability.

Early-pay discount applies to the first 10 paid in full. 

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