Driver Training and License Exams in One Place

State Approved driver training for new drivers in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. Complete drivers ed with us, then take your Knowledge and Skills Exams at our Lacey testing site.

New Cars. Modern Safety Features.

Available Class Sessions

Mondays to Thursdays, 6:15–8:15 PM15 live Zoom classes

2027 12 classes

#161OpenJan 4 – Jan 28Sign up #163OpenFeb 1 – Feb 25Sign up #165OpenMar 1 – Mar 24Sign up #168OpenMar 29 – Apr 21Sign up #170OpenApr 26 – May 19Sign up #171OpenMay 24 – Jun 17No class May 31 (Memorial Day)Sign up #173OpenJun 21 – Jul 15No class Jul 5 (Independence Day)Sign up #175OpenJul 19 – Aug 11Sign up #177OpenAug 16 – Sep 9No class Sep 6 (Labor Day)Sign up #179OpenSep 13 – Oct 6Sign up #180OpenOct 11 – Nov 3Sign up #182OpenNov 8 – Dec 7No class Nov 11 (Veterans Day) or Nov 24–25 (Thanksgiving)Sign up

Full

#157FullOct 19 – Nov 12

#160FullNov 16 – Dec 14No class Nov 25–26 (Thanksgiving)

Tuesdays to Thursdays, 4:00–6:00 PM15 live Zoom classes

2027 9 classes

#162OpenJan 5 – Feb 4Sign up #164OpenFeb 9 – Mar 11Sign up #167OpenMar 16 – Apr 15Sign up #169OpenApr 20 – May 20Sign up #172OpenMay 25 – Jun 24Sign up #174OpenJun 29 – Jul 29Sign up #176OpenAug 3 – Sep 2Sign up #178OpenSep 7 – Oct 7Sign up #181OpenOct 12 – Nov 16No class Nov 11 (Veterans Day)Sign up

Full

#159FullOct 27 – Dec 3

Saturdays and Sundays, 12:20–2:20 PM15 live Zoom classes

2027 2 classes

#166OpenMar 13 – May 2No class Apr 4 (Easter)Sign up #WK3OpenMay 8 – Jul 11No class May 29–30 (Memorial Day), Jun 19–20 (Juneteenth) or Jul 4Sign up

Full

#158FullOct 17 – Dec 510:15 AM–12:15 PM

Washington State Approved Driver Training Classes

30 Hours of Live Zoom Instruction
6 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training
1 Hour of Observation
Free Knowledge Exam Attempts
Skills Exam Discount
Free Knowledge & Skills Exam Prep

Everything you need to earn your license and become a safe, confident driver. Classes are live on Zoom, so students from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and across Thurston County can join from home. See the full driver training course.

Behind-the-wheel drives start at our Lacey office and cover roads all over Thurston County, including Olympia and Tumwater. Our students come from Olympia, Capital, Tumwater, Black Hills, North Thurston, Timberline, River Ridge and Steilacoom High Schools. How it works for Olympia and Tumwater families.

Need extra practice behind the wheel? We also offer private driving lessons for teens and adults.

Washington State Approved License Testing

South Sound Driving School is a State Approved Knowledge and Skills Exam testing location in Lacey, serving Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. We offer both exams required to obtain a Washington State Driver License, providing a convenient and professional testing experience for new drivers.

Walk-in knowledge exams: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:00 PM to 4:45 PM. No appointment needed. Bring your WDL number and a valid photo ID. See what to expect on the knowledge exam and the skills exam.

Our License Exam Preparation

Our License Exam Preparation Courses are designed to help you prepare for success. Whether you’re studying for your Knowledge Exam or getting ready for your Skills Exam, we offer free and premium courses to fit your needs. Browse our course selection and choose the preparation program that’s right for you.

about us

Building Safe, Confident Drivers.

At South Sound Driving School in Lacey, we’re committed to helping students become safe, skilled, and confident drivers. We provide State Approved Driver Training for teenagers, license exams, private lessons, and comprehensive license exam preparation to help you succeed on the road.

Lessons and the skills exam are also available in Spanish. Our owner, Taylor, speaks Spanish and can help Spanish-speaking parents through the whole process. Información en español.

Did you Know?

Students who complete driver's education are safer on the road. Research shows that new drivers who skip driver's education are 16% more likely to be involved in a crash and 75% more likely to receive a traffic citation.University of Nebraska–Lincoln study of 151,800 teen drivers licensed 2003–2010, published in Accident Analysis & Prevention, 2015.

Google Reviews

Leah Farrell

I’m going to be so honest here, I have been so nervous to even begin learning how to drive, to do my written and skills test, then I found the south sound driving school TikTok page and thought I’d give it a whirl. His videos are easy to follow and really really educational. His directions are quick and precise, and most importantly he doesn’t judge. If you or your kiddo wants to begin learning how to drive, to build up the confidence on the road I truly do recommend south sound driving school.

Mildred Medina

Excellent

Tyler Shann

Very good experience, the staff was very easy to work with!

Mindy Noland

This business does an exceptional job of preparing students to drive safely and confidently. The employees are friendly, knowledgeable, and very positive. My son had a great experience, and we highly recommend South Sound Driving School.

Emily Barragan

Made the process really easy and non stressful at, instructor was helpful with my car situation and overall good instructor.

Kira McIntyre

Great experience! My kids really liked their instructors. Classes were conveniently done over Zoom, and I loved that all of the testing could be done through the school. The whole process was quick and easy!

María Nelly Gómez

This school is amazing, the classes are well explained, with patient and the professor is kind, he also is bilingual and can teach spanish speakers, I absolutely recommend choosing this school!

Marianela Olivas

The professor is kind and patient, he explains well, bilingual, I received my classes in Spanish, I absolutely recommend coming to this driving school

Random Entity

Good and helpful instructors who make sure you understand everything and provide great assistance with learning and preparing for both the knowledge and skills exams. Overall great school and teachers, would recommend.

Get started with South Sound Driving School Today

Sign up for one of our Driver's Education Classes, schedule a Knowledge or Skills Exam, or register for one of our License Exam Prep Courses.

DOL Work Zone/First Responder Course(New Requirement)

New Washington requirement for drivers under 25

Starts November 1, 2026

First-time driver license applicants under 25 must pass a free online course on work zone and first responder safety before they can get their license.

The course teaches how to recognize roadside emergencies and work zones (orange cones, reduced speed signs, flashing lights), how to drive through them safely, and how to avoid risky last-minute decisions.

Free Online, works on phone or computer About 1 hour Take it anytime

Take the course on the DOL website Who needs it and how to take it