For purposes of issuance of an original driver's license, the
department may waive the actual demonstration of the ability to operate a motor
vehicle where the applicant meets all other licensing requirements, has
successfully completed the appropriate Washington knowledge test or tests,
and:
(1) If the application is for a
basic driver's license, the applicant has:
(a)
Surrendered a valid driver's license issued by the applicant's previous home
state, or presented a letter of clearance from the previous home state showing
a valid license record on file;
(b)
Not taken a Washington driving test on which the applicant has been
disqualified; and
(c) Not taken a
Washington knowledge test on which the applicant has been disqualified three or
more times;
(2) If the
application is for a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, the
applicant, along with the requirements listed in subsection (1) of this
section, has:
(a) Surrendered a valid
motorcycle license or driver's license with motorcycle endorsement issued by
the applicant's previous home state, or presented a letter of clearance from
the previous home state showing a valid motorcycle license record on file. In
order for a surrendered license or letter of clearance to be valid under this
subsection, the applicant's previous home state's motorcycle licensing
standards must meet or exceed Washington state motorcycle licensing standards,
as determined by the department;
(b) Completed a motorcycle skill test waiver
certificate; and
(c) If the
applicant is under eighteen years of age, presented a certificate verifying
completion of an approved motorcycle safety education course;
(3) If the application is for a
commercial driver's license, the applicant, along with the requirements listed
in subsection (1) of this section, has:
(a)
Surrendered a valid commercial driver's license issued by the applicant's
previous home state, or presented a letter of clearance from the previous home
state showing a valid commercial driver's license record on file; or
(b) Met the requirements for waiver of the
commercial driver's license skill test as provided by
RCW
46.25.060(2).
Notwithstanding the above provisions, the department may
require the applicant to complete the appropriate driving test or tests if the
department determines that it is in the interest of safety for the applicant to
demonstrate his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle.
