Preparing for College? Why a Driving License Is Still a Must in 2026

If you’re a high school senior or first-year university student, your 2026 checklist is probably a mile long. But in the rush of applications, new classes, and dorm shopping, there’s one essential skill that’s often overlooked: driving.

In an age of ride-sharing apps and campus buses, it’s easy to think a driver’s license is optional. This is a common, and costly, mistake.

While public transit is great for your daily commute to class, a license provides true transportation independence. It’s the key to getting a part-time job, a critical internship, or simply being able to make an emergency trip home. In 2026, a license isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s one of the most important modern mobility skills a young adult can have.

Why Mobility Still Matters for Modern Students?

Relying solely on apps and public transit puts you at a disadvantage. Here’s why getting your college student driving lessons in WA is a smart move:

• The Internship & Job Factor: This is the #1 reason. A 2025 analysis of internship postings shows that over 70% of off-campus opportunities (especially in tech, healthcare, and engineering) are not on a direct, convenient bus line. Employers often require interns to have a valid license and reliable transportation to run errands or visit sites. A license on your resume opens up a world of professional opportunities.
• The Cost of Convenience: Relying on ride-sharing apps daily is not a budget-friendly plan. Recent data shows costs for these services have risen significantly. A $20 ride to a job interview or a late-night study group adds up fast. A license gives you the option to use a car-share service for an hour, borrow a friend’s car, or drive yourself, which is almost always the more affordable choice.
• Beyond the “Bubble”: Your university is a great home base, but what about exploring the rest of Washington? Whether it’s a weekend trip, a grocery run to a cheaper store, or driving home for the holidays, a license gives you the freedom to move on your own schedule.
• Prepraring for the road ahead: Depending on your career aspirations, a drivers license might not be an option.  Lots of careers require travel to different job sites, customers, vendors, etc. Some employers even require a clean motor vehicle record as a condition of employment.

How Driving Lessons Build Responsibility and Independence?

Getting a license is a major step in student driver preparation for adulthood. The process itself teaches responsibility, time management, and focus.

This is where WMST’s high-quality training makes a difference. We don’t just teach you to pass the Skills Test; we build confident, defensive drivers. Our program, built on national standards, ensures you are prepared for the realities of the road. With our six full hours of actual, behind-the-wheel instruction (not ineffective simulations), you will master the 5 core maneuvers—like parallel parking and backing around a corner—and build the “muscle memory” you need to stay safe.

WMST’s Flexible Courses for Young Adults

We know that a student’s schedule is packed. That’s why our WMST young adult courses are designed for flexibility.

Our program is a hybrid model that works with your life. You can complete the interactive, engaging online curriculum (which uses tools like Kahoot) at your own pace. Then, you can schedule your six hours of in-car instruction during times that work for you, including weekends and, most importantly, school breaks.

This makes the summer before college or your first winter break the perfect time to get your license.

What to Know About Campus Driving and Parking Rules

Let’s be clear: we don’t recommend planning on dorm-to-campus driving. At most Washington universities, like UW and WSU, on-campus parking is extremely limited and very expensive.

• Use Transit for Class: You should absolutely use the campus bus or walk to your classes.
• Use Your License for Life: The license is for everything else. It’s for the part-time job across town, the internship in a suburb, the weekend trip, or the late-night grocery run.

A license in 2026 gives you the ultimate mobility tool: options. It means you are prepared for any opportunity that comes your way.

Visit: The Future of Driving Tests in WA: What’s Changing in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I get my license before college? 

Yes. The summer before your first year is the ideal time. Once you’re on campus, your academic and social schedules become incredibly busy. Getting it done beforehand means you have one less major thing to worry about.

Can WMST work with student schedules?

Absolutely. Our program is designed for busy students. The online classes are flexible, and our in-car lessons can be scheduled on weekends or during school breaks.

Do universities accept student driving certificates? 

Universities don’t, but your insurance company will. The certificate of completion from WMST’s state-approved course can earn your family a significant “Good Driver” or “Driver Training” discount on your auto insurance.

Is driving still useful with ride-sharing apps? 

Yes. Ride-sharing is a great supplement, but it’s too expensive to be your only option. A license is essential for emergencies, jobs, internships, and any travel that isn’t a simple A-to-B trip in the city.

Does WMST offer college break courses? Yes. Our “Winter Break” and “Summer Break” sessions are extremely popular for college and high school students. You can come home and focus on getting your lessons and Skills Test completed in a few short weeks. Call us to find out about upcoming break schedules.