Roadblocks & Resources: Helping Foster Youth Get a Driver’s License

Treehouse helps foster youth get a driver's license

January is Teen Driving Awareness Month–which is an excellent time to discuss how Treehouse helps youth in foster care get a driver’s license. Getting a driver’s license signifies so much—responsibility, navigating bureaucratic hoops, joining society as an active member, and of course, ownership of your time to go when and where you want.

There’s more than the niceties though. There’s the practical side of being able to drive, like getting and keeping a job, managing family responsibilities, and attending school. But here’s the rub: only 11% of Washington state youth experiencing foster care were able to obtain a driver’s license by 18 years of age compared to 60% of their non-foster care peers.

Why is it harder for foster youth to get a driver’s license?

Like most things, the steps to getting a driver’s license are a bit tougher for young people in foster care. Some obstacles that pop up include, but are in no way limited to:

Placement changes disrupt the learning and paperwork process. And it’s difficult to obtain a refund or transfer driving school credits if the youth can’t attend anymore.

Most driver’s education programs and schools have limited accommodations for teens with special needs and language barriers—two populations that are well represented in the foster care system.

Caregivers and foster parents are sometimes unable or unwilling to add youth to their personal insurance. Youth who live in group homes have trouble getting insured due to common practices, like requiring a residential address (groups homes are often zoned as businesses) and covering all residents at an address under one policy.

Teens in foster care often have difficulty finding an adult who is willing, able, and/or available to complete the required 40 hours of daytime and 10 hours of nighttime driving practice with a licensed driver of 3 years.

How Treehouse Helps Teens Get on the Road

Youth in foster care often face significant financial barriers when getting on the road to independence. That is why the Driver’s Assistance program was created, which helps fund things like:

Application fees for a learner’s permit, driver’s license, or ID card

Driver’s education and license testing

Insurance (find full details here) and registration

Roadside assistance and towing

Car repairs and maintenance

Between July 1, 2023–September 30, 2024, Treehouse assisted over 700 individuals with these and other driving related expenses. Staff across Treehouse programs support youth as well as their community of care, whether that’s social workers or caregivers, to navigate the driving process.

Little Win

“A college student attending Seattle University requested help locating a driving school near their campus. After wading through closed businesses and logistics, Treehouse helped the student find a driving school that was on the city bus route they take to and from college. The student is now registered for driver’s education and has a reliable plan to make it to college, the driving school, and back home.”

Community Work Drives Us

Treehouse has created educational materials for youth, their care teams, and our community partners to answer common questions. Treehouse staff have worked hard to build relationships with organizations doing similar work in other states, local driving schools, and insurance providers, like AAA Washington. In 2024, they donated 50 membership plans to eligible Treehouse participants and have continued to offer discounted rates for Treehouse youth.

“At AAA Washington, we believe in the transformative power of mobility. That’s why we’re proud to support Treehouse by donating 50 AAA Emergency Roadside Service memberships. This partnership is about more than just providing roadside assistance—it’s about empowering young people with the freedom, independence, and opportunities that safe mobility brings. Whether it’s handling a lockout, dealing with a dead battery, or needing a tow, AAA Washington serves as a reliable safety net on the road, ensuring these youth are covered when they need it most.”

Want to Help? You can donate, or if you have specialized driving and/or insurance knowledge, contact Drivers Assistance at licensing@treehouseforkids.org.