Do ride-share drivers require any special training?

The Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services requires drivers to complete driver’s education and be tested in order to be licensed, with training including completion of the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Course and at least one additional driving training program approved by the director of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services. Ride-share companies may provide driver training programs that include information about defensive driving, emergency equipment use, or risk factors for crimes against drivers. The driver training program curriculum needs to be submitted to the director of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services for approval each year. Drivers are required to pass an examination in order to be licensed, and the examination must test the driver’s knowledge of requirements and laws, vehicle safety requirements, the geography of Seattle and the King County area, and local public and tourist destinations and attractions.