In Washington, the existence of driver education programs is being threatened by tough economic times. To determine the opinions of teenage drivers about their traffic safety education (TSE) experience, the process of learning to drive, and the licensing of 16- and 17-year-olds, 10 percent of TSE students (N=1,070) were surveyed. Further data were collected on the use of safety belts, drinking and driving, restricted and probationary licensing, and parental involvement in the driving process. The results (response rate 62%) showed that the average age for both males and females receiving a driver's license is 16 years 5 months. The teenagers rated their traffic safety education course highly and strongly supported the continuation of the course. A vast majority of the teenagers reported passing the driver licensing examination on the first attempt. They indicated transportation to social events and family errands as the major reasons for using the automobile, and reported a higher safety belt usage rate than the statewide rate for the same group who are involved in accidents. During the first 24 months of driving 25% had been involved in an accident and 28% had received a traffic citation. Twenty-three percent had driven after drinking alcohol, but only 2 percent reported receiving an alcohol related citation. Teenagers were split in their views on probationary licensing but did not support a restricted license. (BL)