Certified WA State examiner with 10+ years of experience. Expert, patient instruction tailored to adult learners — from beginners to those returning to the road.
A proven, formula-based approach that builds real skill and lasting confidence — not just enough to pass the test.
Officially certified WA State examiner since 2015. Eric knows exactly what the DoL looks for — giving you a clear roadmap to pass with confidence.
Learn using specific reference points and proven formulas that produce consistent, repeatable results — building intuitive driving skills that stick.
While competitors cut corners with 60-min lessons, Eric maintains the industry standard 90-minute session — more practice time, better results, less cost per hour.
Specialist in teaching adults learning English as a second language. Eric adapts to your background, helping you navigate US road rules from any starting point.
If you've been avoiding driving out of fear, Eric is the instructor for you. He's handled the most challenging students with calm, empathetic, structured guidance.
Scheduling flexibility for busy adults. Eric teaches all week long. And pro tip: winter lessons mean better skill-building and more schedule availability.
My name is Eric Ryckman and I have over a decade of experience teaching people how to drive in Bellevue and Redmond. I have been a certified examiner for the State of Washington since 2015.
I teach using formulas with specific reference points to get consistent results and time-tested techniques that build intuitive driving. I built the instructor curriculum for my previous school and was responsible for the most challenging students.
I specialize in teaching adults who speak English as a second language. I am officially certified in training new instructors as well as testing for the DoL. If you have been avoiding driving, thinking you may never be able to — I am the instructor for you.
Flat rate of $75/hr. All lessons are 90 minutes. Pickup/dropoff within 15 minutes is billed as 30 minutes. All packages include a free 2hr+ New Driver Orientation via Zoom.
You can upgrade any smaller package at any time — just pay the difference. No extra fees.
Register on the WA DoL website via "License Express." Pass the Knowledge Exam (available at most driving schools and some DoL locations) to receive your instruction permit. You'll need a valid foreign license, out-of-state permit, or WA permit to begin lessons.
Call or email Eric to discuss your experience level and goals. He'll recommend the right package for you. Plan for at least 2 lessons per week and practice time between sessions — the more you practice, the less you spend overall.
A 2-hour+ Zoom seminar covering road rules, driving etiquette, and a head-start on techniques you'll use in the car. One-on-one or group format with open Q&A. Included free with all packages.
Eric picks you up, coaches you through fundamentals to freeway driving, and drops you off. From parking to high-speed lane changes, you'll build real-world skills using proven reference-point formulas.
Eric's formula-based approach is built around exactly what DoL examiners assess. Leave with the skills, confidence, and intuition to drive safely every day — not just on test day.
You must have a valid foreign driver's license, a WA instruction permit, or a valid out-of-state permit/license. The original document is required at every lesson (DoL paper printout is accepted).
All students must have passed the Knowledge Exam before starting lessons. Register on the DoL website under "License Express" and pass the written test first.
Plan to schedule a minimum of 2 lessons per week and practice as much as possible. Consistent practice between lessons is the biggest factor in your progress.
Eric teaches teens for supplemental practice hours. Note: the full teen program (under-18 licensing track) is not currently offered, but supplemental practice sessions are available.
Each lesson is 90 minutes (1.5 hours). This was the pre-Covid industry standard. While most competitors now offer only 60-minute lessons, Eric maintains 90-minute sessions to give you more practice time, proper repetition, and better value.
If you live within a 15-minute range, pickup and dropoff is charged as 30 minutes. So a typical lesson with pickup is approximately 2 hours total in cost — billed at the flat $75/hr rate, making each full lesson $150.
Absolutely. All experience levels are welcome — from zero experience to those simply needing to adjust to driving on the West Coast or understanding US road rules. Eric teaches everything from fundamentals to high-speed freeway lane changes.
Yes — you can upgrade any package at any time, just pay the difference. No extra fees or penalties. Additionally, any lessons added to the 12-lesson package beyond those included will be charged at the discounted $50/hr rate.
Actually, it's better! The Seattle area has rainy weather 8–10 months of the year. Learning to drive in real conditions builds stronger, safer skills. You'll also get more scheduling flexibility in the off-season since most people wait until summer.
Lessons are conducted in English, but Eric specializes in teaching adults who speak English as a second language. He's experienced in adapting his teaching style to be clear and accessible for non-native English speakers.
Whether you're a complete beginner, an international driver adjusting to US roads, or someone who needs to overcome driving anxiety — Eric has the experience and patience to get you there.