Seattle Woman Recalls Getting Driver's License in 1936

Dorothea Nordstrand shares her experience of learning to drive and passing her driving test in downtown Seattle over 80 years ago.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:31pm

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In this reminiscence, Dorothea Nordstrand, a frequent contributor to Northwest Prime Time, shares the story of how she learned to drive a car in 1936 when she was in her early 20s. Nordstrand describes the challenges she faced in learning to operate a manual transmission car, particularly with coordinating the clutch and gas pedal. She also recounts her nervousness when taking the driving test at the State Patrol Office in downtown Seattle, where she was worried about navigating traffic and parallel parking, skills she had not yet mastered. However, to Nordstrand's surprise, the officer waived the driving portion of the test and granted her a license based on her strong performance on the written exam.

Why it matters

Nordstrand's story provides a fascinating glimpse into the driving culture and licensing process in Seattle in the 1930s, a time when driver's education was not yet formalized and people often learned to drive from friends and family members. Her experience highlights the anxieties and uncertainties that many new drivers faced, as well as the flexibility of the licensing system at the time. Nordstrand's lifelong aversion to parallel parking also reflects how certain driving skills remained a challenge for some even after obtaining a license.

The details

Nordstrand learned to drive a 1929 Model A Roadster, which her friend Ernie let her practice on. She struggled at first with coordinating the clutch and gas pedal, causing the car to "kangaroo-hop" up and down hills. After nearly crashing the car, Ernie refused to let Nordstrand give up, and she practiced shifting and clutching while sitting on a chair in her mother's kitchen until she got the hang of it. When Nordstrand went to the State Patrol Office in downtown Seattle for her driving test, she was extremely nervous about navigating traffic and parallel parking, skills she had not yet mastered. However, to her surprise, the officer waived the driving portion of the test and granted her a license based on her strong performance on the written exam.

  • Nordstrand learned to drive in 1936 when she was in her early 20s.
  • The first automobile arrived in Seattle in 1900.

The players

Dorothea Nordstrand

A frequent contributor to Northwest Prime Time who often wrote about her life in Seattle in the 1920s, 30s and beyond. Nordstrand was given an award for contributing her vivid reminiscences to the community.

Ernie

Nordstrand's friend who bravely let her practice driving his beloved 1929 Model A Roadster.

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What they’re saying

“Well, young lady, we've had so many applicants today that we've run out of time, so, since you did so well on the written test, we will assume you are as well qualified for the driving test and will grant you your license”

— State Patrol Officer (northwestprimetime.com)

The takeaway

Nordstrand's story highlights the informal and flexible nature of driver's licensing in Seattle in the 1930s, a time before formal driver's education programs were established. Her experience reflects the anxieties and uncertainties that many new drivers faced, as well as the persistence required to overcome challenges like coordinating a manual transmission. Even after obtaining her license, Nordstrand's lifelong aversion to parallel parking demonstrates how certain driving skills remained a challenge for some.