How to Get Your District of Columbia Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the District of Columbia license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a District of Columbia learner permit you must be at least 16 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your District of Columbia residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of District of Columbia residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the District of Columbia permit knowledge test
The District of Columbia knowledge test has 25 questions; you must answer 20 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and District of Columbia-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail, you must wait three calendar days and return on the fourth day to retake the knowledge test. After six failures in one year, you must wait one full year from your first failed attempt to try again. A test fee applies whether you pass or fail.
The best prep path is to read the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free DC practice test and the full 25-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a District of Columbia learner permit. Bring the documents above to the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $20).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. District of Columbia's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full District of Columbia license
Schedule your District of Columbia road test through the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $47 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full District of Columbia steps in order
As listed by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV):
- Turn 16 years old (or 21 for the adult path).
- Read the DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual at dmv.dc.gov.
- Take practice tests until you score 90% or higher.
- Schedule the knowledge test online (virtual or in person).
- Pay the $10 knowledge test fee and pass the test.
- Visit a DC DMV Service Center within 14 business days with proof of identity, DC residency, Social Security number, and lawful presence.
- Pay the $20 learner permit fee.
- Hold the learner permit for at least 6 months (GRAD) and complete supervised driving hours.
- Pass the road test and pay the $10 road test fee plus $20 provisional license fee.
- After 6 months of safe driving on the provisional license, upgrade to a full DC driver license for $47.
FAQ: Getting Your District of Columbia License
How old do I need to be to get a District of Columbia learner permit?
You must be at least 16 to apply for a District of Columbia learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the District of Columbia permit test?
The District of Columbia permit knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my District of Columbia permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of District of Columbia residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in District of Columbia?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) driver manual lists District of Columbia's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a District of Columbia driver license?
Yes — District of Columbia issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free DC practice tests mirror the real District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) exam — road signs, traffic laws, and District of Columbia-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.