How to Get Your District of Columbia Driver's License (2026)

A clear step-by-step guide — from your learner's permit all the way to a full DC license.

Practice Test Study Guide
1

Pass the Written Knowledge Test

Visit a DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and pass the written knowledge test. You must be at least 16 years old.

  • Questions: 25 multiple-choice
  • Passing score: 20/25 (80%)
  • Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving
  • Retake policy: No mandatory waiting period between attempts.
2

Get Your Learner's Permit

After passing the knowledge test, you'll receive your learner's permit. Bring the required documents to the DMV office.

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
  • Proof of Social Security number
  • Proof of District of Columbia residency (two documents)
  • If under 18: parent or guardian signature required
3

Complete Your Supervised Practice Hours

With your permit, you must practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult driver. Most states require 6–12 months of holding a permit before you can take the road test.

  • Drive with a licensed adult 21+ in the front passenger seat
  • Night restriction: No driving from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM (varies by age/phase)
  • Passenger restriction: No passengers under 21 (except family) for the first 12 months
  • Log your practice hours — many states require 50+ hours including night driving
4

Pass the Road (Driving) Test

Schedule and pass an in-person driving test at a DMV office. The examiner will evaluate your vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws.

  • Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition
  • The vehicle must have valid registration and insurance
  • Practice parallel parking, three-point turns, and highway merging
5

Get Your Full District of Columbia Driver's License

After passing the road test and completing all GDL phases, pay the license fee and receive your full DC driver's license.

  • Pay the applicable license fee at the DMV office
  • A temporary paper license is issued immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail
  • Full license removes night and passenger restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner's permit in District of Columbia.

The District of Columbia knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 20/25 correctly (80%) to pass.

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 DMV website for the complete current list.

During the learner and provisional phases, driving is generally restricted between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Passenger restrictions also apply: No passengers under 21 (except family) for the first 12 months.

Yes. District of Columbia issues driver's licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the DMV for the current accepted document list.

Start Preparing for the Knowledge Test

Our free DC practice tests cover everything on the real exam — road signs, traffic laws, and DC-specific rules.

Mini Test Full Test (25 Questions)