Category: District of Columbia

Photo: Jimmy Padilla, Pexels

DC drivers under 21 need two signed practice logs from DC DMV to move through the GRAD program. The 40-hour form, form DMV-GRAD-HR40, comes before the road test. The 10-hour night driving form, form DMV-GRAD-HR10, comes before the full license with conditions. This checklist shows who can sign them, how to fill them in, and where to hand them in.

Key facts

• Each form is signed by a tutor aged 21 or older with a valid full driver’s license from any state.
• Each tutor attaches a photocopy of their own driver’s license.
• Several tutors can share the hours. Each one signs only for the hours they supervised.
• The forms come in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Vietnamese and Korean.
• A false statement on either form can bring a fine of up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both (D.C. Official Code § 22-2405). DC DMV may also deny, suspend or revoke the permit.

The two DC forms side by side

	40-hour form	10-hour night driving form
Official name	Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License	Certification of Eligibility for Full License with Conditions
Form code	DMV-GRAD-HR40	DMV-GRAD-HR10
Hours	At least 40 hours of driving	At least 10 hours of night driving
Logged while holding	Learner permit	Provisional license
You certify that you are	At least 16 and a half, and have held a permit for at least 6 months with no pointable offenses	At least 17, and have held a provisional license for at least 6 months with no pointable offenses
Hand it in	At your road skills test appointment	At a DC DMV service center, or upload it in the online conversion
Fee at that step (as of November 2026)	$10 road test; $20 provisional license	$47 driver license (online conversion)

Who can be your tutor

• Aged 21 or older
• Holds a valid full driver’s license. It can be from any state.
• Sits in the seat beside you and wears a seat belt for every hour logged
• Fills in their name and signature, plus their driver’s license number, state of issue and expiration date

A parent is the usual tutor, but the form does not require one. Any adult who meets these rules can sign.

How to fill in the log, step by step

1. Write your full name (last, first, middle, suffix). Add your learner permit number on the 40-hour form, or your provisional license number on the 10-hour form.
2. Log every session as you go, not from memory at the end. Each row needs the date, the tutor’s printed name, the time span and the total time.
3. Add up the total hours at the bottom. Check it reaches 40 (or 10).
4. Each tutor signs and dates and adds their license details. Signing certifies only their own hours.
5. Attach a photocopy of each tutor’s driver’s license.
6. Sign and date it yourself.

Example rows

The forms show entries in this style:

Date	Tutor’s name	Time	Hours/minutes
02/10/05	Jane Doe	8:15 am to 10:15 am	2 hours
01/12/05	John Doe	8:00 pm to 9:15 pm	1 hour 15 minutes

The first row is from the 40-hour form. The second is from the 10-hour night form.

Getting the night hours right

• The forms don’t define “night”. The Driver Manual requires headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, so log your night hours in that window. Ask DC DMV if you are unsure.
• The night hours are logged on a provisional license, and GRAD curfews still apply. Plan night practice with your tutor in the seat beside you: that also covers you if you are out after curfew.
• Use the time to practice the skills the manual covers: low and high beams, dipping your lights within 500 feet of oncoming traffic, and within 300 feet when following.

Before you hand it in: checklist

• Total hours reach 40 (or 10)
• Every row has a date, tutor name, time span and total
• Every tutor has signed and dated, with their license number, state and expiration date
• A photocopy of each tutor’s license is attached
• You have signed and dated
• For the 40-hour form: you bring it to the road test, with your permit and a licensed driver aged 21 or older (see the DC road skills test guide)
• For the 10-hour form: you are 17 or older, with 6 months on the provisional and 12 consecutive months with no pointable violations

Common questions

Do I need the 40-hour form if I am 21 or older?

No. Once you are 21 you leave GRAD and can book a road test without the form or the 6-month wait.

Can driving school lessons count toward the 40 hours?

The form counts hours with a tutor aged 21 or older who holds a valid full license and signs for them. Check with DC DMV whether a particular instructor’s hours qualify.

Can two parents split the hours?

Yes. Each tutor signs for the hours they supervised, and attaches a copy of their own license.

Can my tutor have an out-of-state license?

Yes. The form asks for the state of issue. The 40-hour rule in DC Code accepts a license from any jurisdiction.

Where do I get the forms?

Both are free downloads on the DC DMV “Certification of Eligibility for Provisional and Full Licenses With Conditions” page.

Can I submit the 10-hour form online?

Yes. The online provisional license conversion takes the form, the tutor’s license copy and the $47 fee.

How these hours fit into the stages: DC GRAD license program hours and restrictions. Starting out? See the DC learner permit guide and the complete guide to learning to drive in Washington DC. Compare with supervised driving hours by state.

Sources

• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License” form DMV-GRAD-HR40 Rev. 08/24/09 (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Certification of Eligibility for Full License with Conditions” form DMV-GRAD-HR10 Rev. 07/20/09 (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Certification of Eligibility for Provisional and Full Licenses With Conditions” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Provisional License” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Full License with Conditions” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “GRAD License Program” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Road Skills Tests” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Fees” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “DC DMV Driver Manual (English)” (December 2023, linked from dmv.dc.gov)
• Council of the District of Columbia, “§ 50-1401.01. Fee; examination; age requirements; … restrictions for minors” (code.dccouncil.gov)

Photo: Quang Vuong, Pexels

DC’s GRAD (Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers) program sets the hours, passenger limits and penalties for every DC driver aged 16 to 20. Learner permit holders can drive from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Provisional drivers, and full license drivers aged 17 to 18, can drive until 10:59 p.m. on school nights and until 11:59 p.m. on weekend nights and all summer. This explainer sets out each stage’s rules, the exceptions, and what happens if you break them.

Key facts

• GRAD applies to DC drivers aged 16 to 20. You join automatically when you get a permit under 21.
• Three stages: learner permit, provisional license, full license (with conditions until 18).
• The hour and passenger limits end at 18. The GRAD program ends at 21.
• Breaking a GRAD rule on a provisional license or full license with conditions: 30, 60 or 90-day suspension.
• If you are under 18, DC DMV tells your parent or guardian about GRAD violations.

DC GRAD driving hours by stage

Stage	September to June	July and August
Learner permit	Every day: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.	Every day: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Provisional license	Sunday to Thursday: 6 a.m. to 10:59 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.	Every day: 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Full license with conditions (17 to 18)	Sunday to Thursday: 6 a.m. to 10:59 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.	Every day: 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Full license, 18 and over	No GRAD hour limits	No GRAD hour limits

These are the hours on DC DMV’s GRAD page. They match DC Code § 50-1401.01, which bans driving from 11 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday nights, and from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings and every night in July and August, until 6 a.m. The December 2023 Driver Manual prints slightly different weekday groupings. Follow the DMV page and the Code.

Exceptions to the DC curfew

Provisional and full-with-conditions drivers may drive outside these hours when:

• driving to or from work
• driving to or from a school-sponsored activity, a religious or athletic event, or a related training session you take part in, sponsored by DC, a civic organization or a similar body that takes responsibility for you
• a licensed driver aged 21 or older is in the seat beside you, wearing a seat belt

The learner permit has no exceptions: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. only.

Passenger and other limits

Stage	Passengers	Other rules
Learner permit	A licensed driver aged 21 or older must sit beside you. The Driver Manual says no other passengers.	No phone or electronic device, even hands-free. No driving for pay. Passenger vehicles only.
Provisional license	One licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat, plus your siblings or parents. The manual also allows your children.	You may drive alone. Everyone belted. No driving for pay under 18.
Full license with conditions (under 18)	No more than 2 passengers under 21. Siblings don’t count (the manual also exempts your children).	Everyone belted. Passenger vehicle or motorized bicycle only, for pleasure, not for pay.

Every DC driver must use a phone hands-free only. See hands-free and texting laws. For the alcohol rules for drivers under 21, see zero tolerance laws.

Moving up a stage

To get	Minimum age	Requirements
Provisional license	16 and a half	Permit held 6 months; no pointable violations in that time; 40-hour certification; pass the road skills test
Full license with conditions	17	Provisional held 6 months; 12 consecutive months with no pointable violations (6 on the permit plus 6 on the provisional); 10-hour night driving certification with a copy of the tutor’s license

A provisional license lasts up to 1 year and can be renewed. Both forms are covered in DC 40-hour and 10-hour night driving certifications.

Upgrading online for $47

If you meet the full-license-with-conditions rules above, you can apply online. Upload the 10-hour form and your tutor’s license copy, and pay the $47 driver license fee (as of November 2026). Once approved, DC DMV mails the license to your address of record. You can track the request online.

GRAD penalties in DC

• Learner permit: any pointable violation pushes back your provisional license. 8 or more points, or a GRAD violation, means a 90-day permit suspension and a reinstatement fee.
• Provisional and full with conditions: a 30-day suspension for a first GRAD violation, 60 days for a second, 90 days for a third or later. The suspension time is added to the wait for your next stage, on top of any other penalty.
• Points: like any DC driver, you are automatically suspended at 10 points. You then pay a reinstatement fee.
• Parents: DC DMV notifies a parent or guardian in writing if a driver under 18 breaks GRAD rules.

How points work across states: points systems and license suspensions.

Turning 18 and 21

• At 18 on a full license, the hour and passenger limits end.
• At 21 you leave GRAD. A permit holder can book a road test straight away. A provisional holder can get a regular license at a service center without the form or the 6-month wait. You don’t have to convert; you can wait until the provisional expires.

Common questions

What time can I drive with a DC provisional license?

September to June: 6 a.m. to 10:59 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and until 11:59 p.m. Friday and Saturday. July and August: 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. every day.

Can I drive my friends on a DC provisional license?

No. Besides one licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat, only your siblings or parents may ride with you.

Can I drive home from work after curfew?

Yes. Driving to or from work is an exception for provisional and full-with-conditions drivers. It is not an exception for learner permit holders.

Do GRAD rules apply to an 18-year-old with a provisional license?

Yes. The provisional license limits apply until you upgrade or turn 21. The “no limits at 18” rule is for full license drivers.

Do I have to take another test for the full license with conditions?

No road test. You need the age, the time held, the clean record and the 10-hour night driving form.

Does GRAD apply if I move to DC with a permit from another state?

DC Code lets drivers under 21 with a permit from another jurisdiction get a comparable DC permit, subject to DC’s restrictions. DC DMV’s permit page says you take the DC knowledge test to start the process. Ask DC DMV which applies to you.

Back to the complete guide to learning to drive in Washington DC. Compare with GDL rules in other states.

Sources

• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “GRAD License Program” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Provisional License” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Full License with Conditions” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Learner Permits and Provisional Licenses” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Obtain a REAL ID Learner Permit” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Fees” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “DC DMV Driver Manual (English)” (December 2023, linked from dmv.dc.gov)
• Council of the District of Columbia, “§ 50-1401.01. Fee; examination; age requirements; … restrictions for minors” (code.dccouncil.gov)

Photo: B-codestudio, Pexels

The DC road skills test checks safe vehicle control, turn signals, parallel parking and driving in traffic on DC roads. You take it with DC DMV at the Deanwood Road Test Office, or with a DC DMV-certified third-party tester. Drivers aged 16 to 20 must pass it for a provisional license. This guide covers booking, what to bring, the car checklist, and what happens if you fail.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Fee: $10 with DC DMV. Third-party testers set their own fee, up to $100.
• Appointment only, no walk-ins. Book online or call 311 or (202) 737-4404.
• Under 21: hold your permit at least 6 months and bring the signed 40-hour certification form.
• Arrive with a licensed driver aged 21 or older. If you drive yourself there on a permit, you can’t test for 6 months.
• Failed? Wait 72 hours to retest.
• Cancel at least 48 hours ahead, or pay a $30 cancellation fee.

Are you eligible for the DC road test?

• Under 21 (GRAD): at least 16 and a half, permit held at least 6 months with no pointable violations, and 40 certified practice hours.
• 21 or older: you can book as soon as you have a learner permit, with no wait and no certification form.
• Moving from another state: the road test is generally waived if you hold a valid out-of-state license for the same class.

How to book

1. Have your learner permit number, full name, date of birth and Social Security number ready.
2. Use the DC DMV Online Road Test Appointment Scheduler. It is down every Monday from 9 p.m. to midnight for maintenance. You can also call 311 or (202) 737-4404.
3. Pick a date and time, check the location, and print the confirmation.

DC DMV or a third-party tester?

	DC DMV (Deanwood)	Third-party tester
Fee	$10	Set by the tester, up to $100, plus any car hire
Booking	DC DMV scheduler or 311	Contact the tester directly
Route and scoring	DC DMV routes and score sheet	Same routes and score sheet; starts and ends at the DC DMV road test facility
DMV test car	Available at no extra fee	Not available

A driving school that gave you lessons can’t also give you your third-party road test. Use DC DMV or a different school. As of November 2026, DC DMV lists Dexterity Driving School, CAS Driving School and Ethio Star Driving School as having certified testers. If you switch to a third party, cancel your DC DMV appointment.

Deanwood Road Test Office

1421 Kenilworth Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20019, near Deanwood Metro station. Open Tuesday 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. No cash: pay by card, check, money order or digital wallet.

What to bring on test day

• Your valid learner permit
• A licensed driver aged 21 or older to come with you
• The signed Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License (40 hours) form with your tutor’s license copy, if you are under 21 (see how to fill in the 40-hour form)
• A car with valid registration and proof of insurance
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and wear your seat belt

Smart glasses and other wearable recording devices are restricted during testing. An in-vehicle language line service is available if you need translation.

DC road test vehicle checklist

The examiner can cancel your test if your car fails any item. Check each one the day before:

• Current registration card, with a valid sticker on the window or plates where that applies
• Insurance card or policy naming the car, with its expiration date
• Valid inspection sticker if one is required. A failed-inspection sticker is not accepted.
• Front and rear plates properly fixed, if required
• Working brake lights, turn signals and horn
• Windows that roll up and down, and doors that open from inside and outside
• Inside rearview mirror and left and right side mirrors
• A hand or push-button emergency brake between the front seats. The examiner must be able to reach it. The Driver Manual also accepts a second steering wheel or brake on the passenger side, or another emergency safety device within the examiner’s easy reach.
• No cracks or debris on the windshield, and nothing hanging from the rearview mirror
• Tires in good condition and properly inflated. No spare (donut) tires.
• No warning lights on the dashboard, including low fuel

Rental cars are allowed only if you are listed on the rental contract as an approved driver. If you use a DC DMV test car, complete the Consent, Waiver and Indemnity form first. A parent or guardian signs it if you are under 18, and provides a copy of their ID.

What the examiner tests

DC DMV lists safe operation of the vehicle, correct use of turn signals, parallel parking and other skills, including maneuvers and driving in traffic. The examiner also checks that you notice and obey signs.

Parallel parking the DC Driver Manual way

1. Pull up alongside the car in front of the space, 2 to 5 feet away.
2. Foot on the brake, shift to reverse, and turn to check behind you.
3. Release the brake and back up slowly in an “S” turn.
4. Glance forward and back repeatedly as you turn.
5. Once the rear of the car is mostly in, steer the other way to straighten up.
6. Adjust to center the car in the space.
7. Check that your wheels are within 12 inches of the curb. If not, pull out and try again.

Signal as you approach the space, and check for cyclists before opening your door. For how others fail, see common reasons people fail the US driving test.

The turnabout

The Driver Manual says you may need to turn the car around in a tight space during your test. Its method:

1. Start at the far right side of the road. Check for traffic.
2. If clear, move forward slowly, steering left, and stop a few inches from the left curb or road edge.
3. Back up slowly, steering right, and stop a few inches from the right curb or edge.
4. Move forward slowly, steering left, to finish. If you are not yet facing the other way, repeat.

If you fail, cancel or get cancelled

• Retest: wait 72 hours. If you fail 6 times within 12 months, the 7th test must wait until 12 months after the first failure.
• Cancelling: call 311 or (202) 737-4404 at least 48 hours ahead. Otherwise you pay the $30 fee at your next license transaction.
• DC DMV may cancel for bad weather, if the examiner can’t reach the emergency brake, or if you or the car miss any requirement. Rebook online or through 311.

After you pass

Under 21, you get a provisional license ($20 as of November 2026), with curfew and passenger limits. See DC GRAD hours and restrictions. Start your 10 night driving hours toward the full license with conditions.

Common questions

Can I drive myself to the DC road test?

No, not on a permit. Come with a licensed driver aged 21 or older. If you drive yourself, you can’t take the test for 6 months.

Can I use a DMV car for the DC road test?

Yes, at Deanwood with DC DMV, at no extra cost. You must complete the waiver form first. Third-party tests can’t use a DMV car.

Is parallel parking on the DC road test?

Yes. DC DMV lists parallel parking as part of the road skills test.

Can I walk in for a road test?

No. Every road test needs an appointment.

How long until I can retake the DC road test?

72 hours after a fail.

Is the road test the same with a third-party tester?

Yes. The eligibility rules, routes and score sheet are the same, and the test starts and ends at the DC DMV road test facility.

Back to the complete guide to learning to drive in Washington DC. Compare with road tests in other states.

Sources

• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Road Skills Tests” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Non-Commercial Driver License (NCDL) Third Party Road Test Program” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Fees” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “GRAD License Program” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License” form DMV-GRAD-HR40 (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “DC DMV Driver Manual (English)” (December 2023, linked from dmv.dc.gov)

Photo: Julius Tejeda, Pexels

To get a DC learner permit you must be at least 16. You also need to pass a vision screening and the DC DMV knowledge test, and prove your identity, DC residency and eligibility. The test costs $10 at a DC DMV service center (as of November 2026). It can also be taken virtually or at a Test Proctoring Center for more. This guide covers both permit types, the documents, the test and the rules once you have the permit.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Minimum age: 16. Parental consent needed if you are 16 or 17.
• Knowledge test fee: $10 at a service center, $39.95 at a Test Proctoring Center, $49.95 virtual. You pay whether you pass or fail.
• Permit fee: $20.
• Time limit for the GRAD (learner permit) knowledge test: 75 minutes. Run over it and you fail.
• Failed? Wait 3 full calendar days before retesting.
• Passed? Visit a service center within 14 business days with your documents, or the result lapses.
• Permit driving hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. only.

REAL ID or Limited Purpose learner permit?

	REAL ID learner permit	Limited Purpose learner permit
Who it’s for	Applicants with a valid Social Security number	Applicants who don’t have and aren’t eligible for a Social Security number
Residency	Two proofs of current DC residency	Two proofs of current DC residency, plus two proofs that you have lived in DC for 6 months
Valid for	2 years for US citizens, not renewable. Non-citizens: depends on approved length of stay	2 years, not renewable
Walk-in?	Bring your application to any service center	Walk-ins Wednesday to Saturday; Tuesday is appointment only

Both permits put drivers under 21 into the GRAD program automatically.

Documents checklist

DC DMV accepts only the documents on its published lists. Bring originals: photocopies and notarized copies are refused unless a list says otherwise.

• Completed Driver License or Identification Card Application form
• Proof of identity and date of birth (full legal name)
• Two documents proving current DC residency
• Proof of your Social Security number (REAL ID), or the Social Security ineligibility form and 6-month residency proofs (Limited Purpose)
• Parental Consent Form if you are 16 or 17. For a REAL ID permit, the parent also needs a birth certificate, adoption court order or guardianship decree to prove the relationship.

You will be turned away if you owe debts to the District, or have unpaid fines for moving violations in other jurisdictions. A learner permit from another state doesn’t carry over. You still take the DC knowledge test.

Where and how to take the DC knowledge test

Option	Booking	Fee
DC DMV service center	First come, first served	$10
Test Proctoring Center	Appointment required	$39.95
Virtual (online, proctored)	Appointment required; standard and GRAD tests only	$49.95

The test is offered in English, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai and Vietnamese. Since December 15, 2025, it has also been available in Turkish, Hungarian, Finnish, Danish, Indonesian, Dutch, Farsi, Italian and Swedish. Audio-assisted tests are available if you need help reading.

Test-day rules

• Using a phone, watch, study notes or talking counts as cheating. You fail, and you can’t retest for 60 days.
• Smart glasses and other wearable recording devices are restricted during testing.
• Only test-takers are allowed in the testing area.

What is on the DC permit test?

The test checks traffic laws, rules of the road, motor vehicle laws, safe driving practices and road signs. Everything tested is in the DC DMV Driver Manual. Check with DC DMV if you need the number of questions or the pass mark. The manual’s sample questions are multiple choice. They look like this:

• If a traffic signal is green and a police officer signals you to stop, obey the officer.
• On a short interstate entrance with no acceleration lane, find a gap in traffic first, then speed up.

DC-specific facts worth learning cold: 20 mph default on city streets, 15 mph in alleys and school zones, no left turn on red, hands-free phones only, and signal 100 feet before turning. The full DC guide lists the rest. For sign shapes and markings, see US road signs by shape and color.

DC DMV links to a free online practice test. It says the practice test does not contain real exam questions.

The vision screening

You read lines of letters or numbers in a machine. The DC minimum, with or without glasses or contacts:

• 20/40 or better in your best eye, or
• 20/70 or better in your best eye, plus a field of vision of at least 140 degrees.

If you fail, you need an Eye Report from your eye care professional. If you need glasses or contacts to pass, your permit will show that restriction.

If you fail the knowledge test

• Wait 3 full calendar days. Fail on a Tuesday and you can retest on Saturday.
• If you fail 6 times within 12 months, you can’t take a 7th test until 12 months after the first failure.
• For a virtual or Proctoring Center retest, book a new appointment on the Test Proctoring Center website.

After you pass

1. Have your photo taken. It must show your full face, including forehead, eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth and chin.
2. Pay the $20 permit fee. Card payments carry a 2.5% service fee.
3. Get a paper temporary permit, valid for 45 days. Your permit card is mailed within 10 business days. DC DMV won’t mail to a PO box.

Rules on a DC learner permit

• Drive only from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• A driver aged 21 or older with a valid full license must sit in the front passenger seat and wear a seat belt.
• The Driver Manual says no other passengers, and no phone or electronic device, even hands-free.
• Passenger vehicles only, for pleasure, not for pay.
• Pointable violations delay your provisional license. 8 or more points, or a GRAD violation, means a 90-day permit suspension.

Full stage-by-stage limits: DC GRAD license program hours and restrictions. Next step: log your 40 practice hours and book the DC road skills test.

Common questions

Can I take the DC permit test online?

Yes. A virtual test is available by appointment for the standard and GRAD knowledge tests, for $49.95 as of November 2026.

How long is the DC permit test?

The GRAD (learner permit) knowledge test has a 75-minute time limit. The standard non-commercial test has 60 minutes.

Do I need an appointment for the knowledge test at a service center?

No. Service center testing is first come, first served. Virtual and Proctoring Center tests need an appointment.

Can I bring the Driver Manual into the test?

No. You cannot refer to it during the exam, and study materials count as cheating.

How soon after getting my permit can I take the road test?

After holding the permit for 6 months, if you are under 21. At 21 or older you can book straight away.

My DC permit is expiring. Can I renew it?

No. DC learner permits are not renewable. You take the knowledge test again for a new one.

Sources

• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Learner Permits and Provisional Licenses” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Obtain a REAL ID Learner Permit” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Obtain a Limited Purpose Learner Permit” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Knowledge Tests” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Vision Screening” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Fees” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “DC DMV Practice Knowledge Tests” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “DC DMV Driver Manual (English)” (December 2023, linked from dmv.dc.gov)
• Council of the District of Columbia, “§ 50-1401.01. Fee; examination; age requirements; … restrictions for minors” (code.dccouncil.gov)

Photo: Samuel kidane, Pexels

In Washington DC you can get a learner permit at 16, a provisional license at 16 and a half after 6 months on the permit and a road skills test, and a full license with conditions at 17. Every DC driver under 21 goes through the GRAD (Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers) program. This guide is for DC teens, their parents and adult first-time drivers. It covers each stage, the tests, the fees, and what the DC DMV Driver Manual covers.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Licensing agency: the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).
• Learner permit: from age 16. Pass a vision screening and a knowledge test. Drive only from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a licensed driver aged 21 or older beside you.
• Two permit types: REAL ID, or Limited Purpose if you do not have and cannot get a Social Security number.
• Provisional license: at least 16 and a half, permit held 6 months, 40 certified practice hours, then pass the road skills test.
• Full license with conditions: at least 17, provisional held 6 months, 12 months with no pointable violations, 10 certified night hours.
• No hour or passenger limits from 18. The GRAD program ends at 21.
• Driver education is not required in DC.

How to get a driver’s license in DC: the GRAD stages

Stage	Minimum age	What you need	Main limits (under 18 where noted)
Learner permit	16	Documents, parental consent if 16 or 17, vision screening, knowledge test	Driving 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. only, with a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat. No other passengers, and no phone use, not even hands-free.
Provisional license	16 and a half	Permit held 6 months with no pointable violations; 40-hour certification form; road skills test	Curfew; one passenger aged 21 or older with a full license, plus siblings or parents
Full license with conditions	17	Provisional held 6 months; 12 consecutive months with no pointable violations; 10-hour night driving form	Under 18: curfew; no more than 2 passengers under 21 (siblings don’t count)
Full license, no conditions	18	Turn 18 holding a full license with conditions	No GRAD hour or passenger limits

The curfew times, exceptions and penalties are in DC GRAD license program hours and restrictions.

Step by step for a DC teen

1. Study the DC DMV Driver Manual. DC DMV no longer prints paper copies. The manual is online in English and six other languages.
2. Get your learner permit at 16. Bring the application form, your documents and a parental consent form, then pass the vision screening and knowledge test. See the DC DMV learner permit and knowledge test guide.
3. Practice for at least 6 months. Log 40 hours with a tutor aged 21 or older who holds a full license. Avoid pointable violations: any violation extends the time until you can move up.
4. Take the road skills test. Book it ahead (no walk-ins). Bring the signed 40-hour form, and come with a licensed driver aged 21 or older. See the DC DMV road skills test guide.
5. Drive on a provisional license for 6 months. Log 10 hours of night driving with a tutor in that time.
6. Upgrade to a full license with conditions at 17. You can do this online for the $47 license fee. See DC 40-hour and 10-hour night driving certifications.
7. At 18, the hour and passenger limits end.

If you are 21 or older

GRAD does not apply once you turn 21. A permit holder who turns 21 can book a road test straight away, with no 6-month wait and no certification form. A provisional license holder who turns 21 can get a regular license at a service center, or wait until the provisional license expires.

What it costs (DC DMV fees as of November 2026)

Item	Fee
Knowledge test at a DC DMV service center	$10
Knowledge test at a Test Proctoring Center	$39.95
Virtual knowledge test	$49.95
Learner permit	$20
Road test with DC DMV	$10
Road test cancellation (less than 48 hours’ notice)	$30
Provisional driver license	$20
Driver license (8 years)	$47

A third-party road tester sets its own fee, capped at $100. Since December 15, 2025, DC DMV has added a 2.5% service fee to all debit and credit card payments.

What the DC DMV Driver Manual covers

The current English manual was published in December 2023. The knowledge test is based on it, and you cannot use it during the test. Its chapters:

Chapter	What to focus on	Our guide
Driver License Examination Process	Test languages, sample questions, vision standard, road test rules	Knowledge test
Types of Driver Licenses & Permits	GRAD stages, hours, restrictions, penalties	GRAD rules
Other Services; Important Things to Know	Seat belts, hands-free phones, points, address changes	Points systems
Driver Information	Being fit to drive, defensive driving, sharing the road, alcohol and drugs	DUI and implied consent, sharing the road
Driving Rules	Signaling, passing, lanes, turns, headlights	Right on red
Parking Rules	Parallel parking steps, hills, stopping, no-parking zones	US parking rules
Traffic Rules	Speed limits, U-turns, headsets, seat belts	Speed limits
Signals, Signs and Markings; Identifying Signs by Colors and Shapes; Regulatory Signs; Pavement Markings	Every sign shape and color, lines and markings	Road signs, pavement markings, traffic signals

DC road rules that catch new drivers out

• Speed limits. Unless signs say otherwise: 20 mph on DC city streets, 15 mph in alleys and 15 mph in school zones. Posted limits are 30 to 50 mph on ordinary highways, 30 to 55 mph on divided highways and 55 to 75 mph on interstates.
• Phones. All DC drivers must be hands-free. Learner permit holders may not use a phone at all, not even hands-free. See hands-free and texting laws.
• Headphones. Driving with earplugs, a headset or earphones attached to an audio device is banned. Earphones for a cell phone and hearing aids are allowed.
• Left on red is illegal in DC.
• Right on red. Obey every NO TURN ON RED sign. DC passed a law in 2022 banning turns on a steady red from January 1, 2025, except where DDOT signs allow them. The official DC Code marks that change “Not Funded” and says it has not been implemented. Treat every DC intersection with caution, follow the signs, and check DDOT for the current rule.
• U-turns are banned at intersections with traffic lights, and on a crosswalk next to one. You also may not U-turn on a curve or hill where other drivers can’t see you from at least 500 feet away.
• Signals. Signal at least 100 feet before a turn. Signal at least 300 feet before a lane change.
• Cyclists. Leave at least 3 feet when passing, and don’t sound your horn as you pass. Yield to cyclists when you turn, and never turn right across a bike’s path. Before opening a door, check your mirrors and open it with your far hand (the “Dutch Reach”), which turns your body so you see bikes coming.
• Passing. On one-way roads with more than one lane of traffic, and on highways with four or more lanes, you may pass on either side. On a two-lane road, pass on the left, and never within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing, or near a bridge, viaduct or tunnel where your view is blocked. Never pass on the shoulder, and don’t speed up while someone passes you. Passing a motorcycle within its own lane is illegal.
• Parking. Don’t park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, within 5 feet of a driveway or alley, within 25 feet in front of a stop sign or signal at the side of the road, within 20 feet of a fire station driveway, or within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. Double parking is banned. Park within 12 inches of the curb. On a hill, turn your wheels toward the curb facing downhill and away from it facing uphill; with no curb, turn them toward the road edge. Parked on a shoulder at night, switch on your hazard or parking lights.
• Headlights. Turn them on from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, whenever you can’t see people or vehicles 500 feet ahead, in tunnels, and any time your wipers are on. Dip to low beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and within 300 feet of a car you are following.
• Buses. It is illegal to turn right in front of a bus stopped at an intersection to pick up or drop off passengers; stay or merge behind it (fine of at least $200). Red pavement marked BUS ONLY is a bus lane: don’t drive in it. You may cross one to turn right where a sign allows, or within 40 feet of the intersection if there is no sign, after yielding to buses and bikes in the lane.
• Streetcars. Pass a stopped streetcar heading your way only on the left, with great care, because riders may be getting on or off. Never park, stop or stand on the streetcar tracks or next to a platform; you can be fined and towed.
• School buses. When a school vehicle shows alternating flashing red lights, stop at least 20 feet from its front or rear and wait until the lights go off. You don’t have to stop if it is on the other side of a divided highway.
• Emergency vehicles. When one approaches with a siren or flashing lights, pull to the curb and stop until it passes. Stay at least 500 feet behind a fire engine on a call, and don’t drive into a block where fire engines or emergency vehicles have stopped. If any vehicle is stopped on the shoulder, slow down and move to the left side of your lane or into the next lane.
• Pedestrian beacons. At a HAWK signal (pedestrian hybrid beacon), stop on the solid red; on the flashing red, stop, then go only if the crossing is clear. At a crosswalk with flashing yellow rapid beacons, come to a full stop for anyone crossing. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
• Seat belts and car seats. The driver and every passenger, front and back, must be belted. Police can stop you for that alone, and the penalty is a $50 fine and 2 points; the driver answers for every passenger. The manual says a child under 3 must ride in a child safety seat in the back seat. DC’s child seat rules reach older children too, so see seat belt and car seat laws and check the current ages with DDOT.
• Offenses to know. Reckless driving means driving with willful disregard for people or property. Negligent driving means driving carelessly in a way that endangers anyone. Drag racing and speed contests are banned. Removing or disabling a car’s safety equipment or emission controls is illegal.
• After a crash. Stop, stay as close to the scene as you can, help anyone hurt (usually by calling an ambulance), and give your name, address, registration and insurance details. Show your license if asked. If you damage an unattended vehicle or property and can’t find the owner, leave a written note with those details. If nobody can take the details and no officer is there, report to the nearest police station as soon as possible. If you injure a domestic animal, call the police.
• Nothing hanging from the mirror. DC regulations forbid it, and it will get your road test vehicle rejected.
• Driving to save fuel. The manual’s tips: accelerate gently, drive smoothly at moderate speeds, anticipate stops so you brake less, and combine trips or carpool.
• Everyday duties. Update your address with DC DMV within 60 days of moving. Keep insurance for as long as a vehicle is registered, and don’t cancel it until the plates are surrendered. If police stop you, show your license, registration and proof of insurance.

Points and losing your license in DC

• Points stay on your DC record for 2 years. Paying a ticket counts as admitting liability.
• 10 or 11 points: license suspended for 90 days. 12 or more: license revoked, with no reinstatement for 6 months.
• A learner permit holder with 8 or more points, or any GRAD violation, faces a 90-day permit suspension.
• A provisional or conditional driver who breaks GRAD rules faces a 30, 60 or 90-day suspension. The suspension time is added to the wait for the next stage.
• Points count for moving violations in other states too. A full calendar year with no pointable violations may earn you a Good Point on your record.
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence: minimum revocation of 6 months for a first offense, 1 year for a second and 2 years for a third or later, plus the mandatory ignition interlock (IID) program.
• Your license and registration can also be suspended for unpaid child support.

New to DC?

New residents must get a DC license within 60 days of moving to the District. If you hold a valid out-of-state license for the same class, the road skills test is generally waived. Drivers under 21 with a permit from another jurisdiction can get a comparable DC permit, but DC’s restrictions then apply. See moving to a new state and driving in the US on a foreign license. A foreign national with a valid license from another country must pass the knowledge test and eye exam.

Letting a DC license lapse has a cost. Expired more than 365 days: pass the knowledge test or the DC online traffic school course. Expired more than 545 days, or reinstating after a revocation: pass both the knowledge and road skills tests. If you are 70 or older when your license expires, your physician must complete the Mature Driver section of the application.

The application form also handles three sign-ups. From 18 you can register as an organ and tissue donor. DC residents are registered to vote, and men aged 18 to 25 are registered with the Selective Service, unless they opt out.

Common questions

How old do you have to be to drive in DC?

16 for a learner permit, 16 and a half for a provisional license, and 17 for a full license with conditions. The conditions end at 18.

Is driver’s ed required in DC?

No. DC DMV suspended mandatory driver education indefinitely. Courses certified before 2016 are still offered and are encouraged for first-time drivers. Each school sets its own price.

How many practice hours do I need in DC?

40 supervised hours before the road test, then 10 night hours on your provisional license before the full license with conditions.

Can I drive at night with a DC learner permit?

Only until 9 p.m. Permit driving is allowed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

How long is a DC learner permit valid?

2 years for US citizens, and it cannot be renewed. For non-citizens it depends on the approved length of stay. After it expires, you take the knowledge test again.

Can I get a DC permit without a Social Security number?

Yes, a Limited Purpose learner permit. You must have lived in DC for at least 6 months and prove you are not eligible for a Social Security number.

Every DC guide

• DC DMV learner permit and knowledge test
• DC DMV road skills test guide
• DC GRAD license program hours and restrictions
• DC 40-hour and 10-hour night driving certifications

Compare DC with the states

• How to get a driver’s license in the US
• GDL laws by state compared
• Supervised driving hours by state
• REAL ID and your first US driver’s license
• Zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21

Sources

• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “DC DMV Driver Manual (English)” (December 2023, linked from dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Learner Permits and Provisional Licenses” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “GRAD License Program” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Full License with Conditions” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Provisional License” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Obtain a REAL ID Learner Permit” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Obtain a Limited Purpose Learner Permit” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Fees” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver Education” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Road Skills Tests” (dmv.dc.gov)
• Council of the District of Columbia, “§ 50-1401.01. Fee; examination; age requirements; … restrictions for minors” (code.dccouncil.gov)
• Council of the District of Columbia, “§ 50-2201.04e. Traffic control at intersections. [Not Funded]” (code.dccouncil.gov)
• Council of the District of Columbia, “D.C. Law 24-214. Safer Streets Amendment Act of 2022” (code.dccouncil.gov)

Photo: Quang Vuong, Pexels

The DC Limited Purpose driver license lets District residents who don’t have a current Social Security number drive legally in Washington, DC. It is marked “not valid for official federal purposes”, so it can’t be used to board a plane or enter federal buildings, but otherwise it works like a regular DC license. This guide covers eligibility, the six-month residency rule, every document group, the tests, fees and what the card can’t do, as of November 2026.

Key facts

• Who qualifies: DC residents who have never been issued an SSN, who were issued one but can’t currently establish legal presence, or who aren’t eligible for one.
• Six months in DC: you must prove you have lived in the District for at least six months, in addition to your current address.
• Same tests: vision, knowledge and road skills tests for every Limited Purpose license applicant.
• Valid up to 8 years, like other DC licenses. A Limited Purpose learner permit is valid for 2 years and can’t be renewed.
• Same fees as other DC credentials, according to DC DMV.
• Protected by law: DC Code section 50-1401.05 says the card can’t be used to consider your citizenship or immigration status, or as a basis for a criminal investigation, arrest or detention.

Who can get a DC Limited Purpose driver license?

DC DMV says you cannot have a current Social Security number. Specifically, you must:

• never have been issued a Social Security number, or
• have been issued one in the past but be currently unable to establish legal presence in the US, or
• not be eligible for a Social Security number.

DC DMV points out that this doesn’t mean you are undocumented: a US citizen who has never been issued an SSN can also get a Limited Purpose credential. You must be at least 16, and drivers under 21 are automatically enrolled in the GRAD program.

Documents for a DC Limited Purpose license or permit

DC DMV says it will not accept any document that isn’t on its lists. You need all of these groups:

Group	What DC DMV accepts
Identity and date of birth	One source document (unexpired passport, consular card, US birth certificate, or unexpired US military ID) or two secondary documents (original foreign birth certificate, unexpired foreign driver license or ID card, certified school records)
Current DC address	Two documents from different companies or agencies with the same exact address, such as a utility or phone bill issued in the last 60 days, an unexpired signed lease, a deed, a DC property tax bill, a renter’s insurance policy or official government mail from the last 60 days
Six months in DC	Two documents dated at least six months before your application date, showing a valid DC address (same types as the address list)
Social Security ineligibility	The DC DMV Social Security declaration form, certifying which of the three eligibility categories applies to you
Parental approval (ages 16 and 17)	The parental consent form
Name change (if needed)	Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or US court order

Rules that trip people up

• Translations: a non-English foreign document needs an English translation from your embassy, on official letterhead, or from a certified translator with a certification stamp.
• No screenshots: printed online bills count as originals, but screenshots on a phone don’t. PO boxes aren’t accepted.
• No damaged documents: altered, torn, laminated or whited-out documents are refused.
• One document, one job: you can’t use the same document as proof of ability to drive and as proof of identity.
• Living with someone else? The DC DMV Proof of Residency Certification form, signed within 60 days by the person you live with, plus their DC license or ID and their own residency documents, can count for the address group.
• Outstanding debts: you can’t get a Limited Purpose learner permit if you owe debts to the District or have unpaid traffic fines elsewhere.

Already have a DC REAL ID?

To convert a DC DMV REAL ID to Limited Purpose, DC DMV’s document sheet says you bring the valid REAL ID and complete the SSN ineligibility form. Residency proofs are only needed if your address is changing.

Steps and tests

1. Fill in the driver license or ID application form.
2. Visit a service center. Walk-ins for Limited Purpose credentials are accepted Wednesday to Saturday. Tuesdays are by appointment only.
3. Documents are checked once. DC DMV validates your source documents one time when you first apply.
4. Vision screening.
5. Knowledge test. If you fail, wait three calendar days and come back on the fourth day. If you don’t already hold a valid license from DC or elsewhere, you get a Limited Purpose learner permit after passing. See the DC learner permit and knowledge test and try the DC permit practice test.
6. Photo and fee. You get a paper temporary permit or license valid for 45 days, and the card is mailed within 10 business days.
7. Road skills test. Appointment only, no walk-ins. Every Limited Purpose license applicant takes it. See the DC road skills test guide.

On a learner permit you may only drive between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Under-21s then follow the GRAD stages: see DC GRAD license hours and restrictions. DC DMV encourages residents who have never held a license to take driver education before the road test.

DC Limited Purpose fees

DC DMV says Limited Purpose credentials cost the same as other credentials. Its fee page lists (as of November 2026):

Item	Fee
Learner permit	$20
Knowledge test at a DC DMV service center	$10
Road test	$10
Provisional driver license	$20
Driver license (first-time or renewal)	$47 for 8 years

What the Limited Purpose license can’t be used for

• Federal purposes: it is marked “not valid for official federal purposes”, so you can’t use it to board a plane, enter federal facilities or enter a nuclear plant.
• ID elsewhere: DC DMV warns that other organizations may or may not accept it as identification.
• Voter and Selective Service options: those designations are on REAL ID permits, not Limited Purpose ones. You can still add organ donor status and indicators such as Autism, Hearing Impaired or Intellectual Disability.
• Some other states: Florida, for example, treats licenses issued without proof of lawful presence as invalid. See driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status.

For driving, the law gives you the same authorization as any DC license, and the same rules apply to you.

Common questions

Does a Limited Purpose license look different?

DC DMV says that apart from the “not valid for official federal purposes” marking, it looks like a standard DC credential. A REAL ID has a star in the corner.

Can I renew a Limited Purpose license online?

DC DMV says yes: once you have the credential you can renew it, replace it or change your address online or by mail.

Can I renew my Limited Purpose learner permit?

No. Since March 27, 2017, a Limited Purpose learner permit is valid for 2 years and can’t be renewed. If it runs out, you retake the knowledge test for a new one.

Can DC police use my Limited Purpose license to check my immigration status?

DC Code section 50-1401.05 says the credential shall not be used to consider an individual’s citizenship or immigration status, or as a basis for a criminal investigation, arrest or detention.

Do I need to prove I have no SSN?

You sign DC DMV’s Social Security declaration form. The law says DC can’t require you to provide an SSN or any document proving you don’t have one.

I’m a US citizen without an SSN. Can I apply?

Yes. DC DMV says a US citizen who has never been issued an SSN is eligible for a Limited Purpose credential.

Back to the full route: learning to drive in Washington DC.

Sources

• DC Department of Motor Vehicles, “DC DMV Limited Purpose Driver License” and “Obtain a Limited Purpose Driver License” (dmv.dc.gov)
• DC Department of Motor Vehicles, “Obtain a Limited Purpose Learner Permit” and “Limited Purpose Credential FAQs” (dmv.dc.gov)
• DC Department of Motor Vehicles, “Required and Acceptable Identification Documents for Limited Purpose Credential Applicants” (dmv.dc.gov)
• DC Department of Motor Vehicles, “Limited Purpose Proof of Identity”, “Proof of Current District of Columbia Residency” and “Limited Purpose Credential Social Security Number Ineligibility” (dmv.dc.gov)
• DC Department of Motor Vehicles, “Learner Permits and Provisional Licenses”, “Knowledge Tests” and “DMV Fees” (dmv.dc.gov)
• Council of the District of Columbia, “DC Code section 50-1401.05: Limited purpose driver’s license, permit, or identification card” (code.dccouncil.gov)
• Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes s. 322.033, Invalid out-of-state driver licenses” (leg.state.fl.us)

Photo: Paula Nardini, Pexels

The DC DMV knowledge test checks traffic laws, rules of the road, safe driving and road signs, all from the DC DMV Driver Manual (December 2023). This page gives you 36 original practice questions that cover the manual’s chapters, with the District rules that differ from neighboring Maryland and Virginia. They are unofficial practice, not DC DMV questions.

What to know about the real DC test

• Fee as of November 2026: $10 at a DC DMV service center, $39.95 at a Test Proctoring Center, $49.95 virtual. You pay whether you pass or fail.
• Time limit for the GRAD (learner permit) knowledge test: 75 minutes.
• Fail it and you wait 3 full calendar days to retest. Six fails in 12 months locks you out until 12 months after the first fail.
• Phones, watches, notes or talking count as cheating: you fail and cannot retest for 60 days.
• Question count and pass mark: ask DC DMV if you need them.

Documents, permit types and fees: the DC DMV learner permit and knowledge test guide.

Signs, signals and markings (questions 1 to 10)

1. A red octagon with white letters means:

• A. Stop only if traffic is coming
• B. Slow down and yield
• C. Do not enter
• D. Come to a complete stop

Answer: D. STOP signs are the only eight-sided signs. Manual topic: identifying signs by colors and shapes.

2. A square sign showing a red circle crossed by a white horizontal bar means:

• A. Do not enter
• B. Road closed for repairs
• C. Railroad crossing
• D. Hospital

Answer: A. DO NOT ENTER marks the wrong way onto a one-way street or ramp. Manual topic: regulatory signs.

3. Yellow signs are used for:

• A. Parking rules
• B. Speed limits only
• C. General warnings about the road ahead
• D. Directions to destinations

Answer: C. Yellow warns of curves, intersections, crossings and similar hazards. See US road signs by shape and color. Manual topic: signs by color.

4. Blue signs along a highway show:

• A. Construction
• B. School zones
• C. Speed limits
• D. Motorist services such as gas, food and lodging

Answer: D. Blue is for services. Green gives directions; brown points to recreation. Manual topic: signs by color.

5. The traffic light is green, but a police officer signals you to stop. You must:

• A. Go if the officer is not directly in front of you
• B. Honk to ask the officer to move
• C. Follow the green light
• D. Obey the officer and stop

Answer: D. An officer’s directions override signals and signs. The manual uses this as a sample question. Manual topic: driver license examination process.

6. A flashing yellow signal means:

• A. The intersection is closed
• B. Pedestrians only
• C. Slow down and proceed with caution
• D. Stop and wait for green

Answer: C. Flashing yellow is a warning. Flashing red means stop first, as at a STOP sign. See traffic signals in the US. Manual topic: signals.

7. A broken yellow center line on your side means:

• A. You are in a bus lane
• B. Passing is never allowed
• C. You may pass when it is safe
• D. The road is one way

Answer: C. Broken yellow lets traffic pass with care; a solid yellow line on your side does not. See US pavement markings. Manual topic: pavement markings.

8. A diamond symbol painted in a lane usually marks:

• A. A merge point
• B. A school crossing
• C. A lane reserved for certain vehicles, such as carpools or buses
• D. A pothole

Answer: C. The diamond marks a reserved lane, such as an HOV lane. Read the signs for who may use it and when. See HOV lanes explained.

9. The white line painted across your lane at an intersection is where you:

• A. Park
• B. Speed up
• C. Stop when the signal or sign requires it
• D. Begin a U-turn

Answer: C. Stop behind the stop line, not in the crosswalk. Manual topic: pavement markings.

10. A pedestrian is walking in a marked crosswalk ahead with no signal. You must:

• A. Stop and let them cross
• B. Go around them
• C. Continue if they are not in your lane yet
• D. Honk and pass behind them

Answer: A. Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way. DC streets have heavy foot traffic, so expect them everywhere. See pedestrians and crosswalks.

DC driving and traffic rules (questions 11 to 25)

11. Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit on a DC city street?

• A. 15 mph
• B. 20 mph
• C. 25 mph
• D. 30 mph

Answer: B. The DC default on city streets is 20 mph. See speed limits and the basic speed law. Manual topic: traffic rules.

12. What is the DC speed limit in alleys and school zones, unless posted?

• A. 10 mph
• B. 15 mph
• C. 20 mph
• D. 25 mph

Answer: B. 15 mph in alleys and in school zones. Manual topic: traffic rules.

13. Can you turn left on a red light in DC?

• A. No, left on red is illegal in DC
• B. Yes, at night only
• C. Yes, from one one-way street to another
• D. Yes, after a full stop

Answer: A. The DC manual says left on red is not allowed. For right turns on red, obey every NO TURN ON RED sign and check DDOT’s current rule. See right on red in the US.

14. How far before a turn must you signal in DC?

• A. At least 100 feet
• B. At least 300 feet
• C. At least 200 feet
• D. At least 50 feet

Answer: A. 100 feet before a turn. A lane change needs at least 300 feet. Manual topic: driving rules, signaling.

15. How far ahead must you signal before changing lanes in DC?

• A. 50 feet
• B. 100 feet
• C. 200 feet
• D. 300 feet

Answer: D. At least 300 feet for a lane change. See lane changes and blind spots.

16. Where are U-turns banned in DC?

• A. Only at night
• B. Only on highways
• C. At intersections with traffic lights, and on a crosswalk next to one
• D. Nowhere; they are always legal

Answer: C. The manual bans U-turns at signalized intersections and on an adjacent crosswalk. See U-turn rules.

17. When passing a cyclist in DC you must leave at least:

• A. 2 feet
• B. 3 feet
• C. 4 feet
• D. 6 feet

Answer: B. At least 3 feet. The manual also says not to sound your horn as you pass. See sharing the road.

18. Which of these is legal for a fully licensed adult DC driver?

• A. Wearing earphones attached to a music player
• B. Talking on a phone hands-free
• C. Texting at a stop sign
• D. Holding the phone to your ear at a red light

Answer: B. All DC drivers must be hands-free. Headsets or earphones attached to an audio device are banned; phone earphones and hearing aids are allowed. See hands-free and texting laws.

19. On a one-way DC street with more than one lane, you may pass:

• A. Not at all
• B. On either side, when it is safe
• C. Only on the right
• D. Only on the left

Answer: B. The manual allows passing on either side on multi-lane one-way roads and highways with four or more lanes. Manual topic: driving rules, passing.

20. You are joining an interstate from a short entrance ramp with no acceleration lane. The manual’s advice is to:

• A. Stop and wait for traffic to clear completely
• B. Find a gap in traffic first, then speed up
• C. Speed up first, then look for a gap
• D. Merge slowly and expect others to brake

Answer: B. This is one of the manual’s sample questions. With no lane to build speed, pick the gap before you go. See freeway driving for new drivers.

21. How close to a fire hydrant may you park in DC?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 10 feet
• C. 15 feet
• D. 20 feet

Answer: B. Not within 10 feet of a hydrant. See US parking rules. Manual topic: parking rules.

22. You may not park within how many feet of a driveway or alley in DC?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 10 feet
• C. 15 feet
• D. 25 feet

Answer: A. 5 feet from a driveway or alley entrance. Manual topic: parking rules.

23. How far in front of a stop sign or traffic signal at the roadside must you keep clear when parking?

• A. 10 feet
• B. 15 feet
• C. 20 feet
• D. 25 feet

Answer: D. 25 feet in front of a stop sign or signal. Manual topic: parking rules.

24. Why should nothing hang from your rearview mirror in DC?

• A. DC regulations forbid it, and it can get your road test vehicle rejected
• B. It drains the battery
• C. It blocks the airbag
• D. It is legal, just untidy

Answer: A. Objects on the mirror block your view. See the DC road skills test guide.

25. An emergency vehicle with lights and siren comes up behind you. You should:

• A. Speed up to stay ahead
• B. Pull to the right, clear of intersections, and stop until it passes
• C. Move left
• D. Stop in the middle of the lane

Answer: B. Give it a clear path and stop until it has gone by. See pulling over for emergency vehicles.

Safe driving (questions 26 to 29)

26. Which of these is the only thing that removes alcohol from your body?

• A. Coffee
• B. Eating a meal
• C. A cold shower
• D. Time

Answer: D. Only time removes alcohol. Nothing speeds it up. See implied consent and DUI. Manual topic: driver information, alcohol and drugs.

27. A medicine label warns it may cause drowsiness. Before driving you should:

• A. Drink coffee to cancel it out
• B. Drive, because legal drugs cannot impair you
• C. Drive only on highways
• D. Not drive until you know how it affects you, and ask a pharmacist if unsure

Answer: D. Legal medicines can impair driving just as alcohol can. See drugged driving.

28. In heavy rain your car starts to hydroplane. You should:

• A. Speed up
• B. Steer sharply to the shoulder
• C. Brake hard
• D. Ease off the gas and keep the wheel straight; do not brake hard

Answer: D. Let the car slow until the tires grip the road again. See driving in snow, fog and rain.

29. A large truck ahead is turning right and swings wide to the left first. You should:

• A. Pass it on the right
• B. Honk until it straightens
• C. Pull alongside it
• D. Stay back and let it complete the turn

Answer: D. Trucks need room to turn right. Never squeeze into the gap on its right. Manual topic: sharing the road.

Permits, GRAD and points (questions 30 to 36)

30. What hours may a DC learner permit holder drive?

• A. 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• B. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• C. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• D. Any time with a supervisor

Answer: B. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, with no exceptions. See DC GRAD hours and restrictions.

31. Who must sit beside a DC learner permit holder?

• A. Any licensed driver aged 18 or older
• B. Any adult passenger
• C. A driving instructor only
• D. A driver aged 21 or older with a valid full license, wearing a seat belt

Answer: D. The supervisor must be 21 or older with a full license, in the front passenger seat and belted. The manual says no other passengers.

32. How many certified practice hours do you need before the DC road skills test?

• A. 30
• B. 40
• C. 50
• D. 60

Answer: B. 40 hours on the 40-hour certification form. Then 10 night hours on the provisional license. See DC 40-hour and 10-hour certifications.

33. During the school year, until what time may a DC provisional license holder drive on a Friday or Saturday night?

• A. 9 p.m.
• B. 10:59 p.m.
• C. 11:59 p.m.
• D. 1 a.m.

Answer: C. Sunday to Thursday the limit is 10:59 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:59 p.m. In July and August it is 11:59 p.m. every day.

34. On a full license with conditions, a DC driver under 18 may carry no more than how many passengers under 21 (siblings not counted)?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: B. No more than 2 passengers under 21; siblings do not count. On the provisional license, only one licensed driver 21 or older plus siblings or parents may ride.

35. A DC driver reaches how many points for an automatic suspension?

• A. 6
• B. 8
• C. 10
• D. 12

Answer: C. 10 or 11 points means a 90-day suspension; 12 or more means revocation for at least 6 months. Points stay on the record for 2 years. See points systems.

36. A DC learner permit holder with 8 or more points, or a GRAD violation, faces:

• A. A 30-day warning period
• B. A $50 fine only
• C. A 90-day permit suspension
• D. Nothing until the road test

Answer: C. The permit is suspended for 90 days and a reinstatement fee applies. Any pointable violation also delays the provisional license.

Common questions

How many questions are on the DC permit test?

Ask DC DMV for the number and the pass mark. Treat any figure you see elsewhere as unofficial, and aim to get nearly all of these practice questions right.

Are these the real DC DMV questions?

No. They are original and unofficial. DC DMV links to a free practice test, but says it does not contain real exam questions either.

Can I take the DC knowledge test online?

Yes, a proctored virtual test by appointment, for $49.95 as of November 2026. Service center testing is first come, first served.

What languages is the DC test in?

English plus many others, including Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese, with more added from December 15, 2025. Audio-assisted tests are available. See permit tests in other languages.

What vision standard do I need?

20/40 or better in your best eye, or 20/70 or better in your best eye plus a field of at least 140 degrees. Glasses are allowed.

I don’t have a Social Security number. Can I still take the test?

Yes, for a Limited Purpose permit, if you have lived in DC for 6 months. See the DC Limited Purpose license, and the full guide to learning to drive in Washington DC. Other states: US permit practice tests.

Sources

• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “DC DMV Driver Manual” (English, December 2023)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Knowledge Tests” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “GRAD License Program” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Vision Screening” (dmv.dc.gov)
• District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Fees” (dmv.dc.gov)
• Council of the District of Columbia, “D.C. Code § 50-1401.01” (code.dccouncil.gov)