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
- Have your learner permit number, full name, date of birth and Social Security number ready.
- 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.
- 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
- Pull up alongside the car in front of the space, 2 to 5 feet away.
- Foot on the brake, shift to reverse, and turn to check behind you.
- Release the brake and back up slowly in an “S” turn.
- Glance forward and back repeatedly as you turn.
- Once the rear of the car is mostly in, steer the other way to straighten up.
- Adjust to center the car in the space.
- 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:
- Start at the far right side of the road. Check for traffic.
- If clear, move forward slowly, steering left, and stop a few inches from the left curb or road edge.
- Back up slowly, steering right, and stop a few inches from the right curb or edge.
- 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)