Frequently Asked Questions - District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) Teen Driver

The District of Columbia prohibits all drivers from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. This is a primary offense, which means that police officer can pull you over for using a handheld cell phone even if you are not violating any other traffic laws. If you are caught violating this law, you will be required to pay a fine of $100.

All Learner’s Permit holders are prohibited from using any type of cell phone while driving. All drivers in the District of Columbia are prohibited from text messaging while driving.

The District of Columbia DMV has the following requirements to obtain a driver license:

Provisional License
• You must be at least 16 years and 6 months old.
• You must have held a valid learner permit for at least six months.
• You must submit a Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License form certifying that you have completed at least 40 hours driving while accompanied by a driver or tutor who is 21 years or older with a valid full license.
• You must have the consent of your parent or legal guardian.
• You must successfully complete the knowledge test, skills road test and vision screening.
• You must not have had your license suspended, revoked or denied.
• You must comply with all medical requirements.
• You must not have any outstanding debts owed to the District of Columbia or unpaid fines for moving traffic violations in other jurisdictions.
• You must pass the road skills test.
• You must pay the Provisional License fee.

Restricted Full Driver License (17 to 18 years old)
• You must be at least 17 years old.
• You must have held a Provisional License for at least six months.
• You must not have any moving violation convictions for 12 months prior to application.
• You must submit a Certification of Eligibility for Full Driver’s License with conditions form certifying that you have complete 10 hours of nighttime driving while accompanied by a driver or tutor who is 21 years or older with a valid full license.
• You must pay the fee of $44 for an 8-year license.
A full unrestricted Class D license may be issued when you reach the age of 18.

The District of Columbia has the following restrictions:

• Learner’s Permit Restrictions
• You must be accompanied by and under the instruction of a driver who is 21 years or older, has a valid full driver license and is seated next to you in the passenger front seat.

Hours Permitted to Drive—Age 16 to Age 21
September to June
• Sunday to Thursday—6 am to 9 pm
• Friday and Saturday—6 am to 9 pm

July and August
• Everyday from 6 am to 9 pm

• You and your passengers must wear seatbelts at all times
• You may not operate a motor vehicle for compensation.
• You may not operate a commercial vehicle
• You may not use a mobile phone or other electronic device with or without hands-free accessories while driving in the District of Columbia.

Provisional License Restrictions
• You can drive with one passenger who is 21 years or older, has a valid full driver license and is seated next to you in the passenger front seat or any other passenger who is your sibling or parent.

Hours Permitted to Drive—Age 16 to Age 21
September to June
• Sunday to Thursday—6 am to 10:59 pm
• Friday and Saturday—6 am to 11:59 pm

July and August
• Everyday from 6 am to 11:59 pm

• You can operate a motor vehicle during GRAD restricted hours if:

1. You are driving to or from work
2. You are driving to or from a school-sponsored activity
3. You are driving to or from a religious event
4. You are driving to or from an athletic even or related training session in which you are a participant sponsored by the District of Columbia, a civic organization or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor
5. You are accompanied by and under the instruction of a driver who is 21 years or older, has a valid full driver license and is seated next to you in the passenger front seat.

Full License Restrictions (17 to 18 years old)
September to June
• Sunday to Thursday—6 am to 10:59 pm
• Friday and Saturday—6 am to 11:59 pm

July and August
• Everyday from 6 am to 11:59 pm

• You can operate a motor vehicle during GRAD restricted hours if:

1. You are driving to or from work
2. You are driving to or from a school-sponsored activity
3. You are driving to or from a religious event
4. You are driving to or from an athletic even or related training session in which you are a participant sponsored by the District of Columbia, a civic organization or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor
5. You are accompanied by and under the instruction of a driver who is 21 years or older, has a valid full driver license and is seated next to you in the passenger front seat.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian will be notified about any GRAD violations.

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that parents and teens enter into a driving agreement covering the following issues:

• Driving at night
• Never to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• To always a seatbelt
• To obey all of the traffic laws
• Never to use a cell phone while driving while holding a Learner’s Permit
• Limit the number of passengers

The parents should enforce the graduated driver’s licensing restrictions and outline the consequences for breaking the rules.

When applying for an instruction permit or driver’s license, you will need to do the following:

• Fill out the District of Columbia Driver License/Identification Card Application.

• Submit the Notarized Parental Consent Form if you are under age 18, with a copy of your parent’s or legal guardian’s D.C. driver license or D.C. identification card. Children of Diplomats may be certified by a parent who holds a State Department Driver’s License, in lieu of a D.C. Driver’s License, granted the address on the State Department Driver’s License matches the documentation provided as proof of address and is the child’s residence.

• Submit the 40 hours Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License form if you are under 18.

• You must submit a Certification of Eligibility for Full Driver’s License with conditions form certifying that you have complete 10 hours of nighttime driving when applying for a full restricted license.

• Pay the appropriate testing, permit and license fees. The DMV accepts payments in cash, money order, VISA, MasterCard and Discover Credit cards. American Express cards are not accepted.

The District of Columbia DMV requires applicants to provide one primary document or two secondary documents from each category listed below. Each document can only be used as proof for one category. All documents are subject to verification and approval.

Proof of Identity and Birth Date For U.S. Citizens—Primary Sources
• State issued U.S. birth certificate
• D.C. driver license, learner permit or identification card (not expired for more than 180 days)
• Valid U.S. passport
• Valid U.S. Military identification card
• Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
• Letter/Card from Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), D.C. Department of Corrections (DC DOC) or U.S. Probation Office (USPO) (ID Card only)

Proof of Identity and Birth Date For U.S. Citizens—Secondary Sources
• Certified copy of high school or college records from a U.S. jurisdiction or territory with applicant’s full name and date of birth
• Valid U.S. Military discharge papers (DD-214)
• Valid health insurance card reflecting applicant’s full name and date of birth
• Valid identification card issued by a government agency (excluding motor vehicle issued driver license/identification card) with the expiration date and applicant’s full name, date of birth and photo

Proof of Identity, Birth Date & Status For Non-U.S. Citizens
All Non-U.S. Citizens must apply at the DMV at Georgetown Park Mall
Must provide one original document from the following list:
• Valid passport with visa and I-94 reflecting duration, plus the following documents that apply to your visa classification:
• I-20 (F visa classification)
• DS-2019 (J visa classification)
• U.S. State Department letter reflecting no diplomatic immunity (A or G visa classification) and Verification of Employment letter reflecting term appointment expiration date (G visa classification)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
• Employment Authorization Document (I-766 or I-688B)
• An official document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• A USCIS Notice of Action letter reflecting the applicant has applied for an extension of duration of stay or immigration status is being processed. The letter must have been issued within the last six months.

Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)—Primary Sources
All Non-U.S. Citizens are required to have a SSN. If not eligible, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Must provide one original document from the following list:
• Social Security card with applicant’s name, SSN and signature
• SSA printout reflecting full name and SSN
• Letter/Card from Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), D.C. Department of Corrections (DC DOC) or U.S. Probation Office (USPO) (ID Card only)
• Letter from SSA reflecting not eligible for SSN

Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)—Secondary Sources
• Payroll statement issued within the last 12 months reflecting applicant’s full name and SSN
• Valid U.S. Military discharge papers (DD-214)
• Valid health insurance card reflecting applicant’s full name and SSN
• Valid identification card issued by government agency (excluding motor vehicle issued driver license/identification card) reflecting applicant’s full name and SSN
• IRS W-2 (wage and tax statement) issued within the last 12 months
• Original letter or correspondence from the IRS or D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue issued within the last 12 months
• Government certified copy of Federal or State tax return filed within the last two years

Proof of District of Columbia Residency
Must provide one original document containing applicant name and current D.C. address
• Utility bill (water, gas, electric, oil or cable), provide entire bill issued within 60 days
• Telephone bill (no cell phone or pager bills accepted), provide entire bill issued within 60 days
• D.C. Property Tax bill issued within the last 12 months
• Valid Homeowner or Renter Insurance policy reflecting name and D.C. address
• Lease or rental agreement issued within the last 2 years with the name of lessee or renter (sublease agreement not acceptable)
• Deed, Settlement Agreement Statement
• Letter/Card from Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), D.C. Department of Corrections (DC DOC) or U.S. Probation Office (USPO) (ID Card only)
• Notarized verification form from a D.C. Social Services agency issued within 60 days (D.C. homeless only)
• Veteran’s Home ID Card with latter
• D.C. DMV Proof of Residency Application

Proof of Ability to Drive
All applicants must take the vision test and comply with medical requirements
• Valid out-of-state driver license or not expired for more than 90 days
• An out-of-state certified driving record (issued within the last 30 days) reflecting a license which is in (a) good standing, and (b) has not expired more than 90 days
• Valid out-of-country driver license (You must take and pass the D.C. DMV knowledge and vision tests. A certified translation is required for an out-of-country driver license not written in English (International licenses are not acceptable).

If you do not qualify for the above categories, you must take and pass the DC DMV knowledge, road skills and vision tests and comply with medical requirements.

The State of District of Columbia requires drivers to pass the following tests:

The Knowledge Test
• The knowledge test is designed to check your knowledge of traffic laws, rules or the road, motor vehicle laws and safe driving practices. You must correctly answer 20 out of 25 multiple-choice questions to pass the test. The exam can be taken at any DMV service center and is available in English, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese and in audio format or visual format with touch screen response. If you are between the ages of 16 and 20 years old, you will be placed in the Graduated Licensing Program, also known as the Graduated Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD). The official examination will be a computerized test consisting of 30 questions. You must have a pass the test by answering 24 out of 30 questions correctly.

Vision Screening
• You must have a visual acuity of 20/40 in at least one eye and no less than 20/70 in the other eye, with or without using corrective lenses. Your field of vision must be at least 130 degrees in the horizontal meridian. Applicants who cannot meet the minimum standards must take an Eye Report to a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist for completion and return it to the DMV Medical Unit.

The Road Skills Test
• The Road Skills driving test includes maneuvers such as driving in traffic, ability to use turn signals, safely controlling the vehicle and parallel parking. The test may be waived if you have a valid out-of-state license for the same class of license that you are converting to a D.C. driver license. If you are in the GRAD program (age 16 to 20), you must bring your completed Certificate of Eligibility for Provisional License with conditions form.

The vehicle used to take the test must:

1. Have a hand emergency brake located between the seats. In lieu of a hand emergency brake located between the seats, the vehicle may have a second steering wheel and/or brake located on the passenger side or any other emergency safety device that is in easy reach of the Driver License Examiner.
2. Have a current registration from any state.
3. Have a motor vehicle liability insurance card of the policy (copies unacceptable).
4. The card/policy must identify the vehicle and include the expiration date.
5. Display a valid inspection sticker (if required in the state where the vehicle is registered).
6. Display a front and rear license tag (if required in the state where the vehicle is registered).
7. Have properly functioning brake lights, signals, horn and driver’s side window.
8. Have a windshield providing an unobstructed field of vision.
9. Have two rear view mirrors (one must be on the outside of the left side of the vehicle).

Rental vehicles are allowed for road tests if the person taking the test is listed on the rental contract as an approved driver of the rental vehicle with proper insurance coverage. If you fail the road test the first time, you must wait 72 hours before taking the test again. If you fail the road test three times within a 12-month period, you must wait 12 months before taking the test again.

The District of Columbia does not require new drivers to complete an approved driver’s education program. However, you must have a Certification of Eligibility certifying the following:

• 40 hours of practice driving
• 10 hours of practice driving must be completed at night

Even though formal driver education is not required, the DMV recommends all teens enroll in a course to prepare you for the driving test and help you become a safe and smart driver.

Before applying for a permit or license, you should study the District of Columbia Driving Manual, which covers the following topics:

• Introduction
• Driver License Examination Process
• Types of Drivers License & Permits
• Other Services
• Important Things to Know
• Driver Information
• Driving Rules
• Parking Rules
• Traffic Rules
• Signals, Signs and Markings
• Identifying Signs by Shapes and Colors
• Regulatory Signs

The manual can be found online at the District of Columbia Department DMV website or at any local DMV service center.

What are the requirements to apply for my driving permit?
The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires anyone under the age of 21 to operate under the Gradual Rearing of Adult Driver’s (GRAD) Program. To obtain a Learner’s Permit, you must meet the following requirements:

Learner’s Permit
• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have a Notarized Parental Consent Form
• You must pass the knowledge and vision tests.
• You must pay the Learner Permit fee of $20.

During the learner permit stage, if eight points have been assessed against you or you violate any GRAD program restrictions, your Learner’s Permit will be suspended for 90 days and you will have to pay a reinstatement fee.