District of Columbia Driver’s License Requirements
To get a driver’s license in the District of Columbia, you must pass a vision test, a written exam, and a road test.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To get your driver’s license in DC, you must be at least 17 years old. If you’ve never had a license before, you need to have provisional license for a minimum of 6 months and complete a certain number of supervised driving hours. You will also have to pay a fee of $47.
Getting a driver’s license is one of the biggest milestones of our lives. It’s a huge step toward freedom—and not having to ride the bus anymore. Since each state mandates how residents can obtain their driver’s license, you have to do your research.
Enjoy this helpful guide from
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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in the District of Columbia?
To get your driver’s license in D.C., you must be 17 years old and complete the following:
- Have a valid provisional license for a minimum of 6 months.
- Go at least 12 consecutive months, including the six months with your learner's permit and six months with your provisional license, without any incident, infraction, or conviction that could result in points being assigned to your driver's license.
- Have a signed, certified form saying that you have practiced night driving skills for at least 10 hours, accompanied by a driver who is 21 years old or older and who has a valid full driver's license.
Each document must be in its certified or original form.
What are the requirements for young drivers?
Once you turn 16, you can get a DC DMV learner permit. All young drivers must do the following:
- Pass a vision screening
- Pass a knowledge test
- Provide the required documentation that proves your identity, residency, and eligibility.
If you can meet every requirement, you can receive a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose learner permit.
What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?
Here is what you will need to do if you are looking to complete an out-of-state license transfer:
- Submit a DC Driver’s License or Identification Card Application
- Bring legal documentation that will verify the following documents:
- Your age and full legal nameProof of DC residencyYour SSN or proof that you are ineligible for one
- Pass a vision test
- Submit your existing license
- Take a new photo to be used for your DC license
- Pay a fee of $47.00
If your out-of-state license is more than 90 days expired, you must pass a written test, road test, and vision test.
How to get a driver’s license in the District of Columbia
For new drivers
All new drivers need to complete several stages to get their driver’s license. In order, these include:
- Getting a learner permit
- This lets you practice driving under the supervision of another passenger
- Getting a provisional license
- This lets you drive without supervision but under certain restrictions
- Getting a full license
- This lets you drive without any restrictions
Vision test
This simple vision test requires applicants to look into a machine and read a series of numbers, letters, or characters out loud to a DMV worker. This will determine the quality of their eyesight and peripheral vision to ensure they meet the standards set by the District to safely drive a vehicle.
Knowledge exam
If you are between 16-21 years old, you will need to take a test consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions. If you are over 21 years old, you will have to complete 25 multiple-choice questions.
You must get 80% to pass. That means those who are 16-21 years old can only get six questions wrong, and those who are 21 or older can only miss five questions.
Road test
D.C.’s driving road test ensures you have the ability to safely handle a vehicle. Essentially, you must prove that you can follow the rules of the road.
You are required to provide the test vehicle, and it must be equipped with the following:
- All valid stickers
- All valid license plates
- Functioning lights, horn, and signal indicators
- Windows and doors that work
- All mirrors
- A hand emergency brake between the two front seats
- Proper tires
- No service or warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including low gas
How to save money on car insurance in Washington D.C.
Getting your driver’s license is a really exciting time in anyone’s life. However, you’ll soon learn that saving on car insurance is also really exciting. That’s why you should use car insurance super app
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
What do I need for a District of Columbia driver’s license?
To get your driver’s license in the District of Columbia, you must be at least 17 years old, have had your learner permit for a minimum of 6 months in addition to passing a road test, a vision screening, completing all forms, and paying the fee of $47.
How much does it cost to get a District of Columbia driver’s license?
The fee to get a District of Columbia driver’s license is $47.
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