District of Columbia Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your District of Columbia learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: DC DMV — Obtain a REAL ID Learner Permit ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in District of Columbia
- At 16+, complete the DC application and gather proof of identity, two DC residency documents, Social Security proof, and parental-consent documents if you are 16 or 17
- Go to a DC DMV service center, pass the vision screening and knowledge test, and pay the learner permit fee
- Use the learner permit only between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; if you fail the knowledge test, wait 3 full calendar days before trying again
- If you are under 21, follow the GRAD learner-permit phase and hold the permit at least 6 months with a clean points record
- Complete the 40-hour certification for the provisional-license step, then qualify for the provisional license at 17+ and continue through the GRAD program
District of Columbia GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit hours: Learner permit holders may drive only between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- Grad enrollment: Drivers under age 21 who obtain a learner permit are automatically enrolled in the GRAD program
- Provisional hours: During the provisional phase, drivers may drive Sunday-Thursday 6:00 a.m.-10:59 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 6:00 a.m.-11:59 p.m. from September-June, and 6:00 a.m.-11:59 p.m. every day in July and August
- Grad exit: Once you turn 21, you are released from the GRAD program; full-license drivers age 18+ have no driving-hours or passenger restrictions
Documents you'll need
- Completed DC driver license or identification card application
- Proof of identity and age
- Two documents proving District residency
- Proof of Social Security number
- Parental consent plus parental/legal-guardianship verification documents if age 16 or 17
The details
- Permit eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old to get a DC DMV learner permit
- Permit fee details: DC DMV lists the learner permit fee at $20
- License fee: $20 — DC DMV lists the provisional driver license fee at $20; online conversion from provisional to full license with conditions is listed at $47
- Permit validity: 24 months — A DC DMV REAL ID learner permit is valid for 2 years for U.S. citizens and is non-renewable
- Permit hold details: To obtain the provisional license, you must have held a valid learner permit for at least 6 months
- Practice hour details: DC's certification page states that 40 hours of practice are required for the provisional-license step; a separate 10 hours of night driving is later required to convert from provisional to full license with conditions
- Knowledge test: 30 questions; 80% to pass; Web search: ages 16-20 take a 30-question GRAD test, 24 correct (80%) to pass; ages 21+ take a 25-question test at 80%
- Retake wait after failing: 3 days — If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait 3 full calendar days and return on the fourth day to test again
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in District of Columbia?
You can get a learner's permit in District of Columbia at 16. You must be at least 16 years old to get a DC DMV learner permit.
How much does a District of Columbia permit cost?
The District of Columbia permit fee is $20. DC DMV lists the learner permit fee at $20.
How long do you have to hold your permit in District of Columbia?
To obtain the provisional license, you must have held a valid learner permit for at least 6 months.
How many practice driving hours does District of Columbia require?
District of Columbia requires 40 hours of supervised practice driving.
Where can I practice for the District of Columbia permit test?
Right here — take a free District of Columbia practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
