Getting a Washington D.C. learner permit

Minimum age for a learner permit

16.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner permit fee

$20 for the permit. The knowledge test costs extra: $10 at a DMV service center, $39.95 at the Test Proctoring Center, or $49.95 online.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test fee

$10 at a DC DMV service center. You pay it whether you pass or fail.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

Applicants aged 16 or 17 need the DMV parental consent form, plus a birth certificate, adoption order or guardianship decree showing the relationship.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long the permit is valid

2 years for U.S. citizens, and it can't be renewed. For non-citizens it depends on the approved length of stay.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit holding period (under 21)

At least 6 months before you can get a provisional license. Drivers who turn 21 are released from the GRAD program and can book a road test right away.Source: code.dccouncil.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner permit restrictions

Drive only from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a licensed driver 21 or older belted in the seat beside you, and only for pleasure, not pay.Source: code.dccouncil.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit driving hours

6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a permit

A completed application plus documents in four categories: identity and age, two proofs of DC residency, Social Security number, and parental consent if 16-17. Unlisted documents are refused.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Originals only

Bring original documents. Photocopies, altered or notarized copies are not accepted unless a page says so.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Walk-in or appointment

Knowledge tests at service centers are walk-in, first come, first served. Virtual and Test Proctoring Center tests need an appointment, and so do all road tests.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Virtual knowledge test

Available by appointment for the standard and GRAD (16-20) tests, online or at the Test Proctoring Center. Motorcycle and CDL tests are excluded.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

After passing the knowledge test

Visit a service center with all your documents within 14 business days, or the result is void and you must retest.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test languages

24 languages: English, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, and (since December 15, 2025) Turkish, Hungarian, Finnish, Danish, Indonesian, Dutch, Farsi, Italian and Swedish. Audio-assisted tests are offered.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Time limit

75 minutes for the GRAD/learner permit knowledge test. Going over the limit counts as a fail.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

If you fail the knowledge test

Wait three full calendar days. Fail on Tuesday, and you can retest on Saturday.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Attempt limit

6 failures in 12 months locks you out until 12 months after the first failure. Cheating means no retest for 60 days.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test booking

Appointment only, no walk-ins. Book online or by calling 311 / (202) 737-4404. Third-party testers are also available.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

If you fail the road test

Wait 72 hours. Six failures in 12 months locks you out until 12 months after the first failure.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID documents

Proof of identity, proof of lawful presence, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of current DC residency.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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