Washington DC DMV road test: what to expect
Road skills test on DC roads by appointment (schedule online or via 311) with a valid learner permit; $10 per test; generally waived when converting a valid out-of-state license of the same class. DMV road test vehicle available at no extra fee for tests taken directly with DC DMV.
What the examiner checks
- Maneuvers
- Driving in traffic
- Use of turn signals
- Safely controlling the vehicle
- Parallel parking
Your car
- Valid registration and proof of insurance identifying the vehicle
- Valid inspection sticker and plates, if required
- Working brake lights, signals, horn, windows and doors
- A rearview mirror and two side mirrors
- Windshield without cracks, with nothing hanging from the mirror
- Good tires (no donut spares)
- No warning lights on (including low gas)
- A hand emergency brake between the seats, or another brake the examiner can reach
After you pass
Drivers under Full license with conditions after 6+ months provisional, 12 violation-free months and 10 certified night hours; GRAD ends at 21 get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:
- Provisional license (16½-20) and full license with conditions (17-18): September to June, drive 6 a.m. to 10:59 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Friday-Saturday. In July and August, 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. every day.
- Provisional: passengers limited to one fully licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat, plus siblings or parents.
- Full license with conditions under 18: no more than two passengers under 21, siblings excepted.
- Exceptions to the hours: work, school-sponsored, religious or athletic events, or with a fully licensed driver 21 or older in the seat beside you
- Provisional GRAD violations: 30-, 60- or 90-day suspensions; any driver is suspended at 10 points
- No hour or passenger restrictions once a full-license holder turns 18; GRAD ends at 21
How to prepare
- Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
- Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
- Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
- On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.
Questions
How long do I need my permit before the Washington DC road test?
At least 6 months (GRAD, ages 16-20), violation-free; permit valid 2 years for US citizens, non-renewable, with 40 hours of supervised driving (10 at night).
How old do I have to be to take the Washington DC road test?
16½ (provisional license after 6 violation-free months on the permit, 40 certified hours and a road test; valid 1 year, renewable) for a provisional or junior license; restrictions end at Full license with conditions after 6+ months provisional, 12 violation-free months and 10 certified night hours; GRAD ends at 21.
Source: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.