What to bring to the Washington DC DMV permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge test

• Completed Driver License or Identification Card Application
• Proof of identity and date of birth (full legal name)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of DC residency
• Parental consent form if 16 or 17 (with a birth certificate, adoption order or guardianship decree to verify the parent or guardian)
• Any previously held license or ID (surrendered)
• Original documents only: no photocopies or notarized copies unless stated

Fees

• Learner permit: $20
• Knowledge test (DC DMV Service Center): $10
• Knowledge test (Test Proctoring Center): $39.95
• Virtual knowledge test: $49.95
• Provisional driver license: $20
• Driver license (first-time and renewal, 8 years): $47
• Road skills test: $10
• Road test not cancelled at least two business days ahead: $30
• Driver license reinstatement: $115

The vision test

With or without corrective lenses: at least 20/40 in the better eye, or at least 20/70 in the better eye with a field of vision of at least 140 degrees.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• Valid learner permit
• A licensed driver 21 or older to come with you. If you drive yourself to the test on a permit, you can't test, and you will be barred from testing for 6 months.
• Vehicle with valid registration and proof of insurance identifying the vehicle, a valid inspection sticker and plates if required, working brake lights, signals, horn, windows and doors, a rearview mirror and two side mirrors, an uncracked windshield with nothing hanging from the mirror, good tires (no donut spares), no warning lights on (including low gas), and a hand emergency brake between the seats or another brake the examiner can reach
• Under 21 (GRAD): the signed 40-hour Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early and wear your seat belt

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least 6 months (GRAD, ages 16-20), violation-free; permit valid 2 years for US citizens, non-renewable before the road test.
• Log 40 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
• Supervisor 21+ with a valid full license in the front passenger seat (both wear seat belts)
• Drive only 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• No other passengers besides the supervisor
• No phone or electronic device use, even hands-free
• No driving for compensation or commercial vehicles
• 8+ points or a GRAD violation: 90-day permit suspension
• Parental consent if 16 or 17

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DMV says copies are accepted.