District of Columbia Drivers Education

The District of Columbia uses the “GRAD” (Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers) program which has three stages (a) supervised learning phase, (2) intermediate phase for provisional license and (3) full license phase.

The Learners Permit phase is for all potential drivers from age 16 – 21 and requires that you have a certified birth certificate, your social security card and proof of residency. You will also be required to provide a notarized Parental Consent Form (if you are under 18) and a copy of your parents DC license or identification card. You must pass a written exam as well as a vision screening. Restrictions on your permit do not allow you to drive by yourself, but instead be accompanied by and receive direction from a driver who has a valid license and is over the age of 21. you may not drive a car that you are receiving compensation for driving, you may not operate commercial vehicles and you and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times. You are not allowed to use any electronic devices while you are driving (including hands free devices). Driving hours are restricted to 6am to 9pm, although you can operate a motor vehicle during GRAD restricted hours if you are driving to or from work, a school-sponsored activity, religious or an athletic event, or related training session in which you are a participant, sponsored by the District of Columbia, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor, or if accompanied by the holder of a valid driver’s license who is 21 years of age or older, wearing a seat belt, and occupying the passenger seat beside you.

Once you reach age 16 ½ and you have held your Learner’s Permit for at least six months with no violations, you will be eligible to apply for a Provisional License provided you have Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License form certifying that you’ve had forty hours of driving experience with a licensed driver. You must also pass a driving test. A provisional license allows you to drive by yourself, and you may have one additional passenger, who is licensed and 21 or over, or your parent(s) or sibling(s). you and all passengers must wear proper restraints at all times. Driving times are restricted as follows:

September - June
Monday - Thursday, 6:01am – 10:59pm
Friday, 6:01am – 11:59pm

July & August
Everyday, 6:01am – 11:59pm

You can operate a motor vehicle during GRAD restricted hours if you are driving to or from work, a school-sponsored activity, religious or an athletic event, or related training session in which you are a participant, sponsored by the District of Columbia, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor, or if accompanied by the holder of a valid driver’s license who is 21 years of age or older, wearing a seat belt, and occupying the passenger seat beside you.

When you reach the age of 17 (and until you are 21) you are eligible to apply for a Full Driver’s License provided you have held a provisional license for at least 6 months, and have not accrued any points on your driving record for 12 months. You must provide a signed 10 hours Certification of Eligibility for Full License with Conditions form certifying that you have practiced night driving skills for at least 10 hours accompanied by a driver who is 21 years or older and has a valid full driver's license as well as a copy of their license. You are allowed to drive alone, and if you are under 18, you may have no more than two passengers who are not your siblings under the age of 21 with you. Everyone in the car must wear seatbelt at all times. Until you reach 18, your parents will be notified of any GRAD violations. The same driving hour restrictions apply until you are 18 as applied to your Provisional license.