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District of Columbia driving lesson · License Types & the GRAD Program

The learner permit

A 3-minute lesson from the District of Columbia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
License Types & the GRAD Program
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
14, 15

If you are under 21, you learn to drive through DC's GRAD program in three stages. The first is the learner permit: you may drive only with an experienced adult beside you, and only during set hours.

GRAD Program

Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers: the program every driver under 21 must operate under, letting novice drivers (16-20) gain experience before full privileges.

Handbook p. 14 ↗

To get a learner permit you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Pass the knowledge test and vision screening
  • If under 18, have a parental consent form signed by your parent/guardian
Handbook p. 14 ↗
2 years

Learner permit validity for US citizens; it is non-renewable

Handbook p. 14 ↗

Know the rule

Once your learner permit expires, you must retake and pass the knowledge test to get a new one.

Handbook p. 14 ↗

Know the rule

Your supervising driver must be 21 or older, hold a valid full driver license, and sit next to you in the front passenger seat.

Handbook p. 14 ↗

Learner permit restrictions:

  • You CANNOT drive alone
  • Driving hours are restricted: every day, 6:00am-9:00pm
  • You and your passenger must wear seatbelts at all times
  • No driving for compensation, and no commercial vehicles
  • No mobile phone or other electronic device, with or without hands-free accessories
  • No other passengers in the vehicle
Handbook p. 15 ↗
6 months

Consecutive months free of pointable moving violations before you can get a provisional license

Handbook p. 14 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 16 with a permit and your 24-year-old licensed brother is in the front seat at 7:00 p.m. That's legal. Stopping to pick up two friends is not: permit holders may not drive with other passengers. Taking a hands-free call is also not allowed.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What program governs novice drivers under age 21 in DC?
  1. The Provisional Adult Driver Program
  2. The GRAD Program
  3. The New Driver Supervision Act
  4. The Young Motorist Safety Program

Answer: The GRAD Program

Drivers under 21 go through the GRAD Program to gain experience before full driving privileges.

Handbook p. 14 ↗
How long is a DC learner permit valid for a U.S. citizen?
  1. One year, renewable once
  2. Six months, non-renewable
  3. Two years, non-renewable
  4. Until age 21

Answer: Two years, non-renewable

The learner permit is valid for two years for U.S. citizens and cannot be renewed.

Handbook p. 14 ↗
What must happen if a DC learner permit expires before the holder gets a provisional license?
  1. The holder automatically receives a new permit by mail
  2. The holder must wait one full year before reapplying
  3. The holder may drive unsupervised until renewal
  4. Retake and pass the knowledge test

Answer: Retake and pass the knowledge test

Once an expired learner permit lapses, you must retake and pass the knowledge test for a new one.

Handbook p. 14 ↗
Who may supervise a DC learner permit holder while driving?
  1. A licensed full driver, 21 or older
  2. Any licensed driver of any age
  3. A sibling with a provisional license
  4. No supervision is required after 3 months

Answer: A licensed full driver, 21 or older

The supervising driver must be 21 or older, hold a valid full license, and sit in the passenger front seat.

Handbook p. 14 ↗
How many consecutive months must a DC learner permit holder be free of pointable moving violations before becoming eligible for a provisional license?
  1. 3 months
  2. 6 months
  3. 9 months
  4. 12 months

Answer: 6 months

Learner permit holders must go 6 consecutive months without a pointable moving violation to qualify for a provisional license.

Handbook p. 14 ↗
Which of these is a restriction on a DC learner permit holder under the GRAD Program?
  1. They may drive alone after dark
  2. No mobile device use, even hands-free
  3. They may carry unlimited passengers
  4. They may drive for compensation

Answer: No mobile device use, even hands-free

GRAD learner permit holders may not use any mobile device while driving, even with hands-free accessories.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
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