Roadwise States District of Columbia Driving lessons The road skills test District of Columbia driving lesson · Getting Your DC License
The road skills test 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.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Getting Your DC License
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 12, 13 The road skills test is given on DC roads. It covers maneuvers, driving in traffic, using turn signals, safely controlling the vehicle and parallel parking. It's by appointment only, and you need a valid learner permit to book it.
Know the rule
The road skills test is generally waived if you hold a valid out-of-state license for the same class of license and are converting it to a DC license.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Know the rule
Road tests are scheduled by appointment only, and you must have a valid learner permit to schedule. Book online at www.dmv.dc.gov or by calling 311; cancel by calling 311.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ $30 Cancellation fee if you don't cancel at least two business days ahead (no fee if DMV cancels)
Handbook p. 12 ↗ On the day of your road test you must: Arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment Arrive in a vehicle that meets the vehicle requirements Bring your valid learner permit Be accompanied by a fully licensed driver 21 years or older Bring a vehicle with valid registration and proof of insurance Wear your seat belt GRAD (age 16-20): bring your completed Certificate of Eligibility for Provisional License form Handbook p. 13 ↗ Know the rule
If you drive yourself to the test on a learner permit without a fully licensed driver 21 or older, you will not be able to take the test.
Handbook p. 13 ↗ 12 months Wait after 6 consecutive failed road tests (from the first failed test)
Handbook p. 13 ↗ Your road test may be cancelled if: The examiner believes he or she would have trouble reaching the brake or stopping the vehicle in an emergency Inclement weather or other circumstances beyond DMV's control make the road dangerous You and your vehicle have not met all of the road test requirements Handbook p. 13 ↗ Put it into practice
You fail your road test at 9:00 a.m. Monday. You can't retest until 72 hours have passed, so 9:00 a.m. Thursday is the earliest. Cancelling a later appointment only one business day ahead would cost you $30.
A useful reminder Knowledge-test retest wait = 3 calendar days. Road-test retest wait = 72 hours. Both lock you out for 12 months after 6 straight failures.
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 is the fee charged for each DC road skills test? $0 $25 $10 $50 Answer: $10
DC DMV charges a $10 fee for each Road Skills test.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ What happens if you cancel a scheduled DC road skills test less than two business days before the appointment? Nothing, cancellations are always free You lose your learner permit You must retake the knowledge test You are charged a $30 cancellation fee Answer: You are charged a $30 cancellation fee
Failing to cancel a road skills test at least two business days ahead results in a $30 cancellation fee.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Who must accompany a learner permit holder who drives themselves to their DC road skills test appointment? A fully licensed driver 21 or older Any licensed adult A parent only No one, they may drive alone Answer: A fully licensed driver 21 or older
A permit holder who drives to the road test without a fully licensed driver 21 or older will not be allowed to test.
Handbook p. 13 ↗ If you fail the DC road skills test once, how long must you wait before retesting? 24 hours 7 days 30 days 72 hours Answer: 72 hours
A failed road skills test requires a 72-hour wait before retesting.
Handbook p. 13 ↗ If you fail the DC road skills test six consecutive times, when may you retest? 12 months after the first failed test 72 hours after the sixth failure 30 days after the sixth failure You may never retest Answer: 12 months after the first failed test
Like the knowledge test, six consecutive road skills failures require a 12-month wait from the first failure.
Handbook p. 13 ↗ Under what circumstance is the DC road skills test generally waived? You are over age 65 Converting a valid out-of-state license You have a clean driving record for 1 year You already own a registered vehicle Answer: Converting a valid out-of-state license
The road skills test is usually waived for drivers converting a valid same-class out-of-state license.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Previous lesson The knowledge test & vision screening Next lesson Your road test vehicle More in Getting Your DC License About the source Roadwise’s District of Columbia course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 12, 13. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check District of Columbia’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.