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District of Columbia driving lesson · Getting Your DC License

Who can get a DC license

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
Getting Your DC License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
11, 12

Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or motorcycle on public roadways in the District of Columbia must have a driver license. This lesson covers who qualifies and what you must bring and give up when you apply.

60 days

Deadline to get a DC driver license after moving to the District

Handbook p. 11 ↗

You may obtain a DC driver license if you:

  • Are at least 17 years old (learner permit at age 16)
  • Can prove your full legal name, date of birth and Social Security number
  • Can submit two (2) proofs of DC residency
  • Have passed the vision screening, knowledge test and road skills test
  • Have parental/guardian consent if you are under age 18
  • Surrender any driver license or identification card you held before
  • Have not had your license suspended, revoked or denied
  • Comply with medical requirements
Handbook p. 11 ↗
17

Minimum age for a DC driver license (learner permit at 16)

Handbook p. 11 ↗

Know the rule

This manual covers driving a non-commercial vehicle (passenger car). For a commercial vehicle, study the Commercial Driver License (CDL) Manual; for a motorcycle, read the Motorcycle Operation Manual in addition to this manual.

Handbook p. 11 ↗

Know the rule

Foreign nationals who hold a valid out-of-country driver license must still take and pass the knowledge and eye examinations to get a DC license.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

Know the rule

You will not be permitted to refer to the manual while taking the examination.

Handbook p. 11 ↗

Put it into practice

You move to DC on March 1 with a Virginia license. You have 60 days to get a DC license. You'll bring proof of name, date of birth, Social Security number and two proofs of DC residency, and you'll surrender your Virginia license when you apply.

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 minimum age to apply for a DC learner permit?
  1. 16
  2. 15
  3. 17
  4. 18

Answer: 16

You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a DC learner permit.

Handbook p. 11 ↗
According to the DC eligibility list, what is the minimum age for a DC driver license?
  1. 16
  2. 17
  3. 18
  4. 21

Answer: 17

You may obtain a DC driver license if you are at least 17 years old (learner permit at age 16).

Handbook p. 11 ↗
How soon after moving to the District of Columbia must a new resident obtain a DC driver license?
  1. Within 30 days
  2. Within 90 days
  3. Within 60 days
  4. Within 6 months

Answer: Within 60 days

Anyone who moves to DC and drives on public roads must get a DC license within 60 days of moving.

Handbook p. 11 ↗
A 17-year-old applying for a DC driver license needs which additional document that an adult applicant does not?
  1. Parental or guardian consent
  2. A second photo ID
  3. A notarized birth certificate
  4. A driver education certificate

Answer: Parental or guardian consent

Applicants under age 18 must have parental or guardian consent to obtain a DC driver license.

Handbook p. 11 ↗
Foreign nationals with a valid out-of-country driver license must still pass the knowledge and vision tests to get a DC license.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Foreign nationals must take and pass the knowledge and eye examinations even with a valid out-of-country license.

Handbook p. 12 ↗
A DC applicant must surrender any driver license or ID card previously held from another jurisdiction.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Applicants must surrender any previously held driver license or identification card.

Handbook p. 11 ↗
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