Washington D.C. Online Driver Education and Washington D.C. Licensing Procedures

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill to know but it can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Washington, D.C. has implemented a graduated driver license program for Washington, D.C. drivers who are between the ages of 15-18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you go begin your process of becoming a licensed driver in Washington, D.C.

The Washington D.C. Learner's Permit or Washington D.C. Instruction Permit

You will be eligible to a Washington, D.C. instruction permit when you are 16 years old. When you go to get your license, you will need to take the following items to the drivers license office with you:

• Valid proof of birth
• Social Security card
• Proof of D.C. residency
• Notarized Parental Consent Form (available on the D.C. DMV website).

You will need to pass both a vision screening test and then the written knowledge test. You’ll have 50 minutes to complete the knowledge test.

Once you have your Washington, D.C. instruction permit, you may beging driving, but there are some restrictions:

• No Driving Alone--you can only drive if a licensed parent/guardian, certified driving instructor, or a licensed adult driver who’s at least 21 years old must be sitting next to you in the front passenger seat.
• No Cell Phones or other Electronic Devices--Also, you may not use a cell phone (including "hands-free") or any other electronic device while you are driving.
• No Driving between 9pm and 6am.

Washington D.C. Provisional License (aka Intermediate Driver License)

You will be eligible to apply for your provisional drivers license once you turn 16 years and 6 months old and have had your instruction permit for at least 6 months provided you have met the following prerequisite(s):

• Completed 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed, experienced driver (be sure to have your parent/guardian or certified driving instructor sign your Certification of Eligibility for Provisional Drivers License Form) and have received no traffic citations for the previous six (6) months.

Please know that the following restrictions still apply for the first 9 months after you receive your provisional license:

• You may have only one (1) passenger who’s at least 21 years old and has a drivers license.
• You must wear your seatbelt at all times.
• Blackout Times: From September through June--No driving between 11pm and 6am Sunday thru Thursday, and between 12 midnight and 6am on Friday and Saturday. From July through August, everyday from 12 midnight through 6am.

After you turn 17 and have held your provisional license for at least 6 months, you are eligible to apply for your Washington, D.C. Regular Driver License. You will need to bring the completed Certification of Eligibility for Full License with Conditions Form to the driver's license office with you (a copy is available on the Washington, D.C. DMV website).

With your full (regular) license, there are still a few restrictions until you turn 18 years old:

• Only two (2) passengers under the age of 21 are permitted to ride with you (not including immediate family members)
• Blackout Times: From September through June--No driving between 11pm and 6am Sunday thru Thursday, and between 12 midnight and 6am on Friday and Saturday. From July through August, everyday from 12 midnight through 6am.

Once you turn 18, these restrictions will be lifted.

Washington D.C. Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws

You must carry auto insurance on any vehicle you drive in D.C.. The minimum amount of coverage required is as follows:

• $10,000 Damage to the Property of Others
• $25,000 3rd Party Liability Per Person
• $50,000 3rd Party Liability Per Accident
• $25,000 Uninsured Motorist Per Person
• $50,000 Uninsured Motorist Per Accident
• $5,000   Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (subject to a $200 Deductible)

Driving without required insurance coverage can result in your license being suspended.

Washington D.C. Drunk Driving Laws

Washington D.C. has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking.  Upon your FIRST conviction of a DUI or DWI, you will face the following penalties:

• 90 days in jail
• 6-month suspension of your driver license
• A fine ranging between $300 and $1,000.

Further violations will result in even more severe penalties.

If you’ve been drinking, DO NOT DRIVE. It’s not worth it.

Washington D.C. Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

As of 2010, Washington, D.C. prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone or electronic device while driving, unless they are "hands-free".

Washington D.C. Online Driver Education

Please visit the Washington, D.C. DMV website for complete information on required drivers education courses.