What you need to bring and where to go
To get a DC learner's permit, you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person with specific documents. You cannot complete this by mail or online — the DMV needs to verify your identity and take your photo. The main office is at 301 C Street NW in Washington, DC, and there are no satellite locations, so plan to travel there during their business hours.
Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current DC address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with a valid ID. If you were not born in the United States, bring your immigration documents as well.
The DMV will ask you to fill out form DL-44 (process for Driver's License or Permit) on site. You do not need to print it ahead of time — staff will hand you a copy. Bring a pen to fill it out while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the DMV in person at 301 C Street NW with your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your DC address.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own valid ID.
- The DMV will take your photo and administer a written test covering DC traffic laws and road signs.
- You pay a fee at the time of your visit, and your permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it.
- You must pass the written test to receive your permit — there is no passing score you can look up in advance, but the DMV publishes a study guide online.
The written test and what it covers
Before you receive your permit, you must pass a written test administered by the DMV. The test has 25 questions about DC traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent.
The DMV publishes a free study guide called the "DC Driver's Manual" on their website. This manual covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do in emergency situations. You can read it online or request a printed copy at the DMV office. Most people spend two to four weeks studying before taking the test.
The test is given on a computer at the DMV office. You sit at a terminal, answer the questions, and get your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts. There is no extra fee to retake it.
Fees and how long the permit lasts
The fee for a DC learner's permit is $20 if you are 18 or older, and $10 if you are under 18. You pay this fee at the DMV when you submit your process. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. After two years, you must renew it if you have not yet passed your road test and received your full driver's license. Renewal costs the same as the original permit.
What you can and cannot do with a learner's permit
A DC learner's permit allows you to practice driving, but with restrictions. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
You must display your permit and the permit holder's license on the dashboard or sun visor so police can see them. You must follow all traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. If you are pulled over, you must show both your permit and the supervising driver's license.
Your learner's permit does not allow you to drive for commercial purposes, such as delivering food or driving for a rideshare service. It is only for practice driving with a licensed adult present.
How to move from a learner's permit to a full license
Once you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days and feel ready, you can schedule a road test with the DMV. The road test checks whether you can handle real traffic safely — the examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you drive.
To schedule your road test, call the DMV at 202-727-5000 or visit their website. You will need to provide your permit number and choose a date and time. Road tests are typically available within two to four weeks of when you call, though wait times vary by season.
On the day of your road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be driving, and the vehicle itself. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping. If you pass, the DMV will issue your full driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one week.
DMV hours and what to expect when you arrive
The DMV office at 301 C Street NW is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. Arrive early if you can — the office gets busy in the afternoon, and wait times can reach two to three hours during peak times.
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. The staff will verify your documents, take your photo, and have you fill out form DL-44 if you have not already. Then you will go to a computer terminal to take the written test. The entire process usually takes 45 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. If any of your documents are missing or expired, the DMV will not issue your permit that day, and you will have to return with the correct documents.
If you were not born in the United States
If you were born outside the United States, you must bring your immigration documents along with your birth certificate or passport. Acceptable documents include a green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record. The DMV will make a copy of these documents as part of your process.
If your immigration status is temporary, your learner's permit will expire on the same date your immigration document expires. For example, if your visa expires in six months, your permit will expire in six months even though permits normally last two years. The DMV will note this expiration date on your permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take the written test in person at the DMV office. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and the DMV needs to verify your identity before you take it. There is no remote or mail-in option.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts. There is no additional fee. You can retake it as many times as you need until you pass. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the DC Driver's Manual.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?
You do not need the card itself — you can bring a W-2, 1099, or other document that shows your Social Security number. The DMV accepts any official document with your number on it. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining your situation.
Can someone else pick up my permit for me?
No. You must be present at the DMV to have your photo taken and to take the written test. Your parent or guardian can come with you if you are under 18, but you must be there in person.
How long does it take to get my permit after I pass the test?
You receive your permit the same day you pass the written test. The DMV prints it on site, and you walk out with it. There is no waiting period or mailing process.