In the District of Columbia, you must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner's permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The district has adopted a graduated licensing program for teen drivers. You are not required to take driver's education, but taking a driver's ed course can give you valuable experience.

The requirements for getting a learner's permit differ for drivers under the age of 21 and those over 21.

New Drivers Under 21 Years Old

First-time drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 will fall under the requirements for the GRAD program (GRAD stands for Gradual Rearing Of Adult Drivers). To apply for a learner's permit, you are required to go in person to a DMV service location and provide:

• Valid proof of your identity and birthdate.

• Proof of your Social Security number.

• Proof of DC residency.

• Notarized consent form from your parents if you are under 18 and a copy of your parent's or legal guardian's DC driver's license or ID card.

• $20 learner's permit application fee and $10 knowledge test fee.

• You will need to pass the knowledge and vision test. To study for the written knowledge test, read the DC DMV's Driver's Examination Guide.

Under the GRAD program, there are several restrictions that you must keep in mind after you receive your learner's permit:

• You are never allowed to drive alone. You must always be accompanied and instructed by a driver who is at least 21 years old, possesses a valid driver's license, and is seated in the front passenger seat.

• Driving hours are restricted for novice drivers until age 21.

• You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts

• You may not get paid to operate a motor vehicle, nor may you operate a commercial vehicle.

The GRAD program has strict enforcement mechanisms. It is up to you to follow the rules and maintain your driving privileges. Just as when you have a full license, there are penalties for violating traffic laws and GRAD program requirements.

If you should get a GRAD violation and you are under 18, your parent or guardian will be notified. Additionally, any traffic violation for which points could be assessed will increase the length of time you must wait before you can apply for your provisional license.

New Drivers Over the Age of 21

If you are a first-time driver 21 or over, or if you do not have a valid driver's license from another jurisdiction, you must first get a learner's permit before getting a DC driver's license. A learner's permit is good for one year.

To apply, bring the following to a DMV service location:

• Valid proof of your identity and birthdate.

• Proof of your Social Security number.

• Proof of DC residency.

• $20 learner's permit application fee and $10 knowledge test fee.

• You will need to pass the knowledge and vision test. To study for the written knowledge test, read the DC DMV's Driver's Examination Guide.

You must not have any outstanding debts to the District of Columbia at the time of your application.

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