The Washington, D.C., Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to obtain a learner's permit before getting a driver's license. Any DMV station can administer the written test you need to take to get a learner's permit. See below for the steps you need to complete.

1. Fill out an application for a D.C. learner's permit (check "Learner's Permit" under "Transaction Type" on the application).
2. Provide the required documents:
   • Proof of name and date of birth. You must be at least 16 years of age. See the DMV's list of valid documents.
   • Notarized parental consent form or letter stating consent, along with a photocopy of your parent's or legal guardian's driver's license or ID card.
   • Proof of Washington, D.C., residency. See the DMV's list of appropriate proof.
3. Pass the written knowledge test. You can study for it by downloading the D.C. Driver's Examination Study Guide, which includes a practice test. You can also get this from any DMV location or by calling (202) 727-5000.
4. Pass a vision test.
5. Pay the $20 learner's permit fee.

Replacing a Lost Learner's Permit

If you need to replace your learner's permit because it was lost or stolen, you can do so online or at any DMV station for a $20 fee. The DMV will mail your duplicate learner's permit to the address it has on file.

To replace your permit online, you need to have the following materials ready:

• Learner's permit number (make sure your permit hasn't expired).

• First name, last name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

• Visa, MasterCard, or Discover charge card.

To replace your permit in person, you must provide the following:

• Completed application for a duplicate learner's permit.

• Documents to prove your identity. See the DMV's list of valid proof.

• Proof of your Social Security number. See the DMV's list of valid Social Security number proof.

• If you've changed your address recently, you'll want to provide a proof of address. See the DMV's list for valid residency proof.

The DMV cannot accept photocopies or scanned documents.

Expiration Dates and Renewal

Learner's permits are valid for one year from the date of issue. If your learner's permit has expired and you haven't moved to the next stage to obtain your driver's license, you can get another learner's permit for $20. Procedures vary depending on how long the permit has been expired:

• Less than 90 days: Apply for a learner's permit renewal online.

• More than 90 days: Pass the written knowledge test again.

The DMV will mail your learner's permit to your address on file within 10 days.

Practice Tests

The best way to pass a test is to study, which is why the District of Columbia DMV provides a study guide for the written knowledge test. You can also visit our practice tests section for tutorials.

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