Behind-the-Wheel Training in Washington DC

Washington, D.C. Behind-the-Wheel Training

If you're a teenager applying for a new driver's license in Washington, D.C., you must complete supervised behind-the-wheel driving practice before you can obtain a driver's license. This is a requirement of the Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) gradual rearing of adult drivers (GRAD) program.

During the learner's permit and provisional driver's license stages of the GRAD program, your supervised driving practice will allow you to:

  • Gain experience behind the wheel.
  • Practice safe driving techniques.
  • Develop the driving skills and confidence necessary to ace your road test.

On this page you'll find information about your supervised driving requirements and the next steps to take to get your full driver's license.

D.C. Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

If you are younger than 21 years old, you'll need to complete:

  • 40 hours of supervised driver's training with a licensed adult while you hold your learner's permit.
  • 10 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice at night while you hold your provisional driver's license.

You can begin the Washington, D.C. DMV GRAD program behind-the-wheel requirements when you are at least 16 years old by applying for your learner's permit.

For more information about getting your learner's permit, please visit our Driver’s Permits in Washington, D.C. page.

D.C. Behind-the-Wheel Practice

You must complete supervised driving practice during both the learner's permit AND provisional driver's license stages of the GRAD program.

Each supervised driving phase is designed to help you to continue to develop your driving skills and experience. Supervised driving in real-time road/traffic conditions will allow you to approach similar situations with confidence when you are driving alone.

Learner's Permit

With your learner's permit you'll be able to drive as long as a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old accompanies you.

Before advancing to your provisional driver's license, you must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving and submit a Certification of Eligibility for a Provisional License (Form DMV-GRAD-HR40) signed by your driving supervisor.

Provisional Driver's License

You'll be able to drive unsupervised with your provisional driver's license.

Before you can advance to your conditional driver's license, you'll need to complete at least 10 hours of supervised driving at night with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

When you complete your behind-the-wheel training, you'll need to submit a signed Certification of Eligibility for Full License with Conditions (Form DMV-GRAD-HR10).

Next Steps—Getting Your Provisional License

You'll be eligible to advance from your learner's permit to your provisional driver's license after you:

  • Complete your 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
  • Have held your permit for at least 6 months.
    • You must be violation-free during this time.
  • Pass the driving test.

You can schedule a road test on the Washington, D.C. website.

You'll be eligible for you full driver's license with conditions once you:

  • Are at least 17 years old.
  • Have held your provisional license for at least 6 months.
  • Complete your 10 hours of supervised nighttime driving practice.

For more information, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Washington, D.C. page.

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Forms

DMV-GRAD-HR40
Certificate for Eligibility for Provisional License
Use this form to certify you are eligible to obtain a provisional license. MUST be signed by your driving tutor.
DMV-GRAD-HR10
Certification of Eligibility for Full License with Conditions
Use this form to certify you are eligible to obtain a full driver's license. MUST be signed by your driving tutor.
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