Washington, D.C.: Minor & Provisional Licensing Questions
10 real, verified Washington, D.C. driving-test questions on minor & provisional licensing, each with the correct answer and a full explanation below. Want to practice these interactively instead? Start a Minor & Provisional Licensing practice round.
1. In DC, at what minimum age can someone obtain a Learner Permit, and how long is it valid before it must be replaced by retaking the knowledge test?
Why: A DC Learner Permit requires the applicant to be at least 16 and to pass the knowledge test and vision screening. It's valid two years for U.S. citizens and is non-renewable -- once it expires, the knowledge test must be retaken.
2. What must a DC Learner Permit holder do before being issued a Provisional Driver License?
Why: A Provisional License requires being at least 16 years 6 months old, holding the Learner Permit at least 6 months with no pointable violations, submitting a signed 40-hour Certification of Eligibility for supervised driving, and passing the road skills test.
3. What are the requirements to advance from a Provisional License to a Full Driver License in DC?
Why: Advancing to a Full Driver License requires holding the Provisional License at least 6 months, staying violation-free for 12 consecutive months, and certifying at least 10 hours of night driving with a licensed driver 21 or older.
4. Under DC's GRAD Program, during what hours may a Learner Permit holder drive, accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older?
Why: GRAD Learner Permit holders may drive, accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older seated beside them, every day between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
5. What are the GRAD Provisional License driving hours for a 16 1/2-20 year old from September through June?
Why: From September through June, GRAD Provisional License holders may drive Monday-Thursday 6:01 a.m.-10:59 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 6:01 a.m.-11:59 p.m.; the hours extend to every day 6:01 a.m.-11:59 p.m. in July and August.
6. Which passengers may a DC Provisional License holder (16 1/2-20) legally carry, besides driving alone?
Why: A Provisional License holder may drive alone or with one licensed passenger 21 or older in the front seat, plus any passenger who is their sibling, child, or parent; all occupants must wear seat belts.
7. What happens if a DC GRAD Learner Permit holder accumulates 8 or more points or violates a GRAD restriction?
Why: During the Learner Permit stage, 8 or more points or a GRAD restriction violation results in a 90-day suspension of the permit and a reinstatement fee.
8. How does DC's GRAD Program penalize a Provisional License holder's first, second, or third GRAD restriction violation?
Why: A GRAD restriction violation during the Provisional License stage results in a 30-, 60-, or 90-day suspension depending on whether it's the driver's first, second, or third-or-later violation.
9. How many passengers under 21 may a DC driver under 18 with a Full License with Conditions carry, not counting siblings or the driver's own children?
Why: A driver under 18 with a Full License with Conditions may carry no more than two passengers under age 21, not counting the driver's own siblings or children.
10. What changes for a DC GRAD Learner Permit or Provisional License holder once they turn 21?
Why: GRAD Program restrictions end automatically at age 21 -- the driver may immediately schedule a road test or obtain a Full Driver License with no certification form or holding period required.
More Washington, D.C. Topics
- Licensing Procedure & Documents (6)
- Parking Rules (5)
- Points & License Actions (4)
- Rules of the Road (10)
- Sharing the Road & Transit (4)
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with DC DMVbefore your exam. Take the full Washington, D.C. practice test or check the Washington, D.C. cheat sheet.