District of Columbia driving questions, answered
What a new driver in District of Columbia asks, answered in two or three sentences from District of Columbia’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
The officer will ask for your valid license, registration and proof of insurance, and you must show them. If you can't, you can get a fine or even be arrested.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual p. 25 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
In DC, texting while driving is never allowed.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual p. 39 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
Driving past your curfew breaks a GRAD restriction on your provisional license. Your license gets suspended for 30, 60, or 90 days for a first, second, or third violation.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual p. 22 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
With a provisional license, you can carry 1 passenger who has a full license, is 21 or older, rides up front and wears a seat belt. Your siblings, children or parents can ride too, but not your friends.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual p. 21 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
If you fail the road skills test, you must wait 72 hours before you can retest. If you fail it 6 times within 12 months, you can't take a 7th test until 12 months after your first failed test.
Sources: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles — Road Skills Test Requirements · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
You must hold a valid learner permit for at least 6 months before you can get your provisional license, with no pointable moving violations in that time.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual p. 19 · District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles — Certification of Eligibility for Provisional and Full Licenses With Conditions · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need continuous liability coverage while you have and drive your car: $10,000 for property damage, and $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuring someone. You also need uninsured motorist injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $5,000 for property damage with a $200 deductible.
Sources: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles — Vehicle Insurance · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
You must give the other driver your name, address and the car's registration, and show your license if asked. You must also give the insurance company's name and address, its local agent or office, and the policy number. Report any crash you're in to the insurance company.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual p. 31 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park or stand within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, even if someone's in the car.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual p. 78 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, not in your hand: you must be hands-free whenever you're driving, and a red light still counts. With a learner permit, you can't use a phone at all, even hands-free.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual pp. 21, 25 · D.C. Code § 50-1731.04 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Unless a sign says otherwise, the speed limit in a school zone is 15 mph.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual p. 80 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
A learner permit doesn't let you drive alone: a driver 21 or older with a valid full license must sit in the front passenger seat. If you drive yourself to your road test without one, you won't be allowed to take the test.
Sources: District of Columbia driver’s manual pp. 17, 19, 21 · as of 16 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about District of Columbia driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from District of Columbia’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question