Minimum age for a car driving licence in District of Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A learner permit is available from 16 under the Graduated Licence programme, which runs to a provisional and then a full licence. A full licence with conditions needs at least 17 and six months on a provisional licence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | The Graduated Licence (GRAD) programme covers ages 16 to 21 and runs from learner permit to provisional licence to full licence. A learner permit holder may drive only between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm. A full licence with conditions requires being at least 17, six months on a provisional licence and 12 months without point-assessable offences; no driving-hour or passenger restrictions apply to full licence holders once 18. [2] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | Before the provisional licence, a learner must certify at least 40 hours of practice with a tutor aged 21 or over holding a full licence, after at least six months on the learner permit. [3] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | Learner permit holders may drive only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Provisional licence holders, and full licence holders aged 17 to 18, may drive September to June from 6 a.m. to 10:59 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and to 11:59 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and in July and August from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.; exceptions for work, school, religious or athletic events, or with a licensed driver aged 21 or over beside them. [2] |
Notes
- The DC DMV pages read state the learner permit age (16) and a six-month holding period before the provisional licence, but no single minimum age for the provisional licence.
- The pages read for the District of Columbia state no age rule for visitors holding a licence from another state or country.
Sources
- DC Department of Motor Vehicles: Learner Permits and Provisional Licenses (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- DC Department of Motor Vehicles: GRAD License Program (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles: Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License (40 hours) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
District of Columbia and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16 (learner permit) | GRAD: permit at 16, provisional, full from 17 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maryland | 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) | 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit) | Provisional from 16 yrs 6 mths; full licence 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Virginia | 16 yrs 3 mths (provisional licence) | 15 yrs 6 mths (learner's permit) | Permit at 15y 6m; provisional licence at 16y 3m | Nonresident over 16y 3m with a valid home licence |
More rules in District of Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+, up to 2 oz · Growing at home: Yes, up to 6 plants (3 mature)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph (default) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 20 mph (default)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsMinimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (fountains, cones, sparklers only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade: possession banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.40 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.