What to Expect During the Road Skills Test in D.C.

Preparing for the road skills test in Washington, D.C. is a crucial step toward obtaining your driver's license. Understanding the process, requirements, and expectations can help you approach the test with confidence.

Scheduling Your Road Skills Test

Appointments are mandatory for the road skills test; walk-ins are not accepted. You can schedule your test through the DC DMV Road Test Scheduling System or by calling 311 or (202) 737-4404. When scheduling, you'll need to provide:

• Your learner permit number
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number

Appointments can be made at the Deanwood Road Test Office or with a third-party provider. Note that if you choose a third-party provider, you must use your own vehicle for the test.

What to Bring on Test Day

On the day of your test, ensure you have the following:

• Valid learner permit
• A vehicle that meets DMV requirements, including:
  • Valid registration
  • Proof of insurance
  • Valid inspection sticker (if applicable)
• A licensed driver aged 21 or older to accompany you
• Completed 40-hour Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License form (if under 21)
• Consent, Waiver, and Indemnity form (if under 18), along with a copy of the parent or guardian's ID

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you drive yourself to the test without a licensed driver, you will be disqualified from taking the test for six months.

Vehicle Requirements

Your test vehicle must be in safe operating condition and meet the following criteria:

• Valid registration and insurance
• Functional safety features, including:
  • Working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
  • Operational horn
  • Proper tire tread depth
• Accessible parking brake for the examiner

Rental vehicles are permitted only if the test-taker is listed as an authorized driver on the rental agreement.

Alternatively, the DC DMV offers the option to use a DMV-provided vehicle for the road test at no additional cost. This option is available only at the Deanwood Road Test Office and not with third-party providers.

Test Components

The road skills test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely and includes the following components:

• Parallel parking
• Three-point turn
• Stopping at stop signs and traffic signals
• Lane changes and merging
• Observing right-of-way rules
• Proper use of mirrors and turn signals
• Speed control and following distance

The test route typically includes residential streets and may involve navigating through intersections and traffic.

After the Test

If you pass the road skills test, you can proceed to obtain your provisional or full driver's license, depending on your age and the requirements met.

If you fail the test, you must wait 72 hours before retaking it. After six failed attempts within a 12-month period, you must wait 12 months from the date of the first failed test before attempting again.

For more information on preparing for the road skills test, refer to these resources:

• How to Obtain a Driver's License in Washington, D.C.
• D.C.'s Graduated Licensing Program Explained
• Preparing for the D.C. DMV Knowledge Test
• Practice Tests for D.C. Learner's Permit Applicants
• Requirements and Restrictions for Provisional Licenses in D.C.

For official information and updates, visit the DC DMV Road Skills Tests page.