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District of Columbia Permit Hours: How Many You Need and How to Track Them
District of Columbia requires 40 total supervised driving hours, including 10 at night.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | 40 |
| Night hours | 10 |
| Minimum permit age | 16 |
| Permit hold period | 6 months |
| Supervisor minimum age | 21 |
| Driver education required | Yes |
Night driving rules
District of Columbia defines night as sunset to sunrise. That means the exact hours shift throughout the year. In winter, you might start logging night hours as early as 5 PM. In summer, you could be waiting until 8:30 or later. Check your local sunset time before heading out if you need night hours.
What your supervisor needs to know
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. They need to sit in the front passenger seat and be ready to take over at any time.
Driver education
Driver education is mandatory in District of Columbia. You’ve got to finish a state-approved course, which typically covers both classroom learning and some time behind the wheel with a professional instructor.
Tracking your hours
Keeping a paper log of 40 hours sounds simple until you actually try it. Moda does it for you. It tracks each session, splits day and night hours, and keeps a running total so you always know where you stand.
How many supervised driving hours does District of Columbia require?
District of Columbia requires 40 total supervised driving hours, with 10 of those at night.
What counts as night driving in District of Columbia?
Night driving in District of Columbia is defined as sunset to sunrise (varies by season and location). You’ll need 10 hours of night driving.
How long do I need to hold my permit in District of Columbia?
You’ll need to hold your learner’s permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for your license.