Your road test in District of Columbia starts before you touch the steering wheel. The examiner checks your paperwork first. If anything’s missing, you’re done for the day. Take 10 minutes the night before to check every item on this list.

The checklist

Print this. Check it twice before you leave the house.

Valid learner’s permit (not expired)
Proof of identity: birth certificate or US passport
Social Security card or proof of SSN
Proof of residency (2 documents: utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
Completed driving log showing 40 supervised hours
Parent or guardian signature on the log (if under 18)
Driver’s ed completion certificate
Vehicle registration for the car you’re testing in
Proof of insurance (current, not expired)
Glasses or contacts (if your permit has a corrective lens restriction)
Road test appointment confirmation
Payment for the license fee

The driving log: 40 hours

District of Columbia requires 40 supervised driving hours before you can take the road test. Your log needs to show 30 daytime hours and 10 night hours, each with the date, start and end time, and your supervisor’s signature.

The DMV clerk will look at totals. If your math doesn’t add up to 40, you’re going home. Double-check your addition before you walk in.

The vehicle

You’re bringing the car you test in. That car needs to pass a quick inspection before you start: lights, signals, horn, mirrors, tires, windshield wipers. The examiner checks all of it.

Registration and insurance must be current and in the car. Clean the windshield. Adjust the mirrors before the examiner gets in. Clear any loose items from the dashboard and seats. Small things, but they show you take driving seriously.

Mistakes that get people turned away

DMV employees see these every day:

Bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of the original or certified copy
Leaving the proof of insurance at home because you thought digital was fine
Bringing a vehicle with a broken taillight or turn signal
Not having enough hours logged (you need 40, not close to it)
Letting vehicle insurance expire the week before the test

Don’t forget your driver’s ed proof

Since District of Columbia requires a driver education course, you’ll need the certificate from your approved program. No certificate, no test. If you lost it, contact your driving school for a replacement before your appointment.

One less thing to worry about

Moda builds your District of Columbia driving log as you practice. Hit start, drive, hit stop. It handles the rest: timestamps, day and night sorting, running totals. Export a print-ready PDF for the DMV.

Check District of Columbia’s full hour requirements

Track your permit hours the easy way.