Teen Driver Insurance in District of Columbia

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

The District of Columbia operates a Graduated License Program (GRAD) for drivers between ages 16 and 21, designed to help novice drivers become safe, experienced operators. The GRAD system provides structured support for improving driving skills and addresses complex driving situations including night driving through a supportive framework. The program consists of three phases: a supervised learner's phase with a learner permit, an intermediate phase with a provisional license after completing the permit phase and passing the road skills test, and ultimately progression to a full DC driver license.

Licensing Timeline

Teens must be at least 16 years old to obtain a DC learner permit, requiring passage of vision screening and knowledge tests plus documentation proving identity, residency, and eligibility. To become eligible for a provisional license, drivers must be 16½ years old, have held the permit for at least 6 months without violations, and after passing the Road Skills Test may drive alone between 6 AM and 11 PM on weeknights and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. After 6 months of driving with a provisional license, drivers become eligible for a full license with conditions starting at age 17, provided they remain violation-free for 12 months and complete 10 additional supervised practice hours after dark.

GDL Restrictions

Learner permit holders may only drive between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM when accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. All drivers under 18 years old face driving curfews that vary by season: from September through June, teen drivers cannot drive from 11:00 PM until 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and from 12:01 AM to 6:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, while in July and August, teens are prohibited from driving from 12:01 AM to 6:00 AM any day of the week. Exceptions to restricted hours include driving to or from work, school-sponsored activities, religious or athletic events, related training sessions sponsored by the District or civic organizations, or when accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older wearing a seat belt and occupying the passenger seat. Minor drivers are also prohibited from using any electronic device while driving, including hands-free cellphones.

Permit holding period: 6 months. Nighttime restriction: Sept-June: 11 PM-6 AM Sun-Thu, 12:01 AM-6 AM Fri-Sat; July-Aug: 12:01 AM-6 AM daily. Passenger restriction: Provisional: 1 licensed passenger 21+ or siblings only; Full with conditions: max 2 passengers under 21. Cell phone restriction: Complete ban on all electronic devices including hands-free. Supervisor requirement: Licensed driver age 21+. Nighttime exceptions include: work, school activities, religious events, athletic events, training sessions, accompanied by licensed driver 21+. Passenger exceptions include: siblings, licensed passenger 21+.

Insurance Requirements

District of Columbia requires liability car insurance coverage of $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 total bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 property damage coverage per accident, plus uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 total bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 property damage coverage per accident. DC law requires auto insurers to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is optional and provides coverage for medical, rehabilitation, funeral and lost wages to the insured and their passengers regardless of who was at fault. The District operates a choice system where auto insurers must sell policies with minimum required fault-based coverages but also must offer the option to buy no-fault PIP coverage.

Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage. Insurance system: choice. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required. UM required: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury, $5,000 property damage.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers in the District face significantly higher insurance costs due to their age and inexperience, with rates typically increasing substantially when a teen is added to a family policy. The combination of DC's urban environment, higher theft rates, and parking challenges creates additional risk factors that insurance companies factor into premiums, making comprehensive coverage particularly valuable despite the higher cost for young drivers navigating the nation's capital.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Parent/guardian supervised driving with 40 hours documented practice. 40 supervised hours required; 10 night hours required; road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $20. License fee: $47. Plus $10 testing fee for permit.