A Message from Director Robinson

Greetings DC! The 2024-2025 school year is just around the corner. As students return to school this month, we want to remind you to please slow down when driving in neighborhood school zones and watch for children congregating or playing near bus stops.  In this month's newsletter, we include some important school bus safety information to help protect our children. Did you know that the school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road? Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. Keep reading to learn more about how to stay safe around school buses. Also, this month DMV's Ignition Interlock Program reminds us of the costly penalties associated with impaired driving; and, we encourage you to learn more about becoming a thriving Commercial Driver License (CDL) driver in the District. As a reminder, DC DMV holds a monthly live chat to connect with DC residents and answer your questions. Please join me for the DC DMV Live Chat, held the first Thursday of each month. I'll be online for a full hour to respond in real-time to any of your DC DMV-related questions. Our next online live chat is scheduled for Thursday, September 5 at 12 p.m.  Thank you for reading this edition of our newsletter. Enjoy and stay safe!

Back to School:

School Bus Safety

Each school day, millions of children ride school buses. However, children are more at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus. Parents and caregivers, it’s important to talk to your child, or children, about bus stop safety. Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Before the Bus Arrives

Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives. Ahead of the new school year, visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus, at least 10 feet — five giant steps — away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.

Getting On and Off Safely

When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to get on or off. Remind your child to use the handrails to avoid falling. 

Always Use Caution Around the Bus 

Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least 10 feet — five giant steps — in front of the bus before crossing. Encourage your child to also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see that they’re crossing to avoid the danger zone. If your child drops something near the school bus, like a phone or book, the safest thing is for your child to tell the bus driver right away. Your child should not try to pick up the item, because the driver might not be able to see them.

Stop-Arm Safety Program

Drivers should note that DC has a Stop-Arm Safety Program designed to keep students safe. If a vehicle does not stop when the stop-arm is deployed, school buses equipped with enforcement cameras will capture the image. Violators face a $500 fine.

Holiday Closure Update

In recognition of Labor Day, all DC DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, August 31 and Monday, September 2. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 3.

Many of DC DMV's services will remain available online or via the agency's free mobile app.

#SkipTheTrip: Have You Notified DMV of Your Change of Address?

We know that moving can be exhausting, but don't forget to update your address with us!

You must notify DC DMV about changes in address within 60 calendar days of a move to keep your records current. If you request your change of address by mail, it will be processed within 7–10 business days from receipt. 

If you currently have a REAL ID, you may change your address online by uploading the required residency documents and payments and submitting your request to change your address. 

With DC DMV’s free mobile app, you have "DC DMV at Your Fingertips." You can #SkipTheTrip and submit an address change request and payment electronically.

Scan the QR code below or visit our website here to download the DC DMV mobile app today.

88% of students who took the DMV Knowledge Test after the first DC Permit Prep Boot Camp class passed the test on their first try!

The DC Permit Prep Boot Camp is a free summer program intended to prepare young drivers for the DC DMV Knowledge Test. The classes run weekly for six sessions from July 9 to August 15, meeting at DC DMV's Southwest Service Center.

Students are leaving this face-paced, three-day boot camp with the confidence, knowledge and prep materials necessary to pass the DC DMV Knowledge Test.

For more information on the DC Permit Prep Boot Camp, please visit our website here.

Drive to Thrive: Obtain your Commercial Driver License (CDL) 

Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills and physical abilities than driving a car or other non-commercial vehicle. DC DMV offers a commercial driver license (CDL) to professional drivers who reside in the District. 

To get a CDL, you must:

• Have a valid non-commercial driver license (NCDL).
• Meet identity, residency, and good driving history eligibility qualifications.
• Take the applicable CDL knowledge tests.
• Get a CDL learner permit.
• Take Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) by an approved FMCSA training provider, if required.
• Pass the CDL road skills test.

For more information about becoming a CDL driver, visit our website here.

Impaired driving penalties include mandatory program with costly fees

DC DMV's IID program aims to reduce drunk and impaired driving in the District. It is mandatory for all DC licensed drivers convicted of alcohol and drug related driving offenses, or those who refuse to consent to testing when stopped by law enforcement for suspension of operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Once enrolled, participants will have a restricted DC DMV driver license and only designated vehicles with installed IIDs may be driven. If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), you will be required to downgrade to a non-commercial driver license (NCDL) and enroll in the IID program.

Failure to enroll in the mandatory IID program will result in the indefinite revocation of the driver license and suspension of all registered vehicles.

To get the facts about the IID program and learn more about how DC DMV is committed to preventing impaired driving incidents, visit our website here.