Maryland driving school
accessible from Washington, DC
Moving to Maryland from DC? Holding a foreign license and need the RSEP program? Circle Driving School is one Red Line ride from Washington — and Mr. Mekonnen offers behind-the-wheel lessons in Amharic for students who prefer it.
Who comes to Circle from DC
International license holders
If you hold a foreign driver's license and are establishing Maryland residency, Maryland MVA requires you to complete the RSEP program before issuing an MD license. We offer it for $100.
DC-to-MD movers
Relocating from DC to Montgomery County or Prince George's County? You'll need to convert your DC license to Maryland. We handle all the education and road test prep.
Amharic-speaking students
The Ethiopian community across DC — Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, Petworth, Brightwood — is a short Red Line ride from our Silver Spring office. BTW lessons are available in Amharic.
Getting here from Washington, DC
By Metro (Red Line)
From Columbia Heights / Petworth: Green Line → Gallery Place-Chinatown → transfer to Red Line toward Shady Grove → Silver Spring Station (~30–35 min)
From Union Station: Red Line toward Shady Grove → Silver Spring Station (~25 min)
From Dupont Circle / Woodley Park: Red Line toward Shady Grove → Silver Spring Station (~20–25 min)
From Silver Spring Metro, walk 5 minutes south on Fenton St to 8115 Fenton St, Suite 202.
Evening Online Classes eliminate the commute entirely — attend from your DC home via live virtual sessions.
For international license holders
The RSEP program — what DC-area residents need to know
If you hold a driver's license from another country and are applying for a Maryland driver's license, MVA requires you to complete the Roadway Safety Education Program (RSEP) — a 3-hour course covering Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and substance impairment risks. Circle is an MVA-certified RSEP provider. The course is $100.
“I was extremely pleased by the virtual in-class instruction — extremely patient and helpful.”
— Ramon S. · 5★ Google Review
Programs most relevant for DC-area students
Questions from DC-area students
I live in Washington, DC — can I attend Circle Driving School?
Yes. Many of our students travel from DC. The Red Line runs directly from multiple DC stations to Silver Spring Metro, which is a 5-minute walk from our office at 8115 Fenton St, Suite 202. From Columbia Heights, take the Green Line to Gallery Place, then transfer to the Red Line toward Shady Grove to Silver Spring — about 30–35 minutes total.
I have a foreign driver's license. What program do I need to get a Maryland license?
Maryland MVA requires international license holders to complete the Roadway Safety Education Program (RSEP) — a 3-hour course covering Maryland traffic laws, road safety, and substance impairment. Circle offers this course for $100. After completing RSEP, you'll also need to pass the Maryland knowledge test and road skills test at the MVA.
Do you offer behind-the-wheel lessons in Amharic?
Yes. Mr. Mekonnen's behind-the-wheel lessons can be conducted in Amharic for students who prefer instruction in their first language. If you'd like your lesson in Amharic, just let us know when booking. Classroom instruction is conducted in English.
Can you provide the car for my Maryland road test if I'm coming from DC?
Yes. Our Road Test Preparation packages include the vehicle and a certified instructor at White Oak MVA on Industrial Pkwy, Silver Spring. You don't need your own car. Package options start at $120 (test only) and go up to $240 (2 hours of practice + test).
Have questions? Call us today.
Mon–Sat · 6:00am – 9:00pm · (301) 578-8667