Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, is known for its iconic landmarks, rich history, and diverse neighborhoods. Beyond the hustle and bustle of government activity, Washington D.C. offers numerous quiet spaces perfect for learning and practicing manual driving. If you’re looking for places to fine-tune your driving skills away from the congested streets, this guide will take you through some of the best locations in the greater D.C. area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. For more about D.C.’s transportation and driving resources, check out the District Department of Transportation.
Here are the 10 best places in and around Washington D.C. to practice manual driving.
1. RFK Stadium Parking Lot
2400 East Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
This massive lot surrounding the now-closed RFK Stadium is one of the best places to practice manual driving within the city limits. The large, open parking area is typically empty, providing ample room to work on gear changes, starts, stops, and more.
2. Fort Totten Metro Station (South Parking Lot)
550 Galloway St NE, Washington, D.C. 20011
Located in Northeast D.C., the Fort Totten Metro station has a south parking lot that is less crowded during non-rush hours. This wide and fairly empty space is ideal for practicing smooth gear transitions and parking in tight spots.
3. Anacostia Park
1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington, D.C. 20020
Situated along the Anacostia River, this park offers a quieter area in the southeastern part of the city. The spacious parking lots within the park are perfect for manual driving practice, especially early in the morning or late afternoon when there’s little traffic.
4. Westfield Montgomery Mall (Back Lot)
7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Just outside of D.C. in Bethesda, the back lot of Westfield Montgomery Mall offers a large, quiet space, particularly during weekday mornings. The lot is ideal for beginners looking to get comfortable with manual driving without the pressure of busy traffic.
5. The Pentagon (North Parking Lot)
1400 Defense Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301
While security around The Pentagon is tight, the north parking lot is large and often less crowded during weekends or early mornings. It’s a great place to practice manual driving in the Northern Virginia area while staying close to the capital.
6. Tysons Corner Center (Outer Parking Area)
1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons, VA 22102
A bit further out in Northern Virginia, the outer parking areas of Tysons Corner Center are typically quieter during the week. This large, open space provides plenty of room for practicing your driving techniques while navigating through different sections of the lot.
7. Greenbelt Metro Station Parking
5717 Greenbelt Metro Dr, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Located just northeast of D.C., Greenbelt Metro Station offers a wide and usually uncrowded parking area. With minimal traffic outside of rush hour, this lot provides the perfect spot to get comfortable with your clutch and shifting skills.
8. Springfield Town Center (Far Parking Lot)
6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Springfield Town Center, located in Northern Virginia, has far parking lots that are usually quiet during weekdays. These lots offer a large, open space that’s perfect for practicing gear shifts and handling your vehicle at low speeds.
9. Glen Echo Park (Parking Lot)
7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812
A short drive from D.C., Glen Echo Park’s parking lot is spacious and less crowded, especially during non-event times. This area is ideal for practicing smooth starts, stops, and general handling of a manual vehicle.
10. Potomac Yards Shopping Center (Far Lot)
3671 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22305
In Alexandria, Virginia, Potomac Yards’ far parking lot is usually quieter, especially during non-peak shopping hours. This lot provides plenty of space to practice without the worry of too much traffic, making it a prime spot for drivers in Northern Virginia.
Conclusion
Whether you’re navigating the streets of D.C. or exploring the greater metro area, there are several excellent locations where you can practice your manual driving in peace. If you’re looking to perfect your skills with professional guidance, consider booking a lesson with Manual Driving Academy here.
