DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DMV MOTORCYCLE PRACTICE TEST

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Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. To earn your motorcycle license in District of Columbia, you must pass both a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill test. The knowledge test includes questions on driving laws, rules of the road and safe riding practices, as well as information specific to two-wheeled vehicles. Knowledge test questions are based on information and ideas from the District of Columbia Motorcycle Operator Manual. The test consists of 25 questions, and a passing score consists of at least 20 correct answers (80%).
1. You must not ______ when riding downhill.
coast in neutral
increase your speed
shift gears
slow down
2. While riding your motorcycle, you approach a crosswalk that a pedestrian has just entered. What should you do?
Proceed as long as you will not hit the pedestrian.
Proceed if the pedestrian is not in your lane.
Stop inside the crosswalk.
Stop and wait for the pedestrian to cross the road.
3. You may not park in a disabled parking space unless:
the motorcycle has a disabled license plate.
you are unloading goods.
you are parking for 10 minutes or less.
you are dropping off a passenger.
4. Always use _____________ to stop.
swerving
both brakes at the same time
the front brake only
the rear brake only
5. When parking at the roadside, you should park at an angle:
within 5 feet of the curb.
with your rear wheel on the curb.
with your front wheel touching the curb.
with your rear wheel touching the curb.
6. The right foot pedal controls:
the front brake.
the clutch.
the rear brake.
the throttle.
7. To avoid hazardous situations, you should:
swerve often.
follow tailgaters.
scan the road ahead.
travel at a walking pace.
8. The brake hydraulic fluid and coolant level should be checked:
once a year.
every week.
every month.
every day.
9. When you are being passed on the left, you should:
ride on the shoulder of the road.
move closer to the passing vehicle.
avoid the center lane position.
avoid the left lane position.
10. When riding in a staggered formation, leave a following distance of ____ second(s) between you and the motorcycle directly in front of you.
3
2
1
4
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a driver's license in the District of Columbia, teens between 16 to 20 are enrolled in the Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) Program:

  • If you are at least 16 years old, you can obtain a learner permit.
  • If you are 16 ½ and have held a learner permit for at least 6 months without traffic violations, you are ready for the provisional driver license.
  • If you are 17 years old and have held a provisional driver license for at least 6 months, you can obtain a full license with conditions (until you turn 18).

At 21 years old, you are released from the GRAD program, and you may immediately schedule a road test.

To schedule and take the DMV written test in the District of Columbia, you have three options:

  1. Select a DC DMV Service Center and schedule an appointment in person at takemydrivingtest.com/dc. Choose a location, date, and time for your exam.
  2. Select a Test Proctoring Center.
  3. If you are between 16 and 20 years old you can choose to take the exam online at home. Upon completing the virtual knowledge test, you'll promptly receive your test results. If you pass, simply visit any DC DMV Office within 14 business days to obtain your learner permit.

DC DMV requires you to bring specific documents to verify your eligibility for a class D driver's license: 

  • Proof of identity and age.
  • Proof of lawful presence.
  • Proof of Social Security Number.
  • Two proofs of district residency.
  • Parental Consent Form (if you are under 18 years old).
  • Medical/Eye Form (If you have a particular condition or if you're above 70 years).

Refer to the official DC Document Verification Guide for the complete list of acceptable documents.

The DMV written test in the District of Columbia is available in multiple languages, including English, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. Additionally, audio-assisted tests are provided for individuals who require assistance with reading.

To prepare for the DMV written test, you can refer to the official DC Driver's Handbook. The manual covers various information about road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. Study carefully the different sections and test your knowledge with our free practice tests!

Learner permit:
  • Driving only with an instructor aged 21 or older (no passengers allowed).
  • Specific driving hour restrictions (from 6 am to 9 pm).
  • All occupants must wear seat belts.
  • Mobile phones cannot be used while driving.

Provisional license (16 ½ - 20 years old):
  • Driving alone with a maximum of one passenger aged 21 or older in the front seat, or with siblings/child.
  • Specific time restrictions:
- September to June (Sunday to Thursday from 6 am to 10:59 pm; Friday and Saturday from 6 am to 11:59 pm)
- July and August (from 6 am to 11:59 pm).
  • No driving for compensation (if under 18).
  • All occupants must wear seat belts.

Full license with conditions (under 18):
  • Same restrictions as the provisional license if you are a minor, but you are allowed to transport two passengers under 21.

Driving hour restrictions don't apply if you are accompanied by a holder of a valid driver's license aged 21 or older or for job, school, religious, or sport activities.


The DC instruction permit is valid for a period of two years for U.S. citizens and cannot be renewed. After its expiration, you will need to retake and pass the knowledge test again. During this period, practice to enhance your driving skills before the road test.

If you don't pass the DMV written test, you must wait 72 hours for a second try. If you fail six consecutive attempts, you will have to wait twelve months from the date of your initial test before retaking it. Sign up for DMV Premium and practice with extra tests to maximize the chance of passing!

DC DMV Motorcycle Test

Number of questions: 25
Correct answers to pass:20
Passing score:80%
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