CDL PASSENGER PRACTICE TEST DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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The passenger endorsement applies to drivers who want to drive a bus in any Class A, B, or C CDL. Applicants must pass a special knowledge test, and must pass skills tests in a passenger vehicle. The District of Columbia CDL passenger test consists of 20 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 16 questions (80%). The DC passenger test covers the following sections of the District of Columbia CDL Manual: Driving Safely, Transporting Passengers, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test and Road Test. Take this DC practice test now to prepare for the actual passenger test!
1. You must have at least _____ inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires.
4/32
2/32
3/32
6/32
2. When driving on a slippery surface, you should do all of the following except:
adjust braking to conditions.
watch far enough ahead to keep a steady speed.
keep a shorter following distance.
not pass slower vehicles unless necessary.
3. When driving in very hot weather, the heat will increase the chances of:
suspension system defects.
tire failure.
loss of hydraulic pressure.
ABS malfunction.
4. When checking your mirrors you should:
use both mirrors.
only use the driver side mirror.
not make regular checks.
only use the passenger side mirror.
5. If you doubt you have enough space to pass under a bridge, you should:
drive faster.
go slowly.
turn on your 4-way emergency flashers.
turn on your headlights.
6. When is it best to wear your seat belt?
Only if required by your company's policy
Always
When you are driving over 35 mph
Only if your bus holds more than 15 passengers
7. Warnings on low bridges or underpasses:
are often posted, but sometimes they are not.
are always posted.
must be posted.
None of the above.
8. To avoid a crash:
stopping is not always the best thing to do.
swerving is always the worst thing to do.
stopping is always the safest thing to do.
None of the above.
9. Before driving your bus, you must:
ensure the emergency exit door is open.
clean the interior.
review the inspection report.
All of the above.
10. You should do an after-trip inspection:
at least once a week.
after each trip.
once a month.
after each stop.
 
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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 CDL Passenger Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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