DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DMV PRACTICE TEST

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Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or motorcycle on public roadways in the District of Columbia is required to have a driver’s license or learner’s permit. To obtain a DC driver license, you must successfully complete a knowledge test, skills road test and vision screening. The written test is based on the information contained in the District of Columbia DMV Driving Manual, and is designed to check your knowledge of rules of the road, traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The official DC DMV test consists of 25 questions. A passing score consists of at least 20 correct answers (80%).
1. Smoking while driving:
helps increase driver alertness.
is not distracting.
is distracting.
does not affect driving abilities.
2. This white sign means you:
left turn yield on green
must wait for the solid green light before you turn left.
may turn left only on a green arrow.
may turn left on a green light when it is safe to do so.
3. When you pass another vehicle, before you return to the right lane, you must:
look at your interior rear-view mirror.
signal.
make sure you can see the front bumper of the vehicle you passed.
All of the above.
4. Service signs are ____ with ____ letters and symbols.
green; white
blue; white
white; green
white; black
5. When driving in rainy weather, you should:
steer off the road.
drive in low gear.
steer and brake smoothly.
6. Your vehicles braking distance will be much longer:
when driving at night.
on interstate highways.
on wet, icy or gravel roads.
All of the above.
7. What is the first thing to do when you make a three-point turn?
Signal with your left turn signal, then check carefully for traffic coming toward you.
Turn left, go across the road so you come to a stop while you face the edge of the road.
Signal with your right turn signal, then pull over to the right and stop.
None of the above.
8. This road sign means:
do not enter
No U-Turn
Yield
Do not enter
Stop
9. When being passed by another vehicle, drivers should:
maintain a constant speed.
slow down.
slightly increase their speed.
10. This sign means:
divided highway ends sign
The divided highway ends ahead.
Divided highway ahead.
Drivers are coming to a point where another traffic lane joins the one they are on.
Reversible lane ahead.
 
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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 Permit Practice Test

Number of questions: 25
Correct answers to pass:20
Passing score:80%
Minimum age to apply: 16
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