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 18 correct answers (70%).
1. A _________ is the termination of a licensee’s privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
revocation
termination
suspension
restriction
2. Drinking alcohol and driving is:
Only dangerous at night.
Dangerous both to you and to others on the road.
Illegal only at night.
Safe if you are alone in the vehicle.
3. When approaching a roundabout, you should:
Maintain the same speed and stop if necessary.
Slow down and stop if necessary.
Speed up if there is a small space where you can enter the roundabout.
Slow down and always stop.
4. Slowing down just to look at collisions or anything else out of ordinary:
Is a responsible and safe driving behavior.
Causes traffic congestion.
Improves traffic flow.
Helps prevent rear-end collisions.
5. What does this sign with a truck going downhill mean?
hill sign
Drivers must yield to trucks.
Hill ahead.
Slippery surface on the hill ahead.
Truck crossing.
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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!

The standard DC DMV driver knowledge examination (for applicants 21 years old and older) consists of 25 questions and has a time limit of 60 minutes. If you are enrolled in the G.R.A.D. Program (ages 16-20), the Learner Permit Knowledge Test includes 30 questions, and you have 75 minutes to complete it. Take your time during the test to fully understand each question before answering.
The minimum passing score is 70%. This means you can miss up to 7 questions (if you are over 21) and 9 questions (if you are under 21). It's important to stay focused during the exam and take the time to read the questions carefully to minimize errors and pass the test on the first attempt.
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!