District of Columbia Practice Permit 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%).
Updated for 2026 DMV rules.
1.
Your brake lights tell other drivers that you:
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Are slowing down or stopping.
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Are approaching a hazard.
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Are about to turn left.
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Are experiencing problems with your vehicle.
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2.
Green signs:
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Tell drivers about services along the roadway.
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Alert drivers to potential dangers ahead.
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Tell drivers where they are, which way to go and the distance.
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Alert drivers to work in the road and temporary conditions requiring special alertness.
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3.
What color and shape is a railroad crossing warning sign?
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Yellow, X-shaped.
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Yellow, diamond.
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White, rectangle.
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Yellow, round.
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4.
The pedestrian countdown period _____ at the beginning of the DON’T START or flashing hand phase and _____ with a zero and a DON’T WALK or solid red hand.
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ends; ends
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starts; ends
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ends; starts
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None of the above.
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5.
Rear-facing child safety seats should:
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Be secured only in the back seat of a vehicle.
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Be installed in front of an active air bag.
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Be secured only in the front seat of a vehicle.
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None of the above.
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TEST #1
Question 3 of 36
Negotiating Intersections
3. If an intersection has crosswalk lines but no STOP line, where must you stop for a red light?
After the crosswalk.
On the crosswalk.
Before the stop line.×
Before the crosswalk.✓
Explanation
If there is no stop line at a red light, you must stop before the crosswalk — it’s always illegal to stop on it.