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District of Columbia
District of Columbia DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
Free practice questions for the District of Columbia driver’s permit knowledge test. Tap an answer to see if you are right and why.
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About the test
Questions
25
Correct to pass
20
Passing score
80%
Study from
DC DMV Driver Manual (Automobile)
Free practice: 20 questions
Question 1
Within how many days of moving to DC must you get a DC driver license?
30 days, like most states
90 days, after registering to vote
60 days
One full year
Correct answer: 60 days
You are required to have a DC driver license within 60 days of moving to the District.
Source: Driver License Examination Process
Open the handbook ›
Question 2
Who must operate under DC’s GRAD program?
Drivers under 21
Drivers under 18 only
Drivers over 65
Only commercial drivers
Correct answer: Drivers under 21
If you are under 21, you must operate under the Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) Program (ages 16–20).
Source: Types of Driver Licenses & Permits (GRAD Program)
Open the handbook ›
Question 3
What program must anyone guilty of impaired driving in DC complete?
A one-hour safety video
The Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program
A defensive driving class only
No program is required
Correct answer: The Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program
Any person guilty of impaired driving must enroll in and complete the IID Program, installing IIDs on all registered vehicles.
Source: Introduction – Vision Zero, Distracted & Impaired Driving
Open the handbook ›
Question 4
Who must wear a seat belt in DC?
Only the driver
Only front-seat riders
The driver and all passengers
Only children
Correct answer: The driver and all passengers
DC law requires the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Open the handbook ›
Question 5
What is the speed limit on DC city streets unless posted?
25 mph
20 mph
30 mph
15 mph
Correct answer: 20 mph
Unless otherwise posted, DC city streets are 20 mph, alleys 15 mph, and school zones 15 mph.
Source: Traffic Rules – Speed Restrictions & Other Traffic Laws
Open the handbook ›
Question 6
Is a left turn on red allowed in DC?
No, it is illegal
Yes, one-way to one-way
Yes, after stopping
Yes, at night
Correct answer: No, it is illegal
It is illegal in the District of Columbia to make a left turn on red.
Source: Signals, Signs and Markings – Traffic Signals
Open the handbook ›
Question 7
You enter an intersection after another vehicle. Who has the right-of-way?
The vehicle that entered first
You, because you are approaching from the right side
The larger vehicle, since it needs more room to stop
The one on the left, because it reached the corner sooner
Correct answer: The vehicle that entered first
If you enter the intersection after another vehicle, you must yield the right-of-way.
Source: Right-of-Way & Pedestrians
Open the handbook ›
Question 8
How far before a turn must you signal continuously in DC?
At least 25 feet
At least 100 feet
At least 1,000 feet
Only as you turn
Correct answer: At least 100 feet
Use a turn signal, hand signal, or both continuously for at least 100 feet before turning.
Source: Driving Rules – Keep Right, Signaling, Passing, Lanes, Turns
Open the handbook ›
Question 9
On a two-lane road, how much of the road must you give an approaching vehicle?
One-quarter
One-half
None; keep the center
All of it
Correct answer: One-half
On a two-lane or narrow highway you must grant the approaching vehicle one-half of the paved road.
Source: Driving Rules – Keep Right, Signaling, Passing, Lanes, Turns
Open the handbook ›
Question 10
How close to a fire hydrant may you park in DC?
No closer than 5 feet
No closer than 15 feet
No closer than 100 feet
No closer than 10 feet
Correct answer: No closer than 10 feet
Do not stand or park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
Source: Parking Rules & Stopping
Open the handbook ›
Question 11
What are the main duties of a driver involved in a DC crash?
Leave right away if no one is hurt, to keep traffic moving
Only call your insurance company and leave the rest to them
Move all injured people into your car and drive them yourself
Stop, remain, aid the injured, identify yourself
Correct answer: Stop, remain, aid the injured, identify yourself
Stop, remain near the scene, aid any injured person, identify yourself, give insurance information and leave notice if needed.
Source: Driver Information – Crashes
Open the handbook ›
Question 12
Your brakes fail (non-ABS). What should you try first?
Turn off the engine
Pump the brake pedal
Jump out
Shift straight into park
Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal
Try pumping the brake pedal; if that fails, use the parking brake, shift lower, and rub the tires against the curb if needed.
Source: Emergencies
Open the handbook ›
Question 13
How far behind a truck does its rear blind spot extend?
Up to 200 feet
Up to 20 feet
Only up to 50 feet
None
Correct answer: Up to 200 feet
Truck blind spots are up to 20 feet in front of the cab, along the sides, and up to 200 feet in the rear.
Source: Sharing the Road With Large Trucks
Open the handbook ›
Question 14
What is the minimum age for a DC learner permit?
15, with a parent present
16
17, after driver education
18, the age of majority
Correct answer: 16
You may get a DC learner permit at 16 and a driver license at 17 (through the GRAD program).
Source: Driver License Examination Process
Open the handbook ›
Question 15
For how long is a DC learner permit valid for U.S. citizens?
One year, renewable
Five years, renewable
Six months
Two years, non-renewable
Correct answer: Two years, non-renewable
The learner permit is valid for two years for US citizens and is non-renewable; after it expires you must retake the knowledge test.
Source: Types of Driver Licenses & Permits (GRAD Program)
Open the handbook ›
Question 16
About what share of traffic deaths involve alcohol-impaired driving, per the DC manual?
About one-third
About 5%
About two-thirds
Nearly all
Correct answer: About one-third
Alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about one-third of traffic deaths, and drugs are involved in about 18%.
Source: Introduction – Vision Zero, Distracted & Impaired Driving
Open the handbook ›
Question 17
What is the penalty for not wearing a seat belt in DC?
$10 fine, no points
$200 fine and 5 points
A warning only
$50 fine and 2 points
Correct answer: $50 fine and 2 points
The penalty is a $50 fine and 2 points; drivers are responsible for all passengers’ compliance.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Open the handbook ›
Question 18
What is the speed limit in a DC school zone unless posted?
15 mph
20 mph
25 mph
10 mph
Correct answer: 15 mph
The DC school zone limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.
Source: Traffic Rules – Speed Restrictions & Other Traffic Laws
Open the handbook ›
Question 19
When may you turn right on a steady red signal in DC?
Without stopping, whenever the crossing street looks clear
Only when a green right-turn arrow is lit for your lane
After a full stop, unless "No Turn on Red" is posted
Never, because all turns on red are illegal in the District
Correct answer: After a full stop, unless "No Turn on Red" is posted
You may turn right on red after a complete stop unless a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted, yielding to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic.
Source: Signals, Signs and Markings – Traffic Signals
Open the handbook ›
Question 20
Entering a public street from a private road or driveway, what must you do?
Honk your horn and merge into the nearest gap in traffic
Yield only to large trucks and buses, then pull out
Go first as long as your turn signal has been flashing
Stop and yield to all approaching vehicles
Correct answer: Stop and yield to all approaching vehicles
If entering a public street or highway from a private road or driveway, you must stop and yield to all approaching vehicles.
Source: Right-of-Way & Pedestrians
Open the handbook ›
Practice by topic
Signals & Pavement Markings
Questions: 23
Right-of-Way
Questions: 17
Speed Limits
Questions: 9
Turning
Questions: 8
Lanes & Passing
Questions: 18
Parking
Questions: 13
Alcohol & Drugs
Questions: 9
Safe Driving
Questions: 42
Emergencies
Questions: 16
Sharing the Road
Questions: 15
Licensing
Questions: 27
Insurance & Collisions
Questions: 7
Teen & Provisional Drivers
Questions: 19
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the District of Columbia permit test?
The District of Columbia knowledge test has 25 questions.
What score do I need to pass the District of Columbia permit test?
You need at least 20 correct answers out of 25 (80%).
Is this practice test free?
Yes. The questions on this page are free. The app adds the full question bank and timed practice tests.
Is this the official DMV test?
No. DMV Practice Pro is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with any state DMV. Questions are written from the official driver handbook.
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Practice questions are written from official driver handbooks. Always check your state DMV for current rules.
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