Free DMV Practice Tests for District of Columbia
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#1. A HAWK signal with alternating flashing red lights means:
High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) is a signal beacon designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy streets. If there is a RED FLASHING LIGHT, proceed with caution. If no pedestrian is present and the intersection is clear, go.
#2. A traffic officer is directing you to do a U-turn against existing signs. What should you do?
You must follow orders of police officers, the direction of firefighters in emergency situations, the direction of flaggers in work zones, and any authorized school crossing guard.
Remember, school-crossing guards, have the authority to stop, control and guide vehicular traffic.
#3. If an oncoming vehicle is drifting head-on into your lane:
If you see a vehicle coming toward you in your lane, pull to the right, slow down, sound your horn, and flash your headlights. Do not turn into the lane the vehicle has left as the other driver may wake up, realize the mistake, and turn back into their proper lane.
Remember, if you have a choice, running your vehicle into a ditch may be preferable to hitting another vehicle head-on.
#4. If your car starts to skid, you should ease off the gas and:
Do not panic and do not brake. Take your foot off the gas pedal. Steer in the direction of the skid. If your rear wheels start going to the right, turn your front wheels to the right. Once your car regains traction, straighten out your wheels.
#5. The following are dangerous while driving. Which is also illegal?
In the District of Columbia, you must use hands-free devices while driving. The law prohibits the use of a handheld wireless communication device for text messaging or electronic mail communication while driving.
#6. Which of the following freeze first when wet?
In winter weather, every stretch of the road may be different depending upon sun, shade, the amount of salting being done and other conditions. Ramps and bridges freeze first before highways and roads. They also dry out last
#7. When a vehicle comes toward you at night, at what distance must you dim your lights?
You must dim your lights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
#8. What does this sign mean?
This sign is used at locations along a roadway where a flagger may be stationed to control traffic.
#9. You may be eligible to receive a safe driving point (good point) on your driving record if you drive without obtaining pointable moving violations for:
If you maintain a valid DC driver’s license for a full calendar year without obtaining pointable moving violations, you may be eligible to receive a Good Point on your driving record.
#10. When being passed by another vehicle, it is improper and hazardous to:
If you are driving the vehicle being overtaken, give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle. Do not increase your speed until the passing is completed.
#11. What does this sign mean?
Added lane sign. Two roadways come together, but you are not required to merge. An additional lane begins. Watch for traffic in the new lane.
Note: Some versions of the manual have incorrectly shown this sign together with the text for a side road sign.
#12. Which pavement marking separates lanes with traffic going in the same direction?
White lines are used as right edge lines on roadways and to delineate the separation of traffic flow in the same direction.
#13. It is essential to allow more space than usual in front of your vehicle when following:
Tailgating a motorcycle is a hazardous, unwise practice. Give motorcyclists and bicyclists plenty of room and show due consideration. Always maintain a safe following distance, as the motorcycle can stop more quickly than cars.
#14. When passing a tractor-trailer, you should avoid the following:
Do not linger alongside a truck when passing. Always pass a large vehicle completely and always on the left side.
If you linger when passing any vehicle, your position makes it impossible for the trucker to take evasive action if an obstacle appears in the road ahead.
This question asked what you should not do.
#15. When driving on an interstate or another limited-access highway, it is generally illegal to:
Stopping on the traveled portion of a highway is prohibited. Stopping on the shoulder is permitted only when your car breaks down or in other emergencies.
#16. This sign tells you:
No Right Turn. You cannot make a right turn at this intersection.
Remember that a red circle with a slash means no. The sign shows you what is not allowed.
#17. You can stop and stand a vehicle:
Stopping and standing, but not parking, is allowed within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. Keep at distance of more than 15 feet to the nearest rail.
You are not allowed to stop and stand a vehicle between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or in a highway tunnel.
#18. This sign added to a stop sign means:
When you see the 4-way or all-way sign all approaching traffic to this intersection must stop.
#19. What should you do when approaching a railroad crossing?
Advance warning signs are posted before you reach the crossing and tell you to slow down, look, listen, and be prepared to stop at the crossing ahead. When approaching a railroad crossing that does not have any warning system it is especially important to slow down, look and listen for any sign of an oncoming train and then stop before the tracks if there is one coming.
#20. When you exit a roundabout, you must:
Maintain a slow speed upon exiting a roundabout. Always indicate your exit by using your right turn signal. On roundabouts having a wide roadway, watch for vehicles to your right, including bicycles, whose paths you may cross while exiting.
Remember, do not change lanes in the roundabout. Exit in the lane you entered.
#21. What does this sign mean?
Road curves gradually to the left. Be prepared for the change in direction.
#22. When may you drive faster than the maximum speed limit?
Never exceed the posted speed limit.
Where special hazards exist, you can get a ticket for traveling too fast even if you drive at the posted speed limit. This is known as the general speed restriction or the basic speed rule.
#23. Which of the following would be indicated by a diamond-shaped road sign?
Four-sided diamond-shape is exclusively used to warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead. You may have to slow down, so be ready.
#24. When making a safe left turn, you should do all the following except:
You should not keep close to the right edge pavement marking.
Get into the left lane on your side of the highway or keep close to the center line well ahead of the turn. Signal your intention to turn for at least 100 feet. Look to the right and to the left before starting to make your turn. You must yield to oncoming traffic including bicycles and to pedestrians in crosswalks.
This question asked what you should not do.
#25. If another driver tailgates you on a two-lane, two-way road, you should:
If a vehicle follows too closely and there is a right lane, move over to the right. If there is no right lane, slow down and let the vehicle pass.
Never brake hard to discourage a tailgater. Slow down gradually, not suddenly.
District of Columbia DMV Knowledge Test – Quick Facts
| What You Should Know | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on exam: | 25 (non-GRAD) 30 (GRAD) |
| Passing score: | 80 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 20 (non-GRAD) 24 (GRAD) |
| Allotted time to complete test: | 60 min. (non-GRAD) 75 min. (GRAD) |
| Wait time before retest: | 3 days |
| This Practice Test | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on each practice test: | 25 |
| Question pool: | 500+ |
| Each test is random | |
District of Columbia DMV Sample and Practice Tests
This 25-question sample test addresses the non-grad knowledge test, which includes all questions about road signs, traffic signals, D.C. traffic rules, safe driving, and common courtesy on the road.
The official 30-question GRAD test contains additional questions about the graduated licensing program. If you are under 21 and must complete the graduated licensing steps, you must also pass the 30-question test. You can find an example of this test at Licenseroute.com – DMV Practice Test for Permit or check your knowledge of the D.C. graduated licensing program here
Each Sample Test is Random
Each driver’s license and learner’s permit test at driver’s prep has 25 random questions drawn from a larger pool of questions. Every test is different, and you will likely see new questions when you restart the test.
After each question, you will get instant feedback. If your answer is incorrect, there is also a brief comment that explains the correct answer. Remember that you can find all answers on the official examination in the D.C. Driver’s Manual.
The passing score in the District of Columbia is 80 percent, meaning you must correctly answer at least 20 of these 25 DMV questions. Aim a little higher when you are studying and preparing for the exam. You have a better chance of passing the examination if you score 100%.
You Should Always Read the D.C. Driver’s Manual
Studying the D.C. Driver’s Manual is a must for successfully passing the driver knowledge test.
You can get a PDF-version of the manual online from dmv.dc.gov or from your local Service office .
Always start by reading the manual. Then, use these practice tests to check how much you have learned and whether you are ready for the exam.
Don’t use the practice tests instead of the manual, even if friends and some less committed websites suggest such a strategy. The best way to learn is to put the rules of the road in context and not simply try to memorize questions and answers.
Learn more about How to Study for the driver test.
Who Must Pass the District of Columbia Driver’s License Test?
If you never had a license before, you must always pass the written knowledge test.
In District of Columbia, foreign Nationals with a valid out-of-country or out-of-state driver’s license must also pass the knowledge examination.
If you have a D.C. driver’s license and let it expire for more than 365 days, you must take and pass the knowledge test or take the District’s online traffic school course to waive the knowledge test. If your D.C. driver’s license has expired for more than 545 days, you must take and pass both the knowledge test and the road skills test.
When DMV has revoked your driver’s license and you want it back, you must apply for a new license and take all necessary tests again.
Things to Know about the Knowledge Examination
The driver examination checks your knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules. The knowledge test will show if you can drive a vehicle following D.C. law.
The knowledge test consists of several highway signs. The DMV examiner will also check if you pay attention to the signs during the driving test. You should learn all common highway signs and know how to act when you see one.
Languages
You can take the driver’s license knowledge examination at any DMV service center. There is no need for an appointment. DMV offers all testing on a walk-in basis. Tests are available in the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.
You can get an audio-assisted test if you need help with reading. Ask for a headset before you take the exam.
If you fail the official knowledge test, you must wait at least 72 hours (3 days) before retaking it on the 4th day.
Should you fail your knowledge test six (6) consecutive times, you must wait one year from the date you failed the first test.
You must pay a new testing fee each time you take the knowledge test. Trying to pass it the first time by preparing well is a good idea.
How many questions are on the District of Columbia DMV exam?
If you are under 21 years and follow the graduated licensing steps, the official knowledge test has 30 questions. If you are 21 years or older, the test has 25 questions.
What is the passing score on the District of Columbia DMV exam?
The passing score is 80%. On the GRAD test with 30 questions, you must correctly answer 24 questions. On the 25-question test for applicants over 21 years, you must correctly answer 20 questions.
What is the waiting time if I fail the D.C. DMV knowledge exam?
You must wait at least 3 days and can retake the test on the 4th day.
Remember
Walk-in service is available at all Service Centers and Adjudication Services.
Road tests for commercial and noncommercial driver’s licenses are by appointment only.
I need to test on line
DC DMV does not offer the official test online from your home. You must take your knowledge test at a Service Center or Test Proctoring Center.