Free DMV Practice Tests for District of Columbia
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#1. If there is a short entrance to the interstate and no acceleration lane:
If there is a short entrance to the interstate, where there is no acceleration lane, you should speed up on the entrance only after you have found a gap in the traffic. You may need to stop before entering an interstate and wait for a break in the traffic.
#2. This sign tells you:
No U-Turn.
You cannot make a complete turn to go in the opposite direction where this sign is displayed.
Remember that a red circle with a slash means no. The sign shows you what is not allowed.
#3. What does this sign mean?
Deer crossing. The animal pictured on the sign is common in this area. Watch for this species crossing the road particularly during twilight and night-time hours.
#4. When sharing the road with a motorcyclist, it is against the law to:
A motorcycle is entitled to use the entire lane. Allow ample room for the motorcycle when passing and remember it is against the law to overtake or pass a motorcycle within the same lane.
#5. When you see this sign, you should:
Cross road. Another road crosses the highway ahead. Be alert for cross traffic and regulatory signs or signals.
#6. 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.
#7. What is the shape of a warning sign that tells you there is a roundabout ahead?
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.
#8. What is true about tailgating (following another vehicle too closely)?
Most rear-end collisions are caused by following too closely.
#9. On a road with lanes separated by white lines:
White lines are used as right edge lines on roadways and to delineate the separation of traffic flow in the same direction.
#10. If your vehicle breaks down on a highway, you should always:
Get all four wheels off the roadway, if possible. Turn on the parking lights or emergency flashing lights and, if available, set out flares, blinking red lights or a reflective triangle. Tie a handkerchief or white cloth to the radio antenna or to the left door handle and/or raise the hood.
Stay with your vehicle, never walk along an interstate or other limited-access highway.
#11. When driving at night, which of the following is a requirement?
Never overdrive your headlights. Keep your speed low enough to be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead.
#12. When driving on slippery roads, you should:
Reduce your speed on wet roads and increase your following distance. The best policy is to keep a skid from happening.
#13. What does the general speed restriction mean?
District of Columbia traffic laws provide both a general speed restriction and specific speed limits. You must obey both.
The general speed restriction, or the basic speed law, means that you may not drive on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable under the existing conditions, considering the actual and potential hazards.
#14. Your driver's license will be automatically suspended for 90 days when you reach the following number of points on your driving record:
If you accumulate 10 or 11 points, your DC license will be automatically suspended, and you will lose your driving privileges for a period of 90 days.
The Director or hearing examiner may also order the suspension of a person’s license when the number of points accumulated reached a total of eight (8) or nine (9) points.
#15. If your headlights suddenly go out and you cannot get them working again:
If the highway is dark, try your parking lights, your directional signals, or your emergency flashers and get off the roadway.
If the highway is lighted, get off the roadway onto the shoulder or other available space as rapidly and safely as possible.
#16. 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.
#17. Usingstay-awake drugs while driving:
Do not depend on stay-awake drugs. They are apt to make your driving even more hazardous.
#18. If your vehicle stalls in the path of an oncoming train, you should get away from the tracks and move in what direction?
If there is a train coming, get out of the vehicle and run along the side of the tracks toward the train, to avoid being struck by the debris from the accident.
#19. Hitting a solid stationary object at 60 miles per hour is equal to falling off:
Hitting a solid stationary object at 60 miles per hour is equal to falling off a 10-story building.
#20. If someone follows you too closely (tailgates you), it is generally wrong to:
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.
#21. When a traffic signal is showing a steady green arrow, you:
Proceed with caution only in the direction the arrow points. Remember that you must yield to all pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
When the green arrow is shown in a left-turn signal, it means that opposing traffic is stopped. This is known as a protected turn.
Remember, the green arrow does not mean that all other traffic is stopped by a red light.
#22. When you park and leave your car, you must:
When parking and leaving your vehicle on a highway or a street, you must stop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key, and set the parking brake. It is also advisable to raise the windows and lock the doors
#23. A driver is preparing to cross a sidewalk when a pedestrian is approaching. Who must yield?
Any vehicle crossing a sidewalk must yield to all traffic on the sidewalk.
#24. To back your vehicle safely, it is generally wrong to:
You should not depend on your mirrors.
Turn your head and look back out the rear window.
This question asked what you should NOT do.
#25. When you drive through a construction zone, you should:
When approaching or driving through a work zone stay alert for changing traffic patterns and slowing or stopped traffic. Pay close attention to traffic signs and other devices. Be alert for unusual pavement surface conditions, workers, and equipment.
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.