Free DMV Practice Tests for District of Columbia
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#1. When driving inside a roundabout, it is wrong to:
Do not stop except to avoid a collision. You have the right of way.
This question asked what you should not do.
#2. If there is an oncoming vehicle in your lane and you are close to a head-on collision, you should:
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.
#3. Roads freeze more quickly when they are:
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
#4. To avoid the risk airbags pose to young children, you should:
Children age 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat in a child safety seat or seat belt appropriate for their age and size.
#5. If you see this sign beside the road, you should:
Traffic signal ahead.
Slow down and be ready to stop at the signal ahead.
#6. What does a yellow pavement marking on the right edge and white to your left mean?
If you ever find yourself with yellow to your right and white to your left, you are going the wrong way.
Yellow is used to divide opposing roadway traffic and indicate the left travel edge of the roadway. Yellow pavement markings should never be on your right side, but always on your left side.
#7. Emotions affect your driving. If overly worried, excited, afraid, or angry, it is a good idea to:
If you are upset or angry, take some time to calm down before driving, or let someone else drive. You would be better off not driving at all when you are emotionally upset.
#8. To check your blind spot when changing lanes to the left, you should glance:
Look over your shoulder in the direction you want to move. Be sure no one is near the left or right rear corners of your vehicle. These areas are blind spots. To see the blind spots, you must turn your head and look.
#9. When merging onto a limited-access highway:
Whenever you merge with traffic, be sure to signal well in advance and try to enter at the same speed that traffic is moving.
Always check your blind spots before starting to move into another lane.
#10. The driver in front of you signals (left arm extended, with elbow bent upward, at about a 90-degree angle):
Right turn – left arm extended, with elbow bent upward, at about a 90-degree angle.
#11. What does this sign mean?
This sign is used at locations along a roadway where a flagger may be stationed to control traffic.
#12. When coming to a traffic signal with a flashing yellow light, you must:
When approaching a flashing yellow traffic signal light you must slow down and proceed with caution.
You do not need to stop for a flashing yellow light.
#13. 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.
#14. When you see this sign:
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.
#15. At a railroad crossing, you must give trains the right-of-way:
You must yield to train traffic. Trains cannot stop quickly. Trains are always moving much faster than they appear from a distance so drivers should never try to beat one.
#16. Which car or cars have the position for a left turn on this one-way street?
When turning left from a one-way street, get into the lane furthermost to the left well ahead of the turn. Do not start the turn at the edge of the intersection. Instead, drive into the intersection and turn sharply into the lane shown.
Remember to turn from the lane that is closest to the direction of travel and turn into the lane closest to the lane from which the turn is initiated. Do not turn from the middle lanes.
#17. What is true about driving on a wet roadway?
Chances of hydroplaning increase as speeds increase.
At speeds up to 35 mph, most tires with tread will wipe the road and keep traction. As speed increases, the wiping action of the tires becomes less effective.
#18. 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.
#19. What does this sign mean?
Sharp turn. There is a sharp turn to the left in the road ahead.
The turn is too sharp to take at the regular highway speed. An advisory speed sign may be attached.
#20. What does this sign mean?
This is a regulatory No Bicyclists sign. It means that no bicyclists are allowed on the road.
Remember that a red circle with a slash means no. The sign shows you what is not allowed.
You must be able to read and explain all highway signs. The knowledge test consists of several local and highway signs and the DMV examiner will check to see if attention to the signs is paid during the driving test.
#21. Which of the following must you obey over the other two?
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.
#22. Are motorcyclists entitled to full use of a traffic lane?
A motorcycle is entitled to use the entire lane. It is against the law to overtake or pass a motorcycle within the same lane.
#23. When is it wrong to use your horn?
Remember, you may use your horn when it is reasonably necessary to avoid collisions.
Do not use your horn to alert a bicyclist of your approach in a non-emergency situation. A loud horn can cause a bicyclist to lose control.
This question asked when you should NOT use your horn.
#24. Which of the following may result in a suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration?
Your driver’s license and vehicle registration can be suspended for failure to pay child support.
#25. Parking on a curve in a no-passing zone:
Parking is not allowed on a curve or the brow of a hill were solid lines indicating a no passing zone appears on the surface of the road.
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.