Free DMV Practice Tests for District of Columbia
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#1. Once you have entered a roundabout, you should:
Do not stop in a roundabout, except to avoid a collision. If you are inside the roundabout, vehicles entering must yield.
#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. You may not cross a double solid yellow center line:
Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic means neither side can pass. You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway if it safe to do so.
#4. Do not pass another vehicle on the left side of the road:
On two-lane highways, you are not allowed to pass when crossing or within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
#5. While driving, you can listen to music through earphones in both ears:
A person may not wear earplugs, a headset, or earphones attached to a radio, tape player, CD player or other audio device while driving a motor vehicle.
Use of earphones or earplugs for cellular phones are acceptable.
Hearing aid devices are also acceptable.
#6. A traffic signal showing a steady yellow light means:
A steady yellow light means caution, the signal is changing from green to red. Its purpose is to provide time for approaching traffic to stop safely and to clear other vehicles from the intersection before the light turns red.
You must stop if you can do so safely. The law says: Vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk of the intersection, unless so close to the intersection that a stop cannot safely be made.
#7. Can you drive with just your parking lights on when headlights are required?
Whenever it is necessary to drive with your lights on, you must use your headlights. Never drive with the parking lights on because parking lights denote a parked car
#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. Proof of financial responsibility is needed:
Insurance must be maintained if the vehicle is registered. Lapse in coverage is subject to fines. Do not cancel insurance until your vehicle tags are surrendered to DMV.
If stopped by MPD while driving a motor vehicle in the District of Columbia, you will be responsible for providing your valid driver license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. After an accident you must provide insurance information to drivers involved in the accident.
#10. What does this sign mean?
Divided highway ahead (divided highway begins).
The highway ahead is divided into two one-way roadways. Keep to the right.
#11. If you have a tire blowout while driving, you should:
If your tire blows out do not apply the brakes. Grip the steering wheel tightly and let the vehicle slow gradually. Look for a safe place to drive off the road. Wait until the vehicle is almost stopped. Signal a turn to the right and pull the vehicle safely onto the shoulder.
Remember, it is dangerous to brake or steer off the road before your vehicle is under control.
#12. What does this sign mean?
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.
#13. If you are involved in a traffic crash, and someone is injured, you must always:
You must render assistance to any person injured in the accident. Depending upon the extent of the injury, assistance in most instances is accomplished by calling for an ambulance. Normally, you should not attempt to move a person who is unconscious or seriously hurt. Do not give an injured person anything to drink.
#14. A road sign with yellow background indicates:
Yellow is used for general warning and advisory of what to expect ahead.
#15. During the first step of parallel parking, you should signal and then stop:
Put on your turn signal to warn other drivers that you intend to park. Pull up until you are even with the car in front of your parking space (back bumpers should be about even). There should be about two or three feet between you and the car beside you.
#16. It is illegal to park a vehicle if a stop sign is within:
Parking is not allowed within 25 feet in front of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway.
#17. Which of the following acts could be aggressive driving?
A single act, such as tailgating another driver, passing on the shoulder or running a red light could be seen by a law enforcement officer as aggressive if the officer believes the action is willful and places others in danger. A combination of acts, such as speeding, cutting off other vehicles, swerving toward another motorist, honking, flashing headlights, yelling, and using inappropriate hand gestures can also be considered aggressive driving.
#18. You approach an intersection. Where should you stop if there is a stop sign but no stop line or crosswalk?
You must come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, pedestrian crosswalk or before entering an intersection. Check traffic in all directions before proceeding.
#19. Keeping a safe following distance using a three-second or four-second rule means:
The best way to assure proper following distance is to use the three-to-four-second rule. In many situations you may need more following distance to be safe.
Remember, a four-second following distance does not mean you can stop within four seconds.
#20. If another vehicle is about to enter the street between you and where you plan to turn, you should:
Do not confuse other drivers by signaling too early. If there are intersections, streets, driveways, or entrances between you and where you want to turn, wait until you have passed to signal.
#21. 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.
#22. A truck's blind spots:
Trucks have large blind spots, up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the tractor trailer, particularly along the sides of the cab, and up to 200 feet in the rear.
#23. During rainfall, when are road pavements usually most hazardous?
The first half hour of rain is the most hazardous. Be especially careful at the beginning of a light rain. The mixture of oil and water on the pavement is particularly dangerous. The oils and other vehicle fluids have not been washed away yet as they would after a rain of several hours.
#24. 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.
#25. When children are nearby, what should you do before you back out of a driveway or parking lot?
Check behind your vehicle before you get in. Children or small objects cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.
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.