Free DMV Practice Tests for District of Columbia
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#1. 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.
#2. When driving on a two-lane roadway and approaching within 100 feet of a tunnel where your view is blocked, you must:
Do not pass when the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
#3. What is the best way to keep traction and avoid hydroplaning on wet roads?
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.
#4. What does this sign mean?
Cross road. Another road crosses the highway ahead. Be alert for cross traffic and regulatory signs or signals.
#5. What should you expect ahead when you see this sign?
Yield ahead. Slow down and be prepared to stop at the yield sign or adjust your speed to the flow of the traffic.
#6. If you have mechanical trouble and must stop beside the road, you can show others you need assistance by doing what?
Lift the hood and tie a white cloth to the antenna, side mirror or door handle to signal an emergency.
#7. Where is the pavement marked with the letter R on each side of a large X?
Markings on the road, consisting of a white X and the letters RR, alert you that you are about to cross railroad tracks and need to watch for trains.
#8. If you reach 10 or 11 points on your driving record, your driver's license will be automatically:
If you accumulate 10 or 11 points, your DC license will be suspended, and you will lose your driving privileges for a period of 90 days.
#9. Which of the following practices is bad for your fuel economy?
By driving carefully, you will get better gas mileage and save money on fuel. Accelerate gradually. Drive smoothly and at moderate speeds. Anticipate stops to minimize hard braking. Avoid unnecessary driving. Combine trips and carpool when possible.
#10. When should you use your high-beam headlights?
Use your high-beam headlights whenever possible in open country or dark city streets whenever needed to see persons or vehicles ahead.
Dim your lights when necessary. Do not use high beams in fog, heavy rain, or snow.
#11. Except for very briefly picking up or discharging passengers, standing a vehicle is not allowed:
Do not stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, in front of or within 5 feet of an alley. You are only allowed to stop and stand very briefly to pick up or discharge passengers.
#12. A Crossbuck sign at a railroad crossing has the same meaning as:
Crossbuck signs are found at highway-rail intersections. They are yield signs. You are legally required to yield the right of way to trains. Slow down, look, and listen for a train, and stop if a train approach.
#13. What should you do at the first sign of rain or snow?
Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow on the road. Turn on your windshield wipers, headlights, and defroster.
#14. What is the first thing you should do if your gas pedal sticks?
If your accelerator pedal sticks shift to neutral, apply the brakes, and pull off the roadway and stop.
#15. What is usually not a good idea if you want to stay alert during a long trip?
You should not leave on a long trip if you are already tired.
Being tired dulls your mind and slows down your reactions, making driving hazardous. Keep in mind that lives are at stake.
This question asked what you should not do.
#16. In which situation are you allowed to overtake a school bus?
You may overtake a school bus if it is in motion and no red lights are flashing.
#17. If you linger when passing a tractor-trailer, you:
Always pass a tractor-trailer 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.
#18. Where will you find a sign with this shape?
Crossbuck signs are found at railroad crossings.
#19. Driving while you are affected by alcohol, drugs, or sleepiness is known as:
Operating a motor vehicle while you are affected by alcohol, legal or illicit drugs, and sleepiness are all part of what is known as Impaired Driving. Not only is impaired driving hazardous, but it can also lead to serious fines and even jail.
#20. This sign tells you:
Regulatory Speed Limit sign. Speed limit signs have black letters and numerals on a white rectangular background and are the legal allowable limits. With the word minimum, it shows the minimum speed you can travel.
#21. A good piece of advice to avoid last-minute moves when driving is to:
You should be constantly aware of the road and the other vehicles around you. Constantly check the position of vehicles behind you, as well as those beside and ahead of you.
Keep shifting your eyes from one area of the roadway to another, near and far left and right. Avoid staring directly in front of your car.
Leave as much space between your vehicle and the one ahead as you possibly can.
#22. Never back your car:
Do not back up on any highway, under any circumstances.
#23. When you approach a roundabout:
When approaching, slow down to the posted advisory speed. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. When entering a traffic circle or rotary, you must yield to drivers already in the circle.
#24. Driving across public or private property to avoid a traffic light is:
It is against the law to drive across private property, such as gas stations, store parking lots etc., or leave the roadway for the purpose of avoiding the instructions of a traffic control device.
#25. Before turning, signal continuously for at least:
Always signal your left or right turn during the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point.
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.