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  • Updated for January 2025
  • Based on official District of Columbia Driver's manual

Free District of Columbia DMV Permit Practice Test 2025

In the District of Columbia, the requirements for a learner’s permit include passing a vision screening and the official DMV knowledge (permit) test. This test covers such topics as driving, parking, and traffic rules, signals, signs, pavement markings, sign colors and shapes, and regulatory signs. Updated for January 2025, our free online District of Columbia DMV Permit Practice Test is designed to help you pass the permit test by providing questions and answers based on the DMV 2025 District of Columbia Driver Handbook. In the District of Columbia, if you fail the test, you must wait at least three calendar days (and pay a new fee) before taking it again, so use our resources to make sure that doesn’t happen.

The District of Columbia permit test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. To pass the test, you must answer at least 20 questions (80%) correctly. Unlike other states, in the District of Columbia, there are no online options for taking the driver’s permit test. Additionally, the District of Columbia’s Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) program is designed to add additional benefits and responsibilities incrementally instead of presenting a full license at once. It is mandatory for drivers under 21 but not required for those aged 21 or older. The program consists of three levels: Learner’s Permit for teens 16 and older, Provisional License after holding the learner’s permit for at least six months, passing a road test, and meeting other criteria, and Full License after holding the provisional license for at least six months and meeting all requirements.

Our practice tests provide instant feedback for a missed question, so you’ll know right away why a different response is better. Additionally, our tests are formatted like the official District of Columbia written test. Once ready, go to the District of Columbia DMV with your proof of identity and age (birth certificate or passport), two proofs of District of Columbia residency (utility bills or lease agreements), proof of your Social Security number, and parental approval form if you’re under 18. Once you arrive, submit the documents, pay the fee, do the vision screening, and take the knowledge test.

With its mix of urban streets, congested highways, and complex traffic patterns, the roads of the District of Columbia require new drivers to develop strong situational awareness and confidence. Our practice tests will help you prepare for and pass the state’s requirements. Check out our other free District of Columbia DMV permit practice tests!

[faq]

FAQs

Can the permit test be taken online?

No, in the District of Columbia, the permit test must be taken in person at a DMV service center. Online testing options are not available.

How challenging is the permit test?

The level of difficulty for the permit test can vary, but with adequate preparation, including studying the DC Driver Manual and taking practice tests, many applicants find it manageable.

What are the steps to obtain a permit?

To get a permit in the District of Columbia, you need to be at least 16 years old, pass a vision screening and a knowledge test, and provide necessary identification and residency documents.

How long does the permit test take?

The DC permit test typically takes about 45 minutes to complete, but the time can vary depending on the individual’s pace.

What is the cost of a learner’s permit?

The fee for a learner’s permit in the District of Columbia is approximately $50, but it’s advisable to check the latest fee on the DC DMV website or at a DMV service center.

[/faq]

  • Perfect for learner’s permit, driver’s license, and Senior Refresher Test

What you need to know

6 min to complete
Available in EN, ES, RU
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.

What to expect on the actual DC DMV exam

30

questions

24

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

16 y/o

minimum age to apply

List of questions (classic view)

  1. A vehicle's tires riding on a layer of water on the road is known as
  2. You must use the __________ rule to maintain an adequate distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
  3. If you miss your exit on an interstate, you must
  4. What does this sign indicate?
  5. If an emergency vehicle with flashing red lights or a siren is approaching in your lane, you are required to
  6. In the District of Columbia, it is legal to pass __________ on one-way roads, if there is room for more than one lane of traffic.
  7. A roundabout is a circular intersection with all traffic moving
  8. This sign warns you of a
  9. When approaching an uncontrolled intersection at which there are no signs or working traffic lights, you must
  10. On a road with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, you must stay in the _________ except to pass.
  11. Yellow pavement markings on a divided highway indicate
  12. What does this sign mean?
  13. When you park your vehicle on a two-way road, you must park parallel to and within_________ of the curb.
  14. When parking your vehicle on a downhill grade, you should turn your front wheels
  15. To protect the cyclists that may ride close to parked cars, the drivers should _____ when exiting their vehicles on the traffic side.
  16. What does this warning sign mean?
  17. When you decide to leave an interstate, you must get into
  18. If you see a vehicle coming toward you in your lane, you should
  19. Which of the following is the correct hand signal for a left turn?
  20. What does this pentagonal (five-sided) sign indicate?
  21. When you plan to turn, you must use a turn signal, hand signal, or both, continuously for at least _________ before turning.
  22. When driving, you must have your headlights on
  23. You must stop at all of the following EXCEPT
  24. What does this octagonal (eight-sided) sign indicate?
  25. District of Columbia traffic law requires that _________ wear seat belts in passenger cars, trucks, tractors, multi-purpose vehicles, or passenger buses.
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