District of Columbia Permit Test Practice 2026
If you’re testing in District of Columbia, you’ll sit a written exam on signs, signals, right of way, and District of Columbia-specific rules. Below are 6 free practice questions and a District of Columbia cheat sheet. DMV Ready has unlimited practice in the same 25-question, 70%-to-pass format.
What’s on the District of Columbia permit test?
Expect 25 multiple-choice questions on the District of Columbia written test. You need 70% correct to pass - roughly 18 right. The question pool draws from the official District of Columbia handbook: signs, signals, right of way, safe-driving practices, and a few rules unique to District of Columbia. DC tests at the DMV’s service centers; the question pool reflects dense urban driving - pedestrians, bike lanes, roundabouts.
Most questions are factual: what a sign means, who has the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection, what the speed limit is in a school zone. A small share are scenario-style and ask you to pick the safest action.
If you study generic DMV practice, you’ll be missing the District of Columbia-specific section the test draws from. The handbook has rules unique to District of Columbia; practicing on District of Columbia-specific questions is the fix.
Sample questions (free, no signup)
Here are 6 practice questions in the District of Columbia format. Tap each to reveal the answer and the explanation. Want unlimited? Get the app.
Question 1: In DC, what color are pavement markings used to divide opposing traffic lanes?
- Orange
- White
- Yellow
Correct answer: Yellow
Why: According to the DC driver’s manual, yellow pavement markings are used to divide opposing roadway traffic and indicate the left travel edge of the roadway. White pavement markings denote the right travel edge of the roadway.
💡 Memory tip: Yellow lines = opposing traffic; white lines = same direction.
Question 2: Which of the following is considered impaired driving in DC?
- Driving with a passenger who is intoxicated
- Operating a vehicle while affected by sleepiness
- Driving during rush hour
Correct answer: Operating a vehicle while affected by sleepiness
Why: According to the DC driver’s manual, impaired driving includes operating a motor vehicle while affected by alcohol, legal or illicit drugs, AND sleepiness. Many drivers don’t realize that drowsy driving is legally considered impaired driving in DC.
💡 Memory tip: DC: Impaired isn’t just alcohol. Drowsy driving counts as impaired.
Question 3: When driving past parked cars in DC, what should you watch out for?
- Opening car doors, pedestrians stepping out, and bicyclists
- Only children running between cars
- Only opening car doors
Correct answer: Opening car doors, pedestrians stepping out, and bicyclists
Why: You should watch out for opening car doors, pedestrians (especially children) stepping out or running from between cars, and bicyclists when driving past parked cars. All three hazards must be considered.
💡 Memory tip: Parked-car trio: 3 hazards. Opening doors, pedestrians stepping out, and bicyclists.
Question 4: When using a driveway to turn around in Washington, D.C., what is the safest procedure?
- Either method is equally safe
- Drive forward into the driveway and back out onto the street
- Back into the driveway and drive out forward
Correct answer: Back into the driveway and drive out forward
Why: If you use a driveway to turn around, it is safer to back into it and drive out forward. This practice allows you to have better visibility when re-entering traffic, as you’ll be driving forward rather than backing into a potentially busy street.
💡 Memory tip: Back in, drive out = better visibility for street safety.
Question 5: In DC, when driving near bicyclists, what is the minimum amount of space you must give them?
- At least 5 feet of space
- At least 2 feet of space
- At least 3 feet of space
Correct answer: At least 3 feet of space
Why: According to the DC driver’s manual, under Vehicle Safety for Bicyclists, drivers must give bicycles at least 3 feet of space. This is a specific DC requirement designed to protect vulnerable road users.
💡 Memory tip: 3 feet = safe space for cyclists, like a yardstick.
Question 6: In DC, where should bicyclists NOT ride?
- In bike lanes during rush hour
- On sidewalks in downtown areas
- On roads with speed limits over 25 mph
Correct answer: On sidewalks in downtown areas
Why: In DC, bicyclists should not ride on sidewalks in downtown areas. This regulation is designed to protect pedestrians in high-traffic downtown locations.
💡 Memory tip: Downtown sidewalks are for pedestrians, not bikes.
District of Columbia-specific rules to know
Eight District of Columbia-specific rules worth committing to memory before test day. These are the ones that catch first-time testers.
- Driving rule - According to Washington, DC’s Vision Zero initiative, the core principle is that no one should be killed or seriously injured within the road traffic system.
- Weather conditions - Using the road edge lines or the right side of the road for a guide during night driving in fog.
- Driving rule - Stopping distance calculations in the DC manual and most US DMV sources are based on an average driver reaction time of about 1-2 seconds, which is the time it takes to perceive a hazard and begin…
- License rules - DC law requires that drivers involved in crashes must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information.
- License rules - In the District of Columbia, accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record results in revocation of your driver license, with no eligibility for reinstatement for at least 6 months.
- Driving rule - In DC, at the first rest or service area, you should pull off the highway and either take a nap, stretch, take a break, or change drivers if possible.
- Driving rule - According to the DC driver’s manual, when driving in bad weather, you should increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you to four or five seconds.
- License rules - DC, drivers age 70 or older must have their physician complete the Mature Driver section of the driver license application to certify their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
How to schedule your District of Columbia permit test
You can typically schedule your District of Columbia permit test online through the official District of Columbia DMV / motor-vehicle agency website. Bring proof of identity, residency, and (if under 18) the required parent/guardian documentation. Fees vary by jurisdiction - check your local DMV office for current pricing. Some states require completion of driver’s education before testing.
This page references rules from the District of Columbia Driver’s Handbook. We are not affiliated with the District of Columbia DMV.
Studying in a neighboring state?
Each state’s exam is different. If you’re studying for a different state, here are nearby ones: Maryland permit test practice, Virginia permit test practice.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the District of Columbia permit test?
The District of Columbia DMV permit test has 25 questions. You need to answer at least 70% correctly to pass.
What is the passing score for the District of Columbia permit test?
You need 70% to pass - that’s roughly 18 out of 25 questions correct.
How old do I have to be to take the District of Columbia permit test?
The minimum age in District of Columbia is 16. Check your local DMV office for any additional requirements like a parent’s signature or driver’s education enrollment.
Can I retake the District of Columbia permit test if I fail?
Yes. Most District of Columbia DMV offices let you retake the test, often after a short waiting period. Some locations charge a small re-test fee. Check your local DMV office for the exact rules.
Is the DMV Ready app good for District of Columbia?
DMV Ready matches the District of Columbia format exactly: 25 questions, 70% to pass, content from the District of Columbia driver handbook. State-specific questions are tagged for District of Columbia so you practice what’s on your test.
Practice unlimited District of Columbia questions in DMV Ready
District of Columbia format, locked: 25 questions per exam, 70% pass mark. Free version covers daily practice; Premium unlocks unlimited.
Practice in another state
Each state writes its own permit test - same general rules, different specific questions. Pick yours:
