Failed the District of Columbia permit test: when you can retake it
Failing the written test is common and fixable. Here is what District of Columbia says about retaking it, and a plan for the next attempt.
- How soon you can retake
- 3 calendar days
- Attempts
- six consecutive failures triggers 12-month wait
- Retest fee
- Not stated on the official page — ask your DMV office.
- After repeated failures
- Fail six consecutive times: no re-test until 12 months from first failed test date
From the official source
If you fail the driver knowledge test, you will not be allowed to re-test until 3 calendar days after the failed test. If you fail your knowledge test six (6) consecutive times, you will not be allowed to re-test until twelve (12) months from the first failed test date.
Before your next attempt
- Write down the topics you got wrong: signs, right-of-way, speed limits, alcohol rules, distances. The retest usually draws from the same pool.
- Reread only those chapters of the official District of Columbia handbook, not the whole book.
- Take our District of Columbia practice tests until you score 90% or more three times in a row — the real pass mark is lower, so that is a safe margin.
- Use the mistake review: it shows only the questions you missed, with the handbook section for each.
- The night before, do one exam simulation and stop. Sleep beats cramming.
The real test: 25 questions, 20 correct to pass.
Practice for the retakeReview my mistakes
Checked on October 25, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV.