Start Free Practice

District of Columbia DMV Test Questions and Answers

These are the questions about District of Columbia's own rules: permit, license, fines, speed and parking. Signs and rules shared by all states are on separate pages.

Take a practice test 49 questions · How we check questions

Alcohol and drugs

  1. In the District of Columbia, the minimum license revocation period for a first alcohol-related offense (DUI/DWI) is:

    1. 3 months
    2. 6 months
    3. 9 months
    4. 12 months

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: the minimum revocation period is 6 months for a first alcohol-related offense.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Important Things to Knowperiod is 6 months for the first offense

  2. In DC, the minimum license revocation for a second alcohol-related offense (DWI/DUI) is:

    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 2 years
    4. 5 years

    Answer: B. Minimum revocation: 6 months for the first offense, 1 year for the second, 2 years for the third or subsequent.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Important Things to Knowperiod is 6 months for the first offense, 1 year

License rules

  1. In the District of Columbia, after you move, you must report your new address to the licensing agency within:

    1. 15 days
    2. 20 days
    3. 30 days
    4. 60 days

    Answer: D. District of Columbia: report an address change within 60 days.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Important Things to KnowVehicles within sixty (60) days

  2. In the District of Columbia, what is the minimum age to get a learner's permit?

    1. 15 years old
    2. 15½ years old
    3. 16 years old
    4. 16½ years old

    Answer: C. District of Columbia: you can apply for a learner's permit at 16 years old.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Types of Driver Licenses & Permitsyou must be at least 16 years old

  3. In the District of Columbia, a teen must hold a learner's permit for at least how long before taking the road test?

    1. 2 months
    2. 3 months
    3. 6 months
    4. 9 months

    Answer: C. District of Columbia: hold the permit at least 6 months before the road test.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Types of Driver Licenses & Permitsheld a valid learner permit for at least 6 months

  4. In the District of Columbia, how many hours of supervised driving practice must a teen complete before the road test?

    1. 30 hours
    2. 40 hours
    3. 50 hours
    4. 60 hours

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: at least 40 hours of supervised driving are required.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Types of Driver Licenses & Permitsthat you have at least 40 hours of driving

  5. In the District of Columbia, the licensed driver supervising a permit holder must be at least:

    1. 18 years old
    2. 19 years old
    3. 21 years old
    4. 25 years old

    Answer: C. District of Columbia: the supervising driver must be at least 21 years old.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Types of Driver Licenses & PermitsMust be accompanied by a driver 21 years or older

  6. After moving to the District of Columbia, you must have a DC driver license within:

    1. 10 days
    2. 30 days
    3. 60 days
    4. 1 year

    Answer: C. You are required to have a DC driver license within 60 days of moving to the District.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Driver License Examination Process60 days of moving to the District of Columbia.

  7. In the District of Columbia, the minimum age for a DC driver license is:

    1. 16 years old
    2. 17 years old
    3. 18 years old
    4. 21 years old

    Answer: B. You may obtain a DC driver license at 17 or older; a learner permit at 16.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Driver License Examination ProcessAre at least 17 years old (learner permit at age 16);

  8. In DC, if you fail the knowledge test, when may you take it again?

    1. 3 calendar days after the failed test
    2. The next day
    3. After 7 days
    4. After 30 days

    Answer: A. You may not re-test until 3 calendar days after the failed test.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Driver License Examination Processto re-test until 3 calendar days after

  9. In DC, after failing the road skills test, you may not retest until at least:

    1. 24 hours later
    2. 72 hours later
    3. 7 days later
    4. 30 days later

    Answer: B. You will not be allowed to retest prior to 72 hours after the failed road test.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Driver License Examination Processprior to 72 hours after the failed test.

  10. In DC, if your driver license has been expired for more than 365 days (but not more than 545), you must:

    1. Pass the knowledge test or the DC online traffic school course
    2. Only pay a late fee
    3. Pass only the road skills test
    4. Wait one year before renewing

    Answer: A. Expired more than 365 days: knowledge test or DC online traffic school; more than 545 days: knowledge and road skills tests.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Driver License Examination Processfor more than 365 days, you must take and

  11. For a U.S. citizen, a DC learner permit is valid for:

    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 2 years
    4. 4 years

    Answer: C. The learner permit is valid for two years for U.S. citizens and is non-renewable.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Types of Driver Licenses & PermitsThe learner permit is valid for two

  12. In DC, a learner permit holder (with a supervising driver 21 or older) may drive during which hours?

    1. Every day, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    2. Every day, 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
    3. Weekdays only, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    4. Any time

    Answer: A. Learner permit: every day, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., accompanied by a driver 21 or older.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, GRAD Permissible Driving HoursEveryday, 6:00am – 9:00pm

  13. In DC, the minimum age for a provisional driver license is:

    1. 16 years
    2. 17 years
    3. 18 years
    4. 16 years, 6 months

    Answer: D. To obtain a provisional license you must be at least 16 years, 6 months old.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Types of Driver Licenses & Permitsbe at least 16 years, 6 months old.

  14. In DC, from September to June, a provisional license holder may drive Monday – Thursday between:

    1. 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
    2. 6:01 a.m. and 9:59 p.m.
    3. 6:01 a.m. and 10:59 p.m.
    4. 6:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

    Answer: C. September – June: Monday – Thursday 6:01 a.m. – 10:59 p.m.; Friday – Sunday 6:01 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, GRAD Permissible Driving HoursMonday – Thursday, 6:01am – 10:59pm

  15. In DC, to move from a provisional license to a full license, a GRAD driver must certify at least how many hours of night driving?

    1. 10 hours
    2. 5 hours
    3. 20 hours
    4. 40 hours

    Answer: A. At least 10 hours of night driving with a licensed driver 21 or older are required for the full license.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Types of Driver Licenses & PermitsPractice night driving for at least 10 hours,

  16. In DC, a provisional license holder must be violation-free for how long before graduating to the Full License with conditions stage?

    1. 3 consecutive months
    2. 6 consecutive months
    3. 12 consecutive months
    4. 24 consecutive months

    Answer: C. You must be violation free for twelve consecutive months before graduating.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, GRAD Program Enforcementsviolation free for twelve

  17. In DC, a driver under 18 with a Full License with conditions may carry no more than how many passengers under 21 (not counting siblings or children)?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. Four

    Answer: B. No more than two passengers under age 21; siblings and your children do not count.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, GRAD Program Restrictionsold, you can drive with no more than two (2)

  18. In DC, a provisional license holder may carry which passengers?

    1. Any passengers wearing seat belts
    2. Up to two friends under 21
    3. No passengers at all
    4. One licensed driver 21+ in the front seat, plus your own siblings, children or parents

    Answer: D. One passenger with a full license who is 21 or older in the front seat, plus any sibling, child or parent.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, GRAD Program RestrictionsYou can drive alone. You can drive with one

  19. In DC, may a learner permit holder use a mobile phone with a hands-free accessory while driving?

    1. No, not with or without hands-free accessories
    2. Yes, if it is hands-free
    3. Yes, but only for navigation
    4. Yes, if the supervisor allows it

    Answer: A. Learner permit holders may not use a mobile phone or other electronic device, with or without hands-free accessories.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, GRAD Program Restrictionshands free accessories) while driving. You may

  20. In DC, a learner permit is suspended for 90 days if the holder violates GRAD restrictions or is assessed at least:

    1. 4 points
    2. 6 points
    3. 8 points
    4. 10 points

    Answer: C. 8 points or more, or a GRAD restriction violation, means a 90-day learner permit suspension.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, GRAD Program Enforcementsif 8 points or more have been assessed against

  21. In DC, a provisional license holder's first violation of GRAD program restrictions brings a suspension of:

    1. 30 days
    2. 60 days
    3. 90 days
    4. 1 year

    Answer: A. 30, 60 or 90 days for the first, second, third or more GRAD violation.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, GRAD Program Enforcementsto a thirty (30), sixty (60), or ninety (90) days

  22. In DC, if you accumulate 10 or 11 points, your driver license is:

    1. Revoked for one year
    2. Suspended for 90 days
    3. Suspended for 30 days
    4. Not affected

    Answer: B. 10 or 11 points: suspension for ninety days; 12 or more points: revocation.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Important Things to KnowIf you accumulate 10 or 11 points, your DC

  23. In DC, accumulating 12 or more points means your license is:

    1. Suspended for 30 days
    2. Suspended for 90 days
    3. Only marked with a warning
    4. Revoked, with no reinstatement for six months

    Answer: D. 12 or more points: the license is revoked and you are not eligible for reinstatement for six months.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Important Things to KnowIf you accumulate 12 or more points, your

Parking

  1. In the District of Columbia, when you parallel park, your wheels must be no more than how far from the curb?

    1. 6 inches
    2. 12 inches
    3. 18 inches
    4. 24 inches

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: park with your wheels within 12 inches of the curb.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Parking Rules12 inches of the curb. Signal when approaching

  2. In the District of Columbia, you may not park within how many feet of the entrance to a fire station driveway?

    1. 15 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 25 feet
    4. 30 feet

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: do not park within 20 feet of the entrance to any fire station driveway.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Parking RulesWithin 20 feet of the entrance to any fire

  3. In the District of Columbia, you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?

    1. 5 feet
    2. 10 feet
    3. 15 feet
    4. 20 feet

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Parking RulesWithin 10 feet of a fire hydrant

  4. In the District of Columbia, you may not park within how many feet of a railroad crossing?

    1. 40 feet
    2. 50 feet
    3. 75 feet
    4. 100 feet

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: do not park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Parking RulesWithin 50 feet of the nearest rail of a

  5. In the District of Columbia, you may not park within how many feet of a STOP sign?

    1. 20 feet
    2. 25 feet
    3. 30 feet
    4. 40 feet

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: do not park within 25 feet of a STOP sign.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Parking RulesWithin 25 feet in front of any flashing signal,

Rules of the road

  1. In the District of Columbia, unless on official business, you may not follow a fire truck responding to an alarm closer than:

    1. 300 feet
    2. 350 feet
    3. 500 feet
    4. 1,000 feet

    Answer: C. District of Columbia: stay at least 500 feet behind a fire truck responding to an alarm.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Right-of-Wayfollow any fire apparatus closer than 500 feet

  2. In the District of Columbia, from what time in the evening must your headlights be on?

    1. At sunset
    2. 15 minutes after sunset
    3. 30 minutes after sunset
    4. 60 minutes after sunset

    Answer: C. District of Columbia: headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Using Your HeadlightsYou must turn on your headlights one-half hour

  3. In the District of Columbia, you must use low beams when you are following another vehicle within:

    1. 200 feet
    2. 300 feet
    3. 350 feet
    4. 500 feet

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: use low beams within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Using Your Headlightsa vehicle at a distance of 300 feet or less

  4. In the District of Columbia, you must dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:

    1. 300 feet
    2. 350 feet
    3. 500 feet
    4. 1,000 feet

    Answer: C. District of Columbia: switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Using Your HeadlightsYou must change to low beams at least 500

  5. In the District of Columbia, may an adult driver hold a cell phone to talk while driving?

    1. Yes, if traffic is light
    2. Yes, at red lights only
    3. No, only hands-free use is allowed
    4. Yes, outside cities

    Answer: C. District of Columbia: drivers may not hold a phone while driving; use a hands-free device.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Cellular Phoneshands-free while driving with a cellular phone.

  6. In the District of Columbia, may you turn right on a steady red light?

    1. Never
    2. Yes, after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it
    3. Yes, without stopping if the way is clear
    4. Only between midnight and 6 a.m.

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: right on red is allowed after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign says NO TURN ON RED.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Steady Red SignalYou may turn right at a red signal after coming to

  7. In the District of Columbia, when a school bus stops with red lights flashing, you must stop at least how far from it?

    1. 15 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 25 feet
    4. 30 feet

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Stopping for School Vehicles20 feet from the front or rear of the school vehicle.

  8. In the District of Columbia, a U-turn is not allowed if you cannot see approaching traffic for at least:

    1. 350 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 1,500 feet

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: do not make a U-turn unless you can see approaching traffic 500 feet away.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, U-Turnwhere the vehicle cannot be seen at least 500

  9. In DC, the penalty for not having your seat belt properly buckled is:

    1. $25 fine, no points
    2. $100 fine and 1 point
    3. $50 fine and 2 points
    4. $200 fine and 3 points

    Answer: C. Not buckling up: $50 fine and 2 points; the driver is responsible for all passengers.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Seat Belt Law/Click It or Ticket$50 Fine and 2 Points

  10. In the District of Columbia, a left turn on a steady red light is:

    1. Allowed from a one-way street onto a one-way street
    2. Allowed after a full stop
    3. Illegal
    4. Allowed only at night

    Answer: C. It is illegal to make a left turn on red in the District of Columbia.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Left TurnIt is illegal to make a left turn on red in the

  11. In the District of Columbia, U-turns are prohibited:

    1. At intersections controlled by traffic lights, or on a crosswalk next to one
    2. Only on interstates
    3. Only between 7 and 9 a.m.
    4. Only in alleys

    Answer: A. U-turns are prohibited at intersections controlled by traffic lights, or on a crosswalk adjacent to such an intersection.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, U-Turnintersections controlled by traffic lights, or on a

  12. In DC, you should signal your intention to change lanes no less than how far before you do so?

    1. 50 feet
    2. 100 feet
    3. 200 feet
    4. 300 feet

    Answer: D. Signal a lane change no less than 300 feet ahead; signal a turn continuously for at least 100 feet.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Signalinglanes no less than 300 feet before you

  13. In DC, having something attached to or hanging from the rear-view mirror while driving is:

    1. Allowed if it is small
    2. Against District regulations
    3. Allowed only for parking permits
    4. Required for toll transponders

    Answer: B. Having something attached to or hanging from the rear-view mirror while driving is against DC regulations.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Crowding Inside the Vehiclefrom the rear-view mirror while driving is

Sharing the road

  1. In the District of Columbia, when you pass a bicyclist, you must leave at least:

    1. 3 feet
    2. 5 feet
    3. 10 feet
    4. 15 feet

    Answer: A. District of Columbia: give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Sharing the RoadGive bicycles at least 3 feet of space

  2. In DC, making a right turn in front of a bus stopped at an intersection to load or unload passengers can bring a fine of at least:

    1. $50
    2. $75
    3. $100
    4. $200

    Answer: D. It is illegal to turn right in front of such a bus; violators face a fine of at least $200.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Sharing the Road with Busesat least $200.

  3. In DC, if no official sign is posted, you may enter a bus lane to make a right turn within how far of the intersection?

    1. 20 feet
    2. 40 feet
    3. 100 feet
    4. 200 feet

    Answer: B. With no sign posted, you may make the turn within 40 feet of an intersection, yielding to bicycles and buses in the lane.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Bus Lanesa turn within 40 feet

Speed

  1. In the District of Columbia, the speed limit in a school zone when children are present is usually:

    1. 10 mph
    2. 15 mph
    3. 20 mph
    4. 25 mph

    Answer: B. District of Columbia: 15 mph in school zones when children are present, unless posted otherwise.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Speed Limit LawsDistrict of Columbia School Zone is 15 miles

  2. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on District of Columbia city streets is:

    1. 20 mph
    2. 25 mph
    3. 30 mph
    4. 35 mph

    Answer: A. DC city streets: 20 mph unless otherwise posted; alleys and school zones: 15 mph.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Speed Limit LawsDistrict of Columbia city streets is 20 miles per hour

  3. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a District of Columbia alley is:

    1. 10 mph
    2. 15 mph
    3. 20 mph
    4. 25 mph

    Answer: B. DC alleys: 15 mph unless otherwise posted.

    Source: DC DMV Driver Manual, Speed Limit LawsDistrict of Columbia alley is 15 miles per hour

Take a practice test Road signs with answers Rules of the road with answers

Questions & answers: States

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming