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Get Ready for Your Washington DC Permit Test (2025)

Prepare for your Washington DC DMV permit test with our updated 2025 practice tests. They closely mirror the real test and focus on road rules, road signs, and distracted driving with fines. Test your skills with real exam-style questions, review flash cards and road sign tools, or dive into the Washington DC driver’s handbook. Need fast prep? The cheat sheet has all the essentials. Start now and pass your DC permit test!

Car Practice Tests

Easy

126 questions

Complete: 0/126

This section features test questions on the essential operational rules and safety practices every driver must know. You’ll face scenarios that ask about right-of-way, proper turning, lane usage, and defensive driving—all key topics that frequently appear on permit and driving tests.

Driving Rules 1

Questions: 1-40

Correct: 0/40 Start
Driving Rules 2

Questions: 41-80

Correct: 0/40 Start
Driving Rules 3

Questions: 81-126

Correct: 0/46 Start
Easy Marathon

Your last step before moving to the Road Signs section. Practice all the road rules questions at once.

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Hard

126 questions

Complete: 0/126

This section is all about the visual language of the road. The test questions here will challenge you to identify and interpret various road signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings. You’ll learn how to quickly recognize what each sign means, helping you prepare for the real-world and exam scenarios.

Traffic Sign 1

Questions: 1-40

Correct: 0/40 Start
Traffic Sign 2

Questions: 41-80

Correct: 0/40 Start
Traffic Sign 3

Questions: 81-126

Correct: 0/46 Start
Hard Marathon

Your last step before moving to the fines and limits section. Practice all the road signs questions at once.

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Expert

132 questions

Complete: 0/132

Here you’ll tackle test questions focused on legal requirements and penalties. Expect questions on topics like BAC limits, seatbelt laws, speeding fines, and DUI penalties. These examples are designed to show you how the rules work in practice, so you’re ready for both the exam and safe driving on the road.

Driving Laws 1

Questions: 1-40

Correct: 0/40 Start
Driving Laws 2

Questions: 41-80

Correct: 0/40 Start
Driving Laws 3

Questions: 81-132

Correct: 0/52 Start
Expert Marathon

Your last step before moving to the fines and limits section. Practice all the limits and fines questions at once.

Start
Exam Simulator

Random 40 Questions

The Grand Finale. The exam simulator mimics the experience of a DMV exam, pulling random questions from a huge database. It has the same number of questions and the same passing score as your actual exam.

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Who is required to have a driver license in the District of Columbia?
Anyone who drives a car on public roads in the District of Columbia is subject to this regulation.
What do you need to get a driver license in the District of Columbia?
Make sure you're at least 17 (or 16 if you're applying for a Learner Permit).
Proof of complete legal name, date of birth, SSN, and DC residence is required.
Make sure you've completed the knowledge, skills and vision exams.
Can undocumented immigrants apply for a District of Columbia driver's license?
Yes, illegal aliens may apply for a driver's license in the District of Columbia if the proper documents is presented. Residents of the District of Columbia may get a limited purpose driver's license, permit, or identity card if they do not have a Social Security number or cannot demonstrate legal status in the United States. Proof of identification and current residence in the state are required for applicants.
I am younger than 18 years old. Do I need parental consent to apply for a DC driver license?
Yes.
Do I have to pass any test to obtain a DC driver license?
A vision screening, knowledge exam, and road skills test are required.
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What is the GRAD program?
It's possible for drivers in the District of Columbia who are 16 to 20 years old to get behind the wheel under the District of Columbia's GRAD program.
Who is eligible to enroll in the GRAD program?
Each and every person between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one.
What do I need to do to get a Learner Permit in the District of Columbia?
a minimum age of sixteen
Successfully complete the Knowledge exam and Vision screening
Have your parent or legal guardian sign the parental permission form.
How long is my DC Learner Permit valid?
For the duration of one year, the permission is valid and revocable. Unless you renew it, you will have to take and pass the knowledge exam again if you do not renew it.
Can I drive alone with my Learner Permit?
No. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must sit alongside you in the vehicle and keep an eye on you at all times.
Any other restriction with my Learner Permit?
Yes, you are allowed to drive from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.
How can I obtain my Provisional Driver License?
Applicants must be at least 16 and a half months old.
Maintain a Learner Permit for a minimum of six months;
Have 0 citations for driving without due care and attention;
Offer to sign and certify that you've had 40 hours of supervised driving experience
Take the Road Skills Test and pass it.
How long is my Provisional License in the District of Columbia valid for?
After a year, you'll be able to reapply.
Any driving hours restriction with my DC Provisional License?
Yes. You may only drive between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. (12pm on weekends and every day during July and August).
How can I obtain my Full Driver License?
For at least six months, keep your Provisional Driver License.
Have 0 citations for driving without due care and attention;
At least 10 hours of night driving should be practiced with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
I am younger than 18 years of age and I hold a valid DC Full Driver License. Am I subject to any restriction?
Yes:
Only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. are you permitted to drive; weekends and in July and August, 12 p.m.
Those under the age of 21 are permitted to operate a motor vehicle on their own or with a maximum of two passengers (except for siblings or your child).
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How many questions are on the DC Knowledge exam?
Examine your general knowledge about the District of Columbia with 25 questions.
Which is the passing score for the DC standard written exam?
To pass, you must properly answer at least 20 of the following questions: (80 percent ).
Is the written exam different if I am enrolled in the GRAD (Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers)?
Yes. There are a total of 30 questions in the GRAD test.
What is the score required to pass the GRAD examination?
At least 24 correct answers are required to pass (80 percent ).
Can I take the DC Knowledge test in a language other than English?
Yes, the test is offered in a variety of languages, including Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Korean, Amharic German, Arabic, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, Tagalog, Cantonese, and Thailand.
What is the Knowledge exam about?
Rules of the road;
a set of guidelines for driving;
Driver's regulations;
Driving in a responsible manner.
I failed the written test. When can I retake it?
After 72 hours, you may re-test for the drug in question.
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What is the Road Skills test about?
Maneuvers;
Driving in a crowded area;
Indicating one's intentions;
Controlling a vehicle in a safe manner
Parking in the middle of the row.
Do I have to make an appointment for my Road Skills test?
Yes. You may phone 311 or visit www.dmv.dc.gov to get in touch with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Road Skills exam requires that you have a learner's permit.
What do I need to do for my Road Skills test?
Don't be late; show there at least 10 minutes early.
You must have a valid learner's permit with you at all times.
Bring a completed Certificate of Eligibility for Provisional License with you to the appointment.
Make sure you're buckled up in your car.
Do I have to provide a vehicle for my DC Road Skills test?
Yes. A valid license plate and proof of insurance are required for a car to be eligible for a ride.
Can I drive to the location of my Road Skills test?
At least a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age must accompany you.
I failed my Road Skills test. What can I do?
After 72 hours, you are allowed to repeat the exam.

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