District of Columbia DMV written test
District of Columbia DMV Cheat Sheet
The District of Columbia knowledge test facts in one place, checked against District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
District of Columbia DMV test numbers to memorize
The District of Columbia knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 5. The test is given by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).
25
Questions on the test
20
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
5
Questions you can miss
16
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency states a time limit of 60 minutes.
- Test fee on record
- $47. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at DC DMV office or online
- Online test
- Available. DC DMV offers online knowledge testing through their website for eligible applicants.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted. Online testing also available.
Before you go
Documents to bring in District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- 2 proofs of DC residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: District of Columbia retake rules
After failing the knowledge test you must wait 3 full calendar days before retesting, not just until the next business day. Attempts are capped: 6 failures in a 12-month period block a 7th test until 12 months after your first failure. Each knowledge test at a DC DMV service center costs $10, whether you pass or fail.
- knowledge_test (CDL): wait 3 days.
- Attempt limit: 6.
- Retest fee: $10 per attempt.
- After 6 failures within a rolling 12-month period, no 7th attempt is permitted until 12 months after the date of the FIRST failure.
- A test failed for cheating (smart devices, study materials, talking) triggers a 60-day retest ban instead of the normal 3-day wait.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in District of Columbia
- Under 18
- Must be at least 16 for learner's permit. Must hold permit for 6 months. Must complete 40 hours supervised driving (10 at night).
- Permit versus license
- A learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+. Must hold for 6 months before road test. Provisional license has nighttime restrictions.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at a DC DMV service center or online through the DC DMV website.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Results shown on screen.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for District of Columbia: English, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, Danish, Dutch, Farsi, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
The study source is the DC Driver Manual (2024 edition).
From learner data
Most missed District of Columbia practice questions
These free District of Columbia questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
What is the default speed limit on residential streets in Washington, D.C.?
25 mph
About 35% get it right
- 3
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 4
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 5
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 6
On a multi-lane road, which lane should you use for normal driving?
The right lane, except when passing or avoiding hazards
About 55% get it right
Your plan
Free District of Columbia study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the District of Columbia questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1