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Free District of Columbia DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

Free District of Columbia DMV practice questions for the written test, built from the DC Driver Manual. Work through traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits and state-specific rules, with an explanation on every answer and a readiness score before you test with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).

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Readiness scoreTargets weak spots

Sample District of Columbia driver's license

How we help you prepare

587 practice questions to help you master the District of Columbia DMV Test, 4 practice tests, 1 exam simulation

District of Columbia requirement to pass

25 questions on the real test, 80% passing score (20 of 25), 60 minutes

Verified November 2026 by our editorial team from DC Driver Manual. Rules change, so always confirm with the current official materials from the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) before your test.

Study by Category

Master each topic before your District of Columbia written test. 4 categories are free to start.

Shape and color carry the meaning before you can read the words: an octagon is always stop, a yellow diamond always warns. Covers regulatory, warning, guide and work-zone signs, including the ones with no text at all.

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Speed limits, parking and the everyday rules that carry points when broken. Covers the basic speed law, why a posted limit is a maximum rather than a target, and where you may never stop or park.

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Signals, flashing lights, and the arrows that override them. Covers what a yellow light actually requires of you, when a red arrow forbids a turn a red ball would allow, and who has control when the lights go dark.

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The paperwork side of driving legally. Covers licensing and insurance requirements, what to carry in the vehicle, and the steps to take after a collision.

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Looking for something specific?

Practice Runs

Complete practice runs to test your knowledge. Runs 1-2 are free.

District of Columbia Test 1: All Topics, Set A

Includes warning signs, visual lead, and emergency, plus every other topic on the test. No repeats across Sets A to D.

25 questions~45 min
Start

District of Columbia Test 2: All Topics, Set B

Includes pedestrians, regulatory signs, and distracted driving, plus every other topic on the test. No repeats across Sets A to D.

25 questions~45 min
Start

District of Columbia Test 3: All Topics, Set C

Pro

Includes regulatory signs, defensive distracted driving, and warning signs, plus every other topic on the test. No repeats across Sets A to D.

25 questions~45 min

District of Columbia Test 4: All Topics, Set D

Pro

Includes graduated licensing, light truck towing, and emergency, plus every other topic on the test. No repeats across Sets A to D.

25 questions~45 min

About the District of Columbia DMV Test

The District of Columbia knowledge test is administered by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 20 correct - an 80% passing score - to earn your learner's permit.

Where and How to Take It

The test is taken in person at a DC DMV service center. Appointments are required for most services and can be scheduled online at dmv.dc.gov. The Georgetown and Penn Branch locations are the primary testing sites. The test is computer-based and available in multiple languages.

What to Bring

Bring proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or REAL ID-compliant document), your Social Security number, and two proofs of DC residency. Under-18 applicants need parental consent. The permit fee is $47.

Test Day

After document verification and payment, you'll take the 25-question computer test covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way, speed limits, and safe driving practices. Results are immediate.

DC-Specific Details

Driving in the District has unique challenges that appear on the test: traffic circles (DuPont Circle, Washington Circle), embassy zones with special parking rules, restricted lanes, and rush-hour reversible lanes on major arteries. DC also has strict speed camera enforcement - there are more automated cameras per square mile than anywhere else in the country. Questions about pedestrian right-of-way are common given the city's heavy foot traffic.

If You Don't Pass

You must wait 3 days before retaking the knowledge test. Each attempt costs $10. Study the DC Driver Manual and focus on the areas where you missed questions.

Permit vs. License

With a learner's permit, you can drive supervised with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Under-18 drivers must hold the permit for 6 months and complete 40 hours of supervised driving (10 at night). DC issues provisional licenses with nighttime restrictions (11 PM to 6 AM) for new drivers under 21. You have 60 minutes to complete the test.

Try It Yourself

Get a taste of the study experience. Answer a real question or preview the timed exam simulator.

Sample Flash Card

general knowledge

How many hours of supervised driving practice are required before a D.C. teen can receive a provisional license?

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60:00
Exam Simulator
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When approaching a school zone during school hours, the maximum speed limit in District of Columbia is:

A15 mph
B20 mph
C25 mph
D30 mph

Exam Simulator

25-question test that mirrors the real District of Columbia DMV exam. 80% to pass.

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25 questions80% to passTimed · 60 min
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~0%Sample Score

Find out you are not ready for District of Columbia now, not at the testing counter.

The IQ Readiness Score measures six dimensions of test readiness.

See Plans & PricingStarting at $9.99 · Pass Guarantee
Ranked 30th of 51From the DC Driver ManualVerified November 2026
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6-dimension analysisWhere you're strong and where you need work.
Personalized study pathFinds your weakest topics so you study what matters most.
How ready you areOne number built from your own answers, so you know when to book.
Weak topic recoveryMissed questions return until you've truly learned them.

Helpful guides

→How to Pass Your DMV Written Test on the First Try→The 25 Most Missed DMV Test Questions→What to Bring to the DMV for Your Permit Test

Frequently Asked Questions

The DC knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need 20 correct, which is 80%, to pass. You have 60 minutes. It is computer-based, and your result is shown on screen right away. The questions come from the DC Driver Manual, 2024 edition.
Yes. The DC DMV offers online knowledge testing through its website for eligible applicants, or you can test in person at a DC DMV service center. Walk-ins are accepted, so an appointment is not required for the test. Results appear on screen immediately either way.
Wait 3 full calendar days, not business days. DC's own example: fail on Tuesday and you cannot retest until Saturday. Each attempt costs $10. After 6 failures in a 12-month period, a 7th test is blocked until 12 months after your first failure.
Your retest is banned for 60 days, which replaces the normal 3-day wait after a failure. DC treats smart devices, study materials and talking during the test as cheating. Once the ban ends, each new attempt still costs $10.
Yes. The DC test is offered in at least 24 languages, including English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese. DC also offers audio assisted tests for people who need help reading, and a language line for people with limited ability to speak, read or write English.
Bring proof of identity (a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security card, and two proofs of DC residency. Applicants under 18 also need parental consent. The permit fee is $47. DC accepts walk-ins for testing, so you do not need an appointment just to take the knowledge test.
You must be at least 16. Hold the permit for 6 months and complete 40 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night, before the road test. A licensed driver 21 or older must supervise you. DC then issues a provisional license with nighttime restrictions.
Expect questions on traffic circles such as Dupont Circle and Washington Circle, special parking rules in embassy zones, restricted lanes, and rush-hour reversible lanes on major arteries. Speed camera enforcement and pedestrian right-of-way also come up, given the city's heavy foot traffic. All of it draws on the DC Driver Manual.
Passing the written test earns your learner permit. From there you build supervised driving hours, and the last step is the District of Columbia road test, the behind-the-wheel exam. See the full District of Columbia road test guide for requirements, what to bring, and scoring.

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