District of Columbia DMV Practice Test
The District of Columbia permit knowledge test is run by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles, which does not publish its question count or passing score. This page runs 30 questions and targets 80%, and says plainly that those numbers are ours, not the state's. Free, no signup.
DMV Prep practice configurationNot an official exam format
District of ColumbiaDC Department of Motor VehiclesDC Driver Manual (2025)Checked 2026-07-24Open the official District of Columbia handbook
Before you go for the real District of Columbia test
| Minimum permit age | 16 |
|---|---|
| Permit fee | $20 |
District of ColumbiaDC Department of Motor VehiclesDC DMV — Obtain a REAL ID Learner PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Sample District of Columbia permit test questions
Orange-colored signs indicate:
- A. School zones
- B. Recreational areas
- C. Railroad crossings
- D. Construction zones
Show answer
D. Construction zones — Orange signs warn about construction or maintenance work zones. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and be ready for changing lane patterns.
Universal ruleMUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General)Traffic Signs — GeneralChecked 2026-08-01Read the source
Report a problemWhat is the default speed limit on residential streets in Washington DC?
- A. 25 mph
- B. 30 mph
- C. 20 mph
- D. 35 mph
Show answer
A. 25 mph — Washington DC defaults most residential and business district streets to 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Many DC streets have been reduced to 20 mph near schools and residential neighborhoods. Major arterials may be posted 30–35 mph. The Anacostia Freeway and I-295 sections may be 55 mph. DC uses extensive automated speed enforcement (speed cameras) — fixed and mobile — throughout the district. Fines begin at $100 for traveling 1–10 mph over the limit.
District of ColumbiaDC DMV Driver's ManualChapter 4 — Speed LimitsChecked 2026-06-10Read the source
Report a problemIn Washington DC, the default speed limit in a school zone when children are present or the signal is flashing is:
- A. 15 mph
- B. 25 mph
- C. 20 mph
- D. Same as the adjacent roadway
Show answer
A. 15 mph — DC school zone speed limits are set at 15 mph when children are present or when flashing school-zone signals are active. DC enforcement includes speed cameras in school zones that operate 24/7 near many schools. Fines for school-zone speeding start at $150 and increase significantly for repeat violations.
District of ColumbiaDC DMV Driver's ManualChapter 3 — Speed LimitsChecked 2026-06-10Read the source
Report a problemIn Washington DC, who has the right of way at a crosswalk when a pedestrian is present?
- A. The vehicle turning right on red
- B. The pedestrian always has the right of way
- C. The vehicle if the signal is green
- D. The vehicle already in the intersection
Show answer
B. The pedestrian always has the right of way — DC law gives pedestrians the right of way at all crosswalks — marked or unmarked — and drivers must stop and yield regardless of traffic signal phase.
District of ColumbiaDC DMV Driver's ManualRight of WayChecked 2026-06-18Read the source
Report a problemIn Washington DC, when is it illegal to change lanes?
- A. During rush hour on major roads
- B. On a highway with more than two lanes
- C. When traveling faster than 30 mph
- D. Within 100 feet of an intersection
Show answer
D. Within 100 feet of an intersection — DC law prohibits lane changes within 100 feet of an intersection, crosswalk, or railroad crossing to reduce the risk of collisions in these high-conflict zones.
District of ColumbiaDC DMV Driver's ManualLane Changing and PassingChecked 2026-06-18Read the source
Report a problem
Questions last verified 2026-06-10 · Reviewed by the DMV Prep editorial team · Editorial policy
Before the District of Columbia knowledge test
These learner's permit requirements are separate from the written knowledge test score above. Use them to plan your application and supervised-driving timeline.
What to bring to the knowledge test:
- Completed DC driver license or identification card application
- Proof of identity and age
- Two documents proving District residency
- Proof of Social Security number
- Parental consent plus parental/legal-guardianship verification documents if age 16 or 17
Requirements last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: DC DMV — Obtain a REAL ID Learner Permit ↗. See the complete District of Columbia permit requirements.
What is different about District of Columbia
Rules that are set by District of Columbia rather than nationally, and where they depart from what most states do. Compared against DMV Prep's verified rules for all 51 jurisdictions — unverified figures are left out of both sides of every comparison.
- Minimum permit age: 16 here. The most common minimum permit age is 15 (25 of 50 states we have verified).
- Permit validity: 24 months here. The most common permit validity is 12 months (9 of 19 states we have verified).
- Supervised-driving requirement: 40 hours here. The most common supervised-driving requirement is 50 hours (29 of 49 states we have verified).
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in this District of Columbia DMV practice test?
This practice test uses 30 questions and a 80% study target — at least 24 correct answers. Confirm the current official exam format with the state licensing agency.
What score should I target for the District of Columbia written test?
Use 80% as the practice target on this site. The readiness dashboard tracks consistent performance; the state agency remains the source for current official requirements.
Is this District of Columbia practice test really free?
Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMV Prep app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.
Where do these District of Columbia practice questions come from?
Questions use DC Driver Manual and other handbook or regulatory references, and are not copied from live exams. Citation scope and recency are being revalidated across the bank.
Can I study for the District of Columbia permit test in Spanish?
Yes — try the District of Columbia practice test in Spanish. The DMV Prep app includes all 3,671+ questions in Spanish.
