Washington D.C. DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the Washington D.C. driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Washington D.C.-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Washington D.C. driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Washington D.C. test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Washington D.C.-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

Washington D.C. Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	25 questions, must score 20/25 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	16
Minimum License Age	16 years 6 months
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 55 mph \| Residential: 25 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
DUI/OWI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: Zero Tolerance)
Point System	Points range from 2 to 12. Accumulating 10-11 points triggers a suspension.

Rules Specific to Washington D.C.

DC has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 — any measurable BAC results in penalties
Speed cameras are widely used throughout the District
Right turn on red is prohibited at many intersections in DC — watch for signs

Sample Washington D.C. Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to Washington D.C.. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

For drivers under 21, D.C.’s zero-tolerance rule allows action for having what level of alcohol in the blood, breath, or urine?
- A. Any measurable amount (even above 0.00%)
- B. 0.02% BAC or higher
- C. 0.05% BAC or higher
- D. 0.08% BAC or higher
Answer: Any measurable amount (even above 0.00%). In D.C., drivers under 21 can face consequences for any measurable alcohol, not just a higher “adult” BAC threshold.
In the District of Columbia, a child must ride in an installed infant/convertible/booster child safety seat until at least what age?
- A. Under 5 years old
- B. Under 8 years old
- C. Under 10 years old
- D. Under 12 years old
Answer: Under 8 years old. D.C. requires children under age 8 to be properly seated in an installed child safety seat (including a booster, if appropriate) per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Unless otherwise posted or designated, what is the maximum lawful speed on D.C. streets and highways?
- A. 15 mph
- B. 20 mph
- C. 25 mph
- D. 30 mph
Answer: 20 mph. D.C.’s default speed limit is 20 mph unless a different speed is designated or posted.
In D.C., moving-violation fines in a work zone or school zone are generally increased to what level compared with the standard fine?
- A. No increase (1×)
- B. 1.5× the standard fine
- C. 2× the standard fine (double)
- D. 3× the standard fine
Answer: 2× the standard fine (double). D.C. law provides for doubled fines for moving violations committed in a work zone or school zone.
In D.C., which statement best describes who must wear a seat belt when the vehicle is equipped with them?
- A. Only the driver must be belted
- B. Only front-seat occupants must be belted
- C. The driver and all passengers must be belted, including rear-seat passengers
- D. Only passengers under 18 must be belted
Answer: The driver and all passengers must be belted, including rear-seat passengers. D.C. requires seat-belt use for everyone in the vehicle, including passengers in the back seat.
What is the minimum age for a D.C. learner permit?
- A. 15
- B. 15½
- C. 16
- D. 17
Answer: 16. You must be at least 16 and pass the knowledge test and vision screening. Minors also need a parental consent form.
Who must sit next to a D.C. learner permit holder?
- A. Any licensed adult
- B. A driver 21 or older with a valid full license
- C. A parent only
- D. A licensed driver 18 or older
Answer: A driver 21 or older with a valid full license. The supervising driver must be 21 or older, hold a valid full license, and sit in the front passenger seat.
How much supervised driving must be certified before a D.C. provisional license?
- A. 20 hours
- B. 30 hours
- C. 40 hours
- D. 50 hours
Answer: 40 hours. You must certify at least 40 hours of driving with a licensed driver 21 or older.
How many questions are on the D.C. knowledge test, and how many must you answer correctly?
- A. 20 questions, 16 correct
- B. 25 questions, 20 correct
- C. 30 questions, 24 correct
- D. 40 questions, 32 correct
Answer: 25 questions, 20 correct. The computerized test has 25 questions and you need at least 20 correct (80%).
What must a D.C. provisional driver do to get a full license?
- A. Hold the provisional license 3 months
- B. Hold it 6 months, have no pointable violations for 12 months, and log 10 hours of night driving
- C. Pass another road test
- D. Take a 6-hour course
Answer: Hold it 6 months, have no pointable violations for 12 months, and log 10 hours of night driving. After at least 6 months on a provisional license with no pointable violations for 12 months and 10 certified night hours, you can get a full license.
With a D.C. full license with conditions (under 18), how many passengers under 21 may you carry (not counting siblings or your child)?
- A. None
- B. One
- C. Two
- D. Three
Answer: Two. Drivers under 18 with a full license with conditions may carry no more than two passengers under 21, not counting siblings or their own children.
What is the speed limit in a D.C. alley?
- A. 10 mph
- B. 15 mph
- C. 20 mph
- D. 25 mph
Answer: 15 mph. D.C. alleys are 15 mph, school zones 15 mph, and city streets 25 mph unless posted.
In D.C., you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- A. 5 feet
- B. 10 feet
- C. 15 feet
- D. 20 feet
Answer: 10 feet. D.C. prohibits parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant and within 5 feet of a driveway or alley.
In D.C., you may not park within how many feet in front of a stop sign or traffic signal at the side of the road?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 20 feet
- C. 25 feet
- D. 30 feet
Answer: 25 feet. Don't park within 25 feet in front of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic control signal at the roadside.
Can you turn left on a red light in the District of Columbia?
- A. Yes, from a one-way to a one-way street
- B. Yes, after a full stop
- C. No, a left turn on red is illegal in D.C.
- D. Only at night
Answer: No, a left turn on red is illegal in D.C.. Left turns on red are illegal in D.C. Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it.
When must D.C. drivers turn on their headlights?
- A. Only after dark
- B. Whenever the windshield wipers are on, and when driving in a tunnel
- C. Only on highways
- D. Only in snow
Answer: Whenever the windshield wipers are on, and when driving in a tunnel. Always turn on headlights when your wipers are on, and when driving in a tunnel.
When must you switch to low beams while following another vehicle in D.C.?
- A. Within 100 feet
- B. Within 200 feet
- C. Within 300 feet
- D. Within 500 feet
Answer: Within 300 feet. Change to low beams at least 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle and when following within 300 feet.
In bad weather, how much following distance does the D.C. manual recommend?
- A. 2 seconds
- B. 3 seconds
- C. 4 to 5 seconds
- D. 10 seconds
Answer: 4 to 5 seconds. In bad weather, increase the distance to the vehicle ahead to four or five seconds.
How much space should you give a bicyclist when passing in D.C.?
- A. At least 1 foot
- B. At least 3 feet
- C. At least 5 feet
- D. Half a lane
Answer: At least 3 feet. Allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist, and don't use your horn.
What happens if you don't cancel a D.C. road test at least two business days in advance?
- A. Nothing
- B. A $30 cancellation fee
- C. A 30-day wait
- D. You must retake the knowledge test
Answer: A $30 cancellation fee. Failing to cancel within two business days results in a $30 cancellation fee.

Washington D.C. Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the Washington D.C. permit test?

The Washington D.C. knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 20 correct answers (80%) to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Washington D.C.?

The minimum age for a learner's permit in Washington D.C. is 16. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16 years 6 months.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Washington D.C.?

Washington D.C. calls impaired driving DUI/OWI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and zero tolerance (any detectable alcohol) for drivers under 21.

How does the Washington D.C. driver point system work?

Points range from 2 to 12. Accumulating 10-11 points triggers a suspension.

What are the default speed limits in Washington D.C.?

Typical limits in Washington D.C. are up to 55 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Washington D.C. government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the D.C. DMV Driver Manual (2019 edition) on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current Washington D.C. driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Washington D.C. government agency.