Washington, D.C. DMV Practice Test 2026

Practice Questions

12 free Washington, D.C. DMV practice questions

Real Washington, D.C.-specific questions sourced from the official Washington, D.C. Driver Handbook. Read each one, pick your answer, then check the explanation.

1. Question 1 · Speed Limits

   In Washington, D.C., what is the speed limit in a residential neighborhood unless otherwise posted?

   • A35 mph
   • B20 mph
   • C25 mph✓ Correct

   Why: The default speed limit in residential areas of the District of Columbia is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Always observe posted signs, as some areas may have lower limits.

2. Question 2 · DUI Laws

   What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for adult drivers (21 and over) in the District of Columbia?

   • A0.10%
   • B0.08%✓ Correct
   • C0.04%

   Why: A driver 21 years of age or older is legally impaired with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Drivers under 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance standard — any measurable BAC (0.02% or above) is illegal.

3. Question 3 · Right of Way

   Which vehicle has the right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection when two vehicles arrive at the same time?

   • AThe vehicle on the left
   • BThe vehicle on the right✓ Correct
   • CThe larger vehicle

   Why: When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. This is the standard right-of-way rule for uncontrolled intersections.

4. Question 4 · Pedestrian Laws

   When must you stop for a pedestrian in Washington, D.C.?

   • AOnly when the pedestrian is inside a marked crosswalk
   • BWhenever a pedestrian is in or about to enter a crosswalk — marked or unmarked✓ Correct
   • COnly when a traffic signal is present with a Walk signal activated

   Why: Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks — both marked and unmarked. You must stop if a pedestrian is in or about to enter the portion of the crosswalk in your lane. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

5. Question 5 · Lane Changes & Passing

   How much clearance must you give a cyclist when passing them in the District?

   • A1 foot of clearance
   • BAt least 3 feet of clearance✓ Correct
   • CAt least 5 feet of clearance

   Why: When passing a bicyclist, you must maintain at least 3 feet of clearance between your vehicle and the cyclist. If necessary, move into an adjacent lane to provide safe passing distance.

6. Question 6 · Weather & Visibility

   When must you use your headlights in the District of Columbia?

   • AOnly between midnight and 5 AM
   • BFrom one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and any time visibility is reduced✓ Correct
   • COnly during rain or snow

   Why: Headlights are required from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and whenever weather conditions reduce visibility. Headlights must also be used when windshield wipers are in continuous use due to precipitation.

7. Question 7 · Accidents & Emergencies

   If you are involved in a crash, what should you do?

   • ALeave the scene quickly to call for help
   • BStop at or near the scene, avoid walking in traffic lanes, and turn off the ignitions of the wrecked vehicles✓ Correct
   • CRemain in your vehicle and wait for police without doing anything else

   Why: If you are involved in a crash you must stop at or near the scene, move your vehicle out of traffic if possible, avoid walking in traffic lanes, and turn off the ignitions of wrecked vehicles to prevent fires.

8. Question 8 · Highway Driving

   What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind with lights and siren activated?

   • ASpeed up to clear the intersection ahead quickly
   • BPull to the right side of the road and stop until the vehicle passes✓ Correct
   • CSlow down and continue driving in your lane

   Why: When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren activated, immediately pull to the right edge of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed. This clears a path for the emergency vehicle and is required by law.

9. Question 9 · Turns & Intersections

   In which of these situations should you never pass another vehicle?

   • AOn a straight, clear road with a broken yellow center line
   • BOn a hill or curve, near an intersection, or when a school bus has its flashing red lights on✓ Correct
   • COnly when driving at night on unfamiliar roads

   Why: Never pass when approaching or on a hill or curve, when approaching an intersection, at or before a railroad crossing, or when a school bus has its flashing red lights activated. These situations limit visibility and create serious collision risks.

10. Question 10 · Parking Rules

    When may you legally park near a fire hydrant in the District?

    • AWhen you remain in the vehicle and can move immediately
    • BNever — you must stay at least 10 feet from a fire hydrant✓ Correct
    • COnly for up to 5 minutes during non-emergency hours

    Why: You must not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant at any time. This keeps the hydrant accessible to firefighters in an emergency. Violations can result in a fine and your vehicle being towed.

11. Question 11 · Sharing the Road

    When may you drive in a bicycle lane?

    • AOnly to briefly cross or enter it when turning right, entering or exiting a driveway, or parking✓ Correct
    • BWhenever traffic requires it
    • COnly when the bicycle lane is empty and you need to pass slow traffic

    Why: Motor vehicles may enter a bicycle lane only when preparing to turn right, when entering or exiting a driveway, or when parking — and only briefly while doing so. You may not use a bike lane for travel or to pass other vehicles.

12. Question 12 · Traffic Signs & Signals

    When turning or changing lanes, when must you signal your intentions?

    • AOnly when other vehicles are visible nearby
    • BAt all times, even when no visible traffic is present✓ Correct
    • COnly during nighttime driving

    Why: You must always signal your intentions when changing lanes, turning, or pulling away from a curb — even when no visible traffic is present. Signaling is required by law and helps prevent conflicts with traffic you may not have seen.

How to get your Washington, D.C. driver's license

The knowledge test is one step in Washington, D.C.'s licensing process. Here's how the path typically works for a new driver.

1. 1

   Check the age and eligibility requirements

   Eligibility in Washington, D.C.: 16 for a learner permit (with vision screening and knowledge test passed). Have your proof of identity, residency, and any required parental consent ready.

2. 2

   Study the official handbook

   Read the Official DC Driver Manual (dmv.dc.gov) and practice with DMV Ace until you're consistently scoring above 80%.

3. 3

   Pass the knowledge test

   The Washington, D.C. written test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. You have 60 minutes. Permit/licensing fee: $20 for the learner permit, plus a $10 knowledge test fee at a DC DMV Service Center.

4. 4

   Build supervised driving experience

   Hold your permit for the period Washington, D.C. requires and log supervised driving hours with a licensed adult before you schedule the road test.

5. 5

   Pass the road test and get licensed

   After you pass the behind-the-wheel road test, Washington, D.C. issues your driver's license — often an intermediate/provisional license first for younger drivers.

Steps are a general guide — always confirm the current process with your local Washington, D.C. DMV office.

How DMV Ace prepares you for the Washington, D.C. test

• 1,000+ Washington, D.C.-specific questions

  Every question is sourced from the official Washington, D.C. Driver Handbook — same wording style, same topic mix as the real test.

• Explanations on every answer

  Right or wrong, you see exactly why — with a handbook page citation so you can dig deeper.

• Hard Questions module

  A curated bank of the trickiest Washington, D.C. questions — the ones most testers fail. Master these and you're ready.

• Smart progress tracking

  See exactly which topics you've mastered and which need work. A pass-readiness score tells you when you're truly ready for the Washington, D.C. DMV.