DC Learner Permit Practice Test – Free DC DMV Knowledge Test Prep

Our District of Columbia DMV practice tests are a free way to prepare for your 2026 DC learner permit. Questions cover the road rules, signs and safe-driving topics in the DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual, with an instant explanation for every answer.

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Your District of Columbia Permit Test Study Plan

All 10 tests are free, with no signup. Work down the steps, or jump to any test.

  1. Take the full practice tests

    Five tests of 50 questions each. Every answer is explained as soon as you pick it.

    Practice Test 1 50 questions Hill Parking Uphill with Curb · Hill Parking Downhill with Curb · Red Curb Practice Test 2 50 questions DC School Zone Compliance · Blocked Intersection · Advisory Speed on Curves Practice Test 3 50 questions Parking Downhill Without Curb · Sticking Accelerator · Strong Wind Driving Practice Test 4 50 questions Double Solid White Lines · Green Light Intersection Check · Large Truck Following on DC Roads Practice Test 5 50 questions Crosswind Driving Near DC Open Areas · Bicycle Crossing Warning Sign · Right Turn Procedure

  2. Review with the Quick Test

    25 mixed questions for a fast check on what you remember.

    Quick Test 25 questions DC Parallel Parking Curb Distance · Solid-Next-to-Broken Yellow · Steady Yellow Light

  3. Drill with the Mini Tests

    Four short 12-question tests for a few minutes of practice a day.

    Mini Test 1 12 questions Parking Downhill with Curb · Solid Yellow on Your Side · Crosswalk Pedestrian Yielding Mini Test 2 12 questions Curve Approach · Broken Yellow Centerline · School Bus Red Lights Mini Test 3 12 questions Downhill Speed Control · Solid Yellow on Your Side · Private Driveway Entry Mini Test 4 12 questions Parking Uphill Without Curb · Broken Yellow Line · Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk

  4. Read the DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual

    The real test is based on the official manual. Use it to look up anything you missed.

    DC DMV Automobile Driver ManualOfficial, from the state

  5. Take the real test

    Aim for 90% or higher on these tests first. Then take your written test with the DC Department of Motor Vehicles.

    DC DMV knowledge tests pageOfficial state website

District of Columbia Permit Test Facts

The DC DMV knowledge test checks your knowledge of traffic laws, road signs and driving safety rules. You can take it first-come, first-served at any DC DMV Service Center, or by appointment virtually or at a Test Proctoring Center (see DC DMV's knowledge tests page). It's offered in 24 languages, and audio-assisted tests are available if you need help with reading.

Study the DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual.

Number of questions
30 if you're 16 to 20 (GRAD); 25 if you're 21 or older
Passing score
24 of 30, or 20 of 25 (80%)
Time limit
75 minutes for the GRAD learner permit test
Minimum age
16 (parental consent if 16 or 17)
Knowledge test fee
$20
If you fail
Wait 3 full calendar days
Where
Any DC DMV Service Center, or virtually or at a Test Proctoring Center by appointment
Online testing
Yes, the standard and GRAD tests can be taken virtually
Test languages
24 languages; audio-assisted tests available
After you pass
Get your permit at a Service Center within 14 business days
Driving hours
6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Supervised driving
40 hours, including 10 at night

DC DMV Knowledge Test FAQ

How many questions are on the DC DMV knowledge test?

If you're 16 to 20 (the GRAD program), the knowledge test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct. If you're 21 or older, it has 25 questions and you need 20 correct. The GRAD learner permit test allows 75 minutes, and going over the limit is a fail.

How old do you have to be to get a DC learner permit?

At least 16. If you're 16 or 17, you need a parental consent form. Drivers under 21 are automatically enrolled in DC's Graduated License Program (GRAD) (see DC DMV's learner permit page).

Can you take the DC DMV knowledge test online?

Yes. The standard and GRAD knowledge tests can be taken virtually, or at a local Test Proctoring Center, by appointment. Motorcycle and CDL knowledge tests are not available virtually.

What languages is the DC DMV knowledge test in?

The test is offered in 24 languages, including English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, French, Korean, Mandarin and Vietnamese. Audio-assisted tests are available for anyone who needs help with reading.

What happens if you fail the DC DMV knowledge test?

You can retake it after waiting three full calendar days. For example, if you fail on Tuesday, you can retest on Saturday. If you fail six times within 12 months, you can't take a seventh test until 12 months after your first failure. Cheating, such as using a phone or watch, using study materials, or talking during the test, means you fail and can't retest for 60 days.

What do you do after passing the DC knowledge test?

Visit a DC DMV Service Center within 14 business days with all required documents to get your learner permit. If you miss that deadline, your results won't be honored and you'll have to retest.

When can you drive with a DC learner permit?

Only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. (see DC DMV's learner permits page). A REAL ID learner permit is valid for two years for U.S. citizens and can't be renewed.

Does DC DMV have an official practice test?

Yes. DC DMV offers an online practice knowledge test, which it says is for information only and doesn't contain actual test questions. The practice tests on this page add more questions, with an explanation for every answer.

How do you get a DC driver's license?

If you are 16 to 20, DC uses the GRAD program. First get a learner permit: you must be at least 16 (with parental consent if you are 16 or 17), pass the vision and knowledge tests, and bring documents proving your identity and DC residency (and your Social Security number for a REAL ID permit). With the permit you may drive only from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. After holding it for at least 6 months with no offenses that carry points, and completing 40 hours of supervised driving, you pass the road skills test for a provisional license, and you move to a full license once you meet the provisional license requirements. If you are 21 or older, you can schedule the road test as soon as you have your learner permit.

Is this the same as the DC DMV test?

Yes. These tests prepare you for the knowledge test given by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles.

About These Tests

Questions and facts on this page are reviewed and approved by Brennan McIlwain, the site owner, before they're published. Official sources we check: DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual, DC DMV knowledge tests page, DC DMV learner permits page. Spotted a mistake? Use "Report a mistake" under any question, or email contact@drivingpracticetests.com.