Washington, D.C. Permit Test Practice
In Washington, D.C., the DC Department of Motor Vehicles lets you take the learner permit knowledge test virtually from home or at a local test proctoring center, by appointment. Pass it, and you have 14 business days to visit a DC DMV service center with your documents, or the result won't count and you'll have to retest. If you fail, you wait three full days before trying again.
DC's Graduated Licensing Program starts at 16. Learners drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat and only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., hold the permit at least six months and log 40 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night. City driving brings its own test topics, like the District's default 20 mph speed limit, bike lanes and automated traffic cameras. Practicing free on DMV Permit Prep helps you get ready for questions you won't see in suburban states.
- Permit age
- 16
- Practice
- 40 hours, 10 at night
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Washington, D.C. permit test sample questions
Tap an answer to check yourself.
1. In Washington, D.C., during what hours may a learner permit holder drive?
2. In Washington, D.C., what is the youngest age to get a learner permit?
3. In Washington, D.C., what is the youngest age for a provisional license?
4. To turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, start from:
5. On wet roads, you should:
How to get your learner's permit in Washington, D.C.
- 1Study the DC DMV Driver Manual and take practice tests.
- 2Schedule the knowledge test virtually or at a test proctoring center.
- 3Pass the knowledge test.
- 4Within 14 business days, visit a DC DMV service center with proof of identity, Social Security number and DC residency.
- 5Have a parent or guardian sign if you're under 18, pass the vision screening and pay the fee.
- 6Drive with a licensed driver 21+ between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. and log 40 hours (10 at night) over 6 months.
Provisional drivers under 18 face seasonal curfews, such as no driving 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on school nights from September through June. Permit holding period: 6 months.
The Washington, D.C. knowledge test
Taken virtually or at a test proctoring center by appointment (75-minute limit for the learner permit test); pass, then visit a service center within 14 business days.
Study tips for Washington, D.C.
- If you test virtually, book your service center visit right away so you don't miss the 14-business-day window.
- Study DC's urban rules: the 20 mph default speed limit, bike lanes and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Know the learner permit hours (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and the seasonal provisional curfews.
CDL in Washington, D.C.
DC DMV issues a commercial learner's permit after you pass the CDL knowledge tests in person (CDL tests aren't offered virtually), and first-time Class A or B applicants must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test.
Motorcycle in Washington, D.C.
DC DMV no longer issues motorcycle learner permits or gives its own riding test; to add an M endorsement you pass the motorcycle knowledge test and submit a motorcycle demonstration course certificate from any U.S. jurisdiction within six months of completion.
Washington, D.C. permit test FAQ
Can you take the DC permit test online?
Yes. DC DMV offers the learner permit knowledge test virtually or at a local test proctoring center, by appointment.
How old do you have to be to get a learner permit in DC?
You must be at least 16 to get a learner permit in the District's Graduated Licensing Program.
What happens if I fail the DC knowledge test?
You can retake it after waiting three full calendar days. Failing six times within 12 months locks you out until a year after the first failure.
How many practice hours do DC learners need?
DC learners need 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night, and must hold the permit at least six months before a provisional license.
Official information: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).
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