About the District of Columbia DMV written test
The District of Columbia knowledge test (often searched as the District of Columbia permit test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official District of Columbia driver handbook published by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles.
District of Columbia applicants take a knowledge test at a DC DMV service center (or approved virtual or proctored option) based on the DC DMV Driver Manual. You must be at least 16 to get a learner permit, and drivers aged 16 to 20 go through the Graduated License (GRAD) program.
District of Columbia permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a DC learner permit.
- Vision screening
- You must pass a vision screening: 20/40 or better in your best eye, or 20/70 in your best eye with a field of vision of at least 140 degrees (with or without corrective lenses).
- Permit fee
- At a DC DMV service center the knowledge test is $10, the learner permit is $20, and the road test is $10; an 8-year driver license is $47.
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% for adults; zero tolerance (any measurable alcohol) for drivers under 21; 0.04% for commercial drivers.
- Seat belt law
- Everyone in the vehicle, front and back, must be buckled; children under 8 need a car or booster seat and children up to 16 must be restrained.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles before you test.
What District of Columbia drivers should know
- Default speed limit is 20 mph on DC streets unless otherwise posted; alleys are 15 mph.
- School zones are 15 mph and moving-violation fines are doubled in school and work zones.
- A learner permit only allows driving between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- After a failed knowledge test you wait three full calendar days before retesting.
- Cell phone use is illegal unless hands-free, and texting while driving is prohibited.
Topics covered in our District of Columbia practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the District of Columbia permit test
- Read the official District of Columbia driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the DMV.