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Washington DC DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

DC DMV gives a knowledge test for the learner permit, with a separate GRAD version for drivers aged 16 to 20. You have 75 minutes. These practice questions cover DC's own rules first, then general US rules and road signs.

Read before you practiseStart with the DC Driver Manual Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a DC DMV learner permit?
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    Answer: D. 16

    You must be at least 16 to get a DC DMV learner permit.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    During which hours may you drive with a DC learner permit?
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    Answer: D. Only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

    DC DMV says you may only drive between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. with a learner permit.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    What decides whether you get a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose learner permit in DC?
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    Answer: C. Whether you have a valid Social Security number

    DC issues a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose learner permit depending on whether you have a valid Social Security number.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    What is the time limit for the DC GRAD or learner permit knowledge test?
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    Answer: A. 75 minutes

    DC DMV allows 75 minutes for the GRAD or learner permit knowledge test.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Which statement about DC knowledge test languages is true?
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    Answer: D. It is offered in many languages, including Amharic, Spanish and Vietnamese

    DC offers the test in English and many other languages, such as Amharic, Arabic, Spanish and Vietnamese, plus audio-assisted tests.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Can you take the DC GRAD knowledge test virtually?
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    Answer: C. Yes, by appointment

    Virtual testing is available by appointment for the standard and GRAD knowledge tests, but not for motorcycle or CDL tests.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    If you fail the DC knowledge test, how long must you wait to retake it?
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    Answer: B. Three full calendar days

    You must wait three full calendar days after a failed knowledge test.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    In DC, what happens if you fail the knowledge test six times within 12 months?
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    Answer: B. You cannot take a seventh test until 12 months after your first failure

    After six failed tests within 12 months, the seventh test is not allowed until 12 months after the first failure.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    In DC, how long must you wait to retest if you fail for cheating or going over the time limit?
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    Answer: C. 60 days

    A failure for cheating or exceeding the time limit means no retest for 60 days.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Do you pay the DC knowledge test fee if you fail?
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    Answer: B. Yes, the fee is due whether you pass or fail

    DC DMV charges the test fee whether you pass or fail.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    After passing the DC knowledge test, how soon must you visit a DMV service center with your documents?
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    Answer: A. Within 14 business days

    You must visit a DC DMV Service Center within 14 business days of passing and bring all required documents.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Which DC applicants must go through the GRAD (graduated) license program?
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    Answer: A. Applicants under 21

    DC's GRAD program, with its own knowledge test, covers new drivers aged 16 to 20.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    How long must a DC GRAD learner hold the learner permit before a provisional license?
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    Answer: D. 6 months

    DC requires a 6-month learner permit holding period in the GRAD program.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    How many hours of supervised driving must a DC GRAD learner complete during the learner stage?
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    Answer: A. 40

    DC requires 40 hours of supervised driving in the learner stage.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a DC provisional license?
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    Answer: B. 16 and a half

    The provisional (intermediate) stage starts at 16 and a half, after 6 months with a learner permit.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    From September through June, what are the night hours for a DC provisional driver on Sunday through Thursday nights?
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    Answer: B. 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    From September to June, provisional drivers may not drive from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, or from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. on weekend nights.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    In July and August, what are the night driving limits for a DC provisional driver?
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    Answer: B. 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m.

    In July and August, provisional drivers may not drive from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    How many hours of supervised night driving must a DC driver complete during the provisional stage?
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    Answer: C. 10

    DC requires 10 hours of supervised night driving during the intermediate (provisional) stage.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    What is the earliest age a DC GRAD driver can have all night and passenger restrictions lifted?
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    Answer: A. 18

    Restrictions end after the required time with a full license or at 21, but never before age 18.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    What does DC law say about holding a phone while driving?
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    Answer: D. Handheld phone use is banned for all drivers

    DC bans handheld phone use by all drivers, with primary enforcement.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    What phone use is allowed for a DC learner permit holder?
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    Answer: D. None, not even hands-free

    DC bans all cell phone use, including hands-free, for drivers with a learner's permit.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Which DC drivers are banned from texting while driving?
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    Answer: C. All drivers

    Texting while driving is banned for all drivers in DC.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    What is the time limit for DC's regular non-commercial knowledge test (outside the GRAD program)?
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    Answer: C. 60 minutes

    DC allows 60 minutes for the non-commercial knowledge test and 75 minutes for the GRAD or learner permit test.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What test help does DC DMV offer for people who have trouble reading?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Audio-assisted knowledge tests

    DC DMV offers audio-assisted knowledge tests.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Besides the knowledge test, what else must you pass to get a DC learner permit?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A vision screening

    You must pass vision screening and the knowledge test, and provide documents proving identity, residency and eligibility.

What to know before the test

  • The GRAD or learner permit knowledge test has a 75-minute time limit. The regular non-commercial test allows 60 minutes.
  • The test is offered in English and more than 20 other languages, and audio-assisted tests are available.
  • Virtual testing is available by appointment for the standard and GRAD knowledge tests.
  • If you fail, you must wait three full calendar days to retest. The fee is charged whether you pass or fail.
  • You must be at least 16 for a learner permit, and you may drive only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. with it.
  • After passing, you must visit a DC DMV Service Center within 14 business days with your documents.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the DC permit test?

You get 75 minutes for the GRAD or learner permit knowledge test. The regular non-commercial test allows 60 minutes.

Can I take the DC knowledge test online?

Yes. DC DMV offers virtual testing by appointment for the standard and GRAD knowledge tests.

How long do I wait if I fail the DC permit test?

Three full calendar days. If you fail six times in 12 months, you must wait until 12 months after your first failure.

What languages is the DC knowledge test in?

English plus many others, including Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese. Audio-assisted tests are also available.

What hours can I drive with a DC learner permit?

Only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Sources

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