Washington DC DMV Permit Practice Test 2026: Practice test 5

1. Question 1 of 25

   When is it right to use your horn?

   • ATo warn others of danger or to help avoid a crash
   • BTo greet friends as you drive by
   • CTo show you are angry
   • DTo tell a slow driver to hurry up
   Show answer

   Answer: A. To warn others of danger or to help avoid a crash

   Use your horn to let others know you are there or to warn them of a hazard, not to express anger.

2. Question 2 of 25

   You see this orange and red triangle on the back of a farm tractor. What does it mean?

   • AThe vehicle moves much slower than normal traffic, so slow down early
   • BThe vehicle is about to turn
   • CThe vehicle is an emergency vehicle
   • DThe vehicle is carrying hazardous materials
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The vehicle moves much slower than normal traffic, so slow down early

   The slow-moving vehicle emblem is used on farm equipment, construction equipment and animal-drawn vehicles.

3. Question 3 of 25

   Another car is passing you on a two-lane road. What should you do?

   • AStay centered in your lane and slow down slightly if needed
   • BMove toward the center line
   • CSpeed up so the other car cannot pass
   • DBrake hard
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Stay centered in your lane and slow down slightly if needed

   When someone passes you, keep to your lane and ease off slightly so they can get back in safely. Never speed up.

4. Question 4 of 25

   The lights are flashing at a railroad crossing. Where should you stop?

   • ARight next to the rail
   • BAt least 15 feet but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail
   • CAt least 200 feet before the tracks
   • DOn the tracks, so you can see better
   Show answer

   Answer: B. At least 15 feet but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail

   Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, and wait until the train has passed and it is safe.

5. Question 5 of 25

   Where is this pennant-shaped sign placed?

   • AOn the right side of the road
   • BOnly on freeway on-ramps
   • COver the middle of the road
   • DOn the left side of the road
   Show answer

   Answer: D. On the left side of the road

   The yellow pennant is posted on the left side of two-lane roads, where you look before passing. It marks the start of a no-passing zone.

6. Question 6 of 25

   Which of these makes your stopping distance longer?

   • AA wet or icy road
   • BDriving more slowly
   • CTires with deep tread
   • DPaying full attention
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A wet or icy road

   Wet, snowy and icy roads give your tires less grip, so it takes longer to stop. Slow down and leave more space.

7. Question 7 of 25

   This yellow plate is posted under a curve sign. What does it tell you?

   • AThe legal speed limit for the whole road is 35 mph
   • BOnly trucks must slow to 35 mph
   • CThe minimum speed is 35 mph
   • DThe recommended speed for the curve is 35 mph
   Show answer

   Answer: D. The recommended speed for the curve is 35 mph

   Yellow speed plates give an advisory speed for a curve or hazard in good conditions. Drive slower if the road is wet or icy.

8. Question 8 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AA school crossing guard is ahead
   • BA flagger is ahead; slow down and follow the flagger's signals
   • CA pedestrian crossing is ahead
   • DA parade is ahead
   Show answer

   Answer: B. A flagger is ahead; slow down and follow the flagger's signals

   A flagger controls traffic in a work zone with a STOP/SLOW paddle or a flag. Obey the flagger's directions.

9. Question 9 of 25

   In most states, how far before a turn should you start signaling?

   • AAt least 10 feet
   • BOnly as you begin to turn
   • CAt least half a mile
   • DAt least 100 feet
   Show answer

   Answer: D. At least 100 feet

   Most state laws require you to signal at least 100 feet before you turn. Check your state handbook in case a longer distance applies.

10. Question 10 of 25

    Orange signs like this one are used for:

    • AParks and recreation areas
    • BSchool zones
    • CWork zones and other temporary traffic control
    • DMotorist services
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Work zones and other temporary traffic control

    Orange is the color for work zones. Expect lane changes, lower speeds and workers on or near the road.

11. Question 11 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AThe road ahead becomes a divided highway; keep right
    • BThe divided highway ends
    • CA narrow bridge is ahead
    • DA crossroad is ahead
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The road ahead becomes a divided highway; keep right

    A median or barrier will separate the two directions of traffic. Keep to the right of it.

12. Question 12 of 25

    How far should you sit from the air bag in the steering wheel?

    • AAt least 3 feet
    • BAs close as you can
    • CAt least 10 inches
    • DAt least 2 inches
    Show answer

    Answer: C. At least 10 inches

    Sit at least 10 inches from the air bag cover, as long as you can still control the vehicle safely.

13. Question 13 of 25

    A front tire blows out while you are driving on the highway. What should you do?

    • AHold the wheel tightly and slowly ease off the gas
    • BBrake hard right away
    • CSpeed up to keep control
    • DSteer sharply onto the shoulder
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Hold the wheel tightly and slowly ease off the gas

    Grip the wheel firmly, keep the car straight, and let it slow down before you brake gently and pull off.

14. Question 14 of 25

    A police officer directing traffic waves you through a red light. What should you do?

    • AFollow the officer's directions
    • BTurn right instead
    • CHonk to check that the officer means you
    • DStay stopped until the light turns green
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Follow the officer's directions

    Directions from a police officer directing traffic override traffic lights, signs and pavement markings.

15. Question 15 of 25

    Car 1 turns left from a two-way street onto another two-way street. Where should it finish the turn?

    • AIn the far right lane
    • BOn the left side of the center line
    • CIn the lane just to the right of the center line
    • DIn whatever lane has the least traffic
    Show answer

    Answer: C. In the lane just to the right of the center line

    Start from the lane closest to the center and end in the lane just to the right of the new road's center line.

16. Question 16 of 25

    What color are the signs that warn of road work ahead?

    • ABlue
    • BBrown
    • CGreen
    • DOrange
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Orange

    Orange signs are used for work zones and other temporary traffic control. Slow down and watch for workers.

17. Question 17 of 25

    On a divided highway, what color is the edge line on the left side of your lanes?

    • ARed
    • BWhite
    • CYellow
    • DBlue
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Yellow

    Yellow marks the left edge of divided highways, one-way streets and ramps. White marks the right edge.

18. Question 18 of 25

    You stopped for a school bus with flashing red lights. When may you drive on?

    • AAfter waiting about 30 seconds
    • BWhen the bus driver honks
    • CAs soon as you see the children on the sidewalk
    • DOnly after the red lights stop flashing
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Only after the red lights stop flashing

    Stay stopped for as long as the red lights are flashing. Then watch for children before you move.

19. Question 19 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AYou must not drive into this road from where you are
    • BThe road is closed to trucks only
    • CStop, then enter when the way is clear
    • DOne-way street; turn here
    Show answer

    Answer: A. You must not drive into this road from where you are

    This sign is posted where you would be going the wrong way, such as a freeway exit ramp or the end of a one-way street. Do not enter.

20. Question 20 of 25

    Marking 4 is a solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line. When may you pass?

    • AOnly when the broken line is on your side
    • BWhenever the road ahead looks clear
    • CNever, from either side
    • DOnly when the solid line is on your side
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Only when the broken line is on your side

    With a solid and a broken line together, drivers on the broken-line side may pass when safe. Drivers on the solid side may not.

21. Question 21 of 25

    What should you do when you see this sign?

    • ATurn right only on a green light
    • BDo not turn right; go straight or turn left if allowed
    • CYield to vehicles turning right
    • DTurn right after a full stop
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Do not turn right; go straight or turn left if allowed

    The black arrow shows the move and the red circle and slash forbid it. You may not turn right at this intersection.

22. Question 22 of 25

    What should you do when you see this sign?

    • ASlow down before you reach the curve
    • BBrake hard in the middle of the curve
    • CMove to the left lane
    • DSpeed up to get through the curve
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Slow down before you reach the curve

    Slow down before the curve, not in it. Braking hard in a curve can make you skid.

23. Question 23 of 25

    Compared with a sober driver, about how much more likely is a driver with a BAC of 0.08% to crash?

    • AAbout 20 times
    • BAbout the same
    • CAbout 4 times
    • DAbout 1.5 times
    Show answer

    Answer: C. About 4 times

    Drivers at a BAC of 0.08% are about four times more likely to crash than drivers with no alcohol.

24. Question 24 of 25

    You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right, as shown. There is no sign about turning. What may you do?

    • ATurn right after a full stop, yielding to pedestrians and traffic
    • BWait for the green light, because turns on red are never allowed
    • CTurn right without stopping if no one is coming
    • DTurn right into the farthest lane right away
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Turn right after a full stop, yielding to pedestrians and traffic

    Unless a sign or local rule forbids it, you may turn right on red after a full stop, when pedestrians and traffic are clear.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Why should you avoid making a U-turn near the top of a hill or on a curve?

    • AIt wears out your tires
    • BYour turn signal will not work
    • CIt uses too much fuel
    • DOther drivers may not see you in time to stop
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Other drivers may not see you in time to stop

    U-turns are unsafe where other drivers cannot see your vehicle from far away, such as near hilltops and curves.

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