Washington DC DMV exam simulator
The DMV doesn't publish how many questions its test has, so the simulator gives you 25 random questions from all 257 of ours with 20 correct to pass, with a 60-minute time limit. You only see your answers at the end. Pass three in a row and you're ready for the real thing.
25 questions · 20 to pass · 60 minutes
How the simulator works
- Every attempt draws a new random set of 25 questions from across the handbook.
- No feedback until you finish, as in the real test. Then you see your score and every question you missed, with the explanation and handbook reference.
- Your results stay in this browser. After three passes in a row you'll see "You're ready".
- The timer matches the real test's 60 minutes; when it runs out, the test ends.
The knowledge test includes several local and highway signs; there is no separate signs test.
About the real Washington DC DMV test
Knowledge test at any DC DMV Service Center (first-come, first-served), or virtually / at a Test Proctoring Center by appointment for the standard and GRAD tests. Covers traffic laws, rules of the road, motor vehicle laws, safe driving and road signs. Touch screen; audio available.
- Languages: English, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese; since Dec 15, 2025 also Turkish, Hungarian, Finnish, Danish, Indonesian, Dutch, Farsi, Italian, Swedish (24 total)
- Attempts: If you fail six times within 12 months, you can't take a seventh test until 12 months after the first failure.
- If you fail: Three full calendar days after a failed knowledge test (fail on Tuesday, retest Saturday). Cheating (phones, watches, study materials, talking) means a failed test and a 60-day wait.
- Fee: $10 at a DC DMV Service Center; $39.95 at a Test Proctoring Center; $49.95 for the virtual test. The fee is charged whether you pass or fail. After passing, you must visit a service center within 14 business days.
- Audio or oral test: Audio-assisted tests are available.
On test day
- Bring the documents on the Washington DC what-to-bring list, and check you meet the minimum age (16).
- You'll take a vision test first: With or without corrective lenses: at least 20/40 in the better eye, or at least 20/70 in the better eye with a field of vision of at least 140 degrees. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
- Read each question and every answer to the end before choosing; watch for words like "not" and "except".
- Review the hardest questions the night before: exact numbers are where most points are lost.
Questions
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Washington DC?
16. You then hold the permit for at least 6 months (GRAD, ages 16-20), violation-free; permit valid 2 years for US citizens, non-renewable before the road test and 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What happens if I fail the Washington DC permit test?
You can retake it: Three full calendar days after a failed knowledge test (fail on Tuesday, retest Saturday). Cheating (phones, watches, study materials, talking) means a failed test and a 60-day wait. If you fail six times within 12 months, you can't take a seventh test until 12 months after the first failure.
Can I take the Washington DC permit test in Spanish or another language?
English, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese; since Dec 15, 2025 also Turkish, Hungarian, Finnish, Danish, Indonesian, Dutch, Farsi, Italian, Swedish (24 total).
What do I need to bring for the Washington DC permit test?
Completed Driver License or Identification Card Application; Proof of identity and date of birth (full legal name); Proof of Social Security number; Two proofs of DC residency; Parental consent form if 16 or 17 (with a birth certificate, adoption order or guardianship decree to verify the parent or guardian); and more (see the full list).
What is the vision requirement in Washington DC?
With or without corrective lenses: at least 20/40 in the better eye, or at least 20/70 in the better eye with a field of vision of at least 140 degrees.
Test format from the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles: official test information.