DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: study guide

Key rules by chapter

A few of the rules from each chapter that come up in our practice questions:

1. Introduction (Vision Zero, sharing the road, HAWK, RRFB)

• Studies show alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about one-third of traffic deaths, and drugs are involved in about 18%.
• The Dutch Reach means opening the door with the hand farther from it, which turns your body so you can see approaching bicyclists.
• Anyone guilty of impaired driving must enroll in and complete the IID Program, installing IIDs on all registered vehicles and driving only IID-equipped vehicles on a restricted license.

2. Driver License Examination Process

• You are required to have a DC driver license within 60 days of moving to the District.
• You may not retest until 3 calendar days after a failed test. After six failures, you must wait 12 months from the first failed test.
• You may not retake the road skills test until 72 hours after a failure. After six failures, you must wait 12 months from the first failed test.

3. Types of Driver Licenses & Permits (GRAD)

• To obtain a learner permit you must be at least 16 and pass the knowledge test and vision screening (and have parental consent if under 18).
• If you are under 21 you must operate under the GRAD program, which covers novice drivers 16-20.
• A learner permit holder must be supervised by a driver 21 or older with a valid full license seated next to them in the front passenger seat.

5. Important Things to Know

• Accumulating 10 or 11 points brings a 90-day suspension; 12 or more points means revocation for at least six months.
• 12 or more points means revocation, with no reinstatement for six months.
• Points stay active on your driving record for two years.

6. Driver Information (safe driving, emergencies, right-of-way, sharing the road)

• NHTSA estimates aggressive drivers cause 2/3 of all fatal crashes and nearly 35% of all crashes.
• Having something attached to or hanging from the rearview mirror while driving is against DC regulations.
• At speeds up to 35 mph most treaded tires wipe the road; above that, they may start to ride on water (hydroplaning).

7. Driving Rules

• Use a turn signal, hand signal or both continuously for at least 100 feet before turning; longer at high speed.
• You should signal no less than 300 feet before changing lanes, and sooner is preferable.
• It is illegal to make a left turn on red in the District of Columbia.

8. Parking Rules

• Park parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb.
• Do not stand or park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
• Do not stand or park within 25 feet in front of any flashing signal, stop sign or traffic signal at the side of the road.

9. Traffic Rules

• Unless otherwise posted, DC city streets are 20 mph, alleys 15 mph and school zones 15 mph.
• The default speed limit in a DC alley is 15 mph.
• The default speed limit in a DC school zone is 15 mph.

10. Signals, Signs and Markings

• Arrow panels give advance warning and directions to move into another lane, both day and night.
• If signals are out or malfunctioning, stop as you would for a stop sign and proceed by the right-of-way rules unless an officer directs otherwise.
• A steady yellow means the signal is changing from green to red, giving time for traffic to stop safely and clear the intersection.

11. Identifying Signs by Colors and Shapes / Regulatory Signs

• Vehicles traveling 25 mph or less, such as farm equipment or horse-drawn vehicles, must display the slow-moving vehicle sign.
• Yellow signs give general warnings of what to expect ahead.
• White signs are regulatory, such as speed limit or parking instructions.

12. Pavement Markings

• When the center lane is marked for left turns, drivers may not travel further than 150 feet in it.
• Blue markings show parking spaces for persons with disabilities; red reflectors show areas not to be entered.
• Double solid yellow lines prohibit passing; you may cross only to turn left or to pass pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter or skateboard riders when safe.

How to study the handbook

Read one chapter, then take a practice test. Every answer explanation names the handbook section it comes from, so when you get one wrong, go back to that section. Pay most attention to exact numbers and to the rules specific to Washington DC, which are where most people lose points.