Washington DC DMV permit practice test 10
32 questions written from the DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual, covering safe and defensive driving, sharing the road, licensing laws and penalties. Pick an answer to see straight away whether you're right and why.
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Question 1What is the most common kind of motor vehicle crash, according to the DC manual?
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B: Rear-end. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of motor vehicle crash. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: How to Avoid Being Hit From the Rear, page 30.
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Question 2What is the penalty for parking on or within a streetcar guideway in DC?
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C: Fine and removal or impounding. Parking, stopping or standing on or within a streetcar guideway or next to a platform is subject to fine and removal or impounding. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Sharing the Road with Streetcars: Parking Along a Streetcar Route, page 40.
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Question 3Who must accompany you to your DC road skills test?
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D: A fully licensed driver 21 or older. You must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver 21 or older; if you drive yourself there on a permit alone, you can't take the test. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Driver License Examination Process: Road Skills Test, page 13.
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Question 4A vehicle is following you too closely. What does the DC manual suggest?
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D: Slow down and let it pass. If a vehicle follows too closely, slow down and let it pass; also signal early, slow gradually, and keep pace with traffic. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: How to Avoid Being Hit From the Rear, page 30.
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Question 5What should you do when passing a public transit bus stopped with its indicator lights flashing?
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D: Maintain a safe speed and watch for pedestrians; give the bus the right-of-way when it re-enters. Keep a safe speed, watch for pedestrians, change lanes to give space where possible, and always yield to buses entering and exiting traffic. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Sharing the Road with Buses, page 39.
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Question 6Your DC license has been expired more than 365 days (but not 545). What must you do?
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C: Pass the knowledge test or the DC online traffic school course. Expired more than 365 days: pass the knowledge test or DC online traffic school; more than 545 days: knowledge and road skills tests. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Driver License Examination Process, page 12.
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Question 7When driving defensively, what should you constantly think about?
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C: An escape route. Don't trust others to do what you expect; constantly think of an escape route so you'll have a plan if an emergency arises. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Drive Defensively, page 29.
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Question 8How long does the DC 'Bus Only' signal's priority phase last before the flashing triangle appears?
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D: Three seconds. The bus-only signal shows a vertical bar (go for buses); after three seconds a flashing triangle shows the priority is ending. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Sharing the Road with Buses: Bus Signals, page 39.
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Question 9Your DC license has been expired more than 545 days. What is required?
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C: Knowledge test and road skills test. If expired for more than 545 days, you must pass the knowledge test and road skills test. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Driver License Examination Process, page 12.
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Question 10May you back up on a highway in DC?
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C: Not under any circumstances. Do not back up on any highway, under any circumstances. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Interstate and Other Limited Access Highways: Backing, page 32.
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Question 11Should motorists make right turns across the path of bicycle traffic?
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D: No; merge safely with bicycle traffic when turning. Merge safely with bicycle traffic when turning; do not make right turns across the path of bicycle traffic. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Sharing the Road with Bicycles: Passing a Bicyclist, page 38.
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Question 12What must DC drivers 70 or older provide when obtaining or renewing a license?
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A: A physician's certification in the Mature Driver section of the application. If you are 70 or older when your license expires, your physician must complete the Mature Driver section certifying you can drive safely. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Driver License Examination Process, page 12.
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Question 13Is wearing headphones attached to an audio device legal while driving in DC?
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B: No; earphones for cell phones and hearing aids are acceptable. You may not wear earplugs, headsets or earphones attached to an audio device while driving; cell phone earpieces and hearing aids are allowed. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: Wearing of Headsets, Earphones, and Earplugs - Prohibited, page 47.
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Question 14In DC, must motorists yield to bicyclists at intersections?
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B: Yes, when passing and when turning. Bicycles are vehicles in DC; motorists must yield to bicyclists at intersections, when passing and when turning. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Sharing the Road with Bicycles: Bicycle Right-of-Way, page 38.
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Question 15You had laser vision correction surgery. What's needed to remove the corrective lens restriction in DC?
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B: A doctor's certification. If you've had corrective laser surgery, a doctor's certification is required to remove the corrective lenses restriction. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Driver License Examination Process: Vision Screening, page 12.
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Question 16Who must wear seat belts in DC?
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B: The driver and all passengers, front and back. DC law requires the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts in cars, trucks, multi-purpose vehicles and passenger buses. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: Seat Belts Must Be Worn, page 47.
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Question 17What is the DC fee for failing to cancel a scheduled road skills test within two business days?
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B: $30. Failing to cancel within two business days brings a $30 cancellation fee. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Driver License Examination Process: Road Skills Test, page 12.
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Question 18What is the DC penalty for not wearing a seat belt?
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D: $50 fine and 2 points. The penalty is a $50 fine and 2 points; drivers are responsible for all passengers' compliance. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: $50 Fine and 2 Points, page 48.
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Question 19Are spare (donut) tires acceptable on a DC road test vehicle?
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A: No. The road test vehicle's tires must be in good condition and properly inflated; spare (donut) tires are not acceptable. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Driver License Examination Process: Road Skills Test, page 13.
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Question 20Can DC police stop you solely for a seat belt violation?
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B: Yes. District law allows police to stop a vehicle solely because the occupants are not properly buckled. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: You Will Be Pulled Over, page 48.
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Question 21Can you take the DC road test in a DMV vehicle?
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A: Yes, at no additional fee, if testing directly with DC DMV (not third-party). DC DMV offers road test vehicles at no extra fee for tests taken directly with the DMV; a consent and waiver form is required. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Driver License Examination Process: Road Skills Test, page 13.
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Question 22How far should you sit from the steering wheel hub to your chest, per the DC manual?
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D: 10-12 inches. Try to maintain 10-12 inches from the steering wheel hub to your chest to reduce air bag risk. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: Air Bags, page 48.
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Question 23At what age are GRAD drivers released from the program in DC?
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C: 21. At age 21, GRAD drivers are released; permit holders can schedule a road test and provisional holders can get a full license without certifications or holding periods. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) Program, page 15.
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Question 24Where should children age 12 and under ride?
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C: Buckled up in a rear seat. Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat, in a seat or belt appropriate for their size; infants never in front of a passenger air bag. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: Air Bags, page 48.
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Question 25During GRAD restricted hours, when may a DC provisional driver still drive?
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C: To or from work, a school-sponsored, religious or athletic event, or with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Exceptions include driving to or from work, school-sponsored, religious or athletic events or related training, or with a full-licensed driver 21+ belted in the front seat. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) Program, page 15.
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Question 26How should a head restraint be adjusted?
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D: Directly behind your head. Adjust the head rest to a position directly behind your head to protect against whiplash. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: Head Restraints, page 48.
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Question 27What happens when a DC provisional license holder violates GRAD restrictions?
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B: A 30-, 60- or 90-day suspension depending on whether it's the first, second, or third+ violation. Provisional license holders who violate GRAD restrictions face 30, 60 or 90-day suspensions for first, second, third or more violations. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) Program: Provisional License Stage, page 16.
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Question 28Is it legal to coast with the gears in neutral?
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A: No, never drive in neutral or with the clutch depressed longer than needed to shift. Never drive with gears in neutral or the clutch depressed longer than needed to shift; you may not be able to react quickly. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: Coasting, page 47.
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Question 29What vehicles does a regular DC driver license allow you to drive?
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A: Vehicles under 26,001 lbs GVWR for non-commercial use, motor-driven cycles, and passenger vans seating up to 15 passengers. A regular license covers non-commercial vehicles under 26,001 pounds GVWR, motor-driven cycles, and passenger vans seating up to 15 passengers. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Types of Driver Licenses & Permits: Full Driver License, page 14.
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Question 30Is it legal to remove a catalytic converter from a 1968 or later vehicle in DC?
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D: No, it is unlawful to remove or disable emission control devices. It is unlawful to remove, alter or disable emission control devices such as catalytic converters on factory-equipped vehicles. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Other Traffic Laws: Vehicle Equipment, page 47.
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Question 31What is a 'Good Point' on a DC driving record?
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A: A credit you may receive for a full calendar year without pointable moving violations. If you keep a valid DC license a full calendar year without pointable moving violations, you may get a Good Point on your record. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Important Things to Know, page 19.
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Question 32When should you cancel your vehicle insurance in DC?
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D: Only after your vehicle tags are surrendered to DMV. Insurance must be maintained as long as the vehicle is registered; don't cancel until tags are surrendered to DMV—lapses bring fines. DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual: Important Things to Know, page 19.
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Read each explanation, even when you get the question right: it tells you the rule and the handbook section, so you can look it up. Your answers are saved in this browser only, so the weak spots mode can give you more questions on the topics you miss. When you're scoring well, take the exam simulator: it uses 25 questions at the DMV's pass mark, since it doesn't publish the number of questions.
Our own questions, written from the DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual and checked against it. Not affiliated with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. Found a mistake? Tell us.