Washington D.C. · Written Test Questions
Washington D.C. DMV Written Test Questions (2026)
Looking for real Washington D.C. written test questions? Every question in our bank is written from the current DC Driver Manual (2026) to match the real exam's style, difficulty, and topic mix — 25 questions per mock exam, just like test day.
Start with the free sample questions below. Miss one, and the AI tutor explains the rule behind it in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, or Russian.
The test at a glance
- Questions
- 25
- To pass
- 80% (20/25 correct)
- Minimum age
- 16 for a learner permit
- Fee
- $10 knowledge test fee at a DC DMV Service Center (higher for proctored/virtual testing)
- Re-takes
- Retakes allowed; you must re-pay the knowledge test fee for each attempt (pass or fail)
- Official handbook
- DC Driver Manual (2026)
Sample questions for Washington D.C.
Three sample questions from our practice bank. Read the explanation after each.
Question 1 · Permit requirements
What is the minimum age to apply for a DC DMV learner permit?
- 14 years old
- 15 years old
- 16 years old
- 18 years old
See the explanation
Correct answer: 16 years old
DC learner permit: minimum age 16.
Question 2 · Urban driving
When driving on busy District streets, what must you do at a marked crosswalk?
- Proceed since vehicles have priority downtown
- Stop and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk
- Honk to clear the crosswalk
- Speed up between crossings
See the explanation
Correct answer: Stop and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk
On District streets, stop and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Question 3 · Sharing the road
How should you pass a cyclist on a narrow District street?
- Squeeze past in the same lane
- Slow down and pass only when there is safe space
- Honk and pass immediately
- Follow closely to pressure the cyclist
See the explanation
Correct answer: Slow down and pass only when there is safe space
Give cyclists room — slow down and pass only when there’s safe space.
What the questions look like
Passing score and format
The honest truth about "real DMV questions"
How many practice questions do you need?
Frequently asked questions
Are these the actual Washington D.C. DMV test questions?
No site legally has the actual current questions — the DMV rotates them. Ours are written from the same source (the DC Driver Manual (2026)) to match the real exam's style and difficulty, which is what genuinely prepares you.
How many questions are on the Washington D.C. written test?
25 multiple-choice questions. You need 80% (20/25 correct) to pass.
Are the written test questions free?
The 3-question demo and your first full mock exam are free — no card, no signup. Unlimited practice is one payment: $24.99 for 6 months of Washington D.C. access, or $39.99 for every state.
Can I get the questions in other languages?
Yes — every question and explanation works in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Russian, and the AI tutor answers follow-ups in your language.
How hard is the Washington D.C. written test?
First-time fail rates are significant in most states — usually because people only skim the handbook. Practicing 25-question mock exams until you consistently score 90%+ makes the real test feel routine.
More Washington D.C. resources
Driver Handbook
Washington D.C. Driver Handbook
Key points from the latest official Washington D.C. driver handbook, organized by chapter — safe driving, traffic controls, speed limits, DUI laws, and sharing the road.
Study Guide
Washington D.C. Permit Test Study Guide
Free Washington D.C. DMV study guide for the 2026 permit test — road signs, right of way, speed limits, and alcohol laws explained topic by topic.
Permit Test Guide
Washington D.C. Permit Test (2026): The Complete Guide
The complete Washington D.C. permit test guide: 25 questions, 80% (20/25 correct) to pass, who qualifies, the mistakes that fail most people, free practice questions, and an AI tutor in 5 languages.
Practice Test
Free Washington D.C. DMV Practice Test (2026)
Free Washington D.C. DMV practice test. 25 real handbook-style questions per round, instant scoring, and AI explanations for every wrong answer.
Permit Test Answers
Washington D.C. Permit Test Answers & Explanations
Washington D.C. permit test answers explained. Every practice question comes with an AI explanation that breaks down the rule, not just the answer.
Cheat Sheet
Washington D.C. DMV Cheat Sheet (2026)
Washington D.C. DMV cheat sheet for 2026. Quick-reference key facts, signs, and rules from the DC Driver Manual (2026), plus free practice questions.
How to Get a Permit
How to Get a Washington D.C. Driver's Permit (2026)
How to get your Washington D.C. learner's permit in 2026. Step-by-step: age requirements, documents, knowledge test, fees, and what to bring to the DMV.
Permit Requirements
Washington D.C. Driver's Permit Requirements (2026)
Washington D.C. learner's permit requirements for 2026. Minimum age, required documents, knowledge test details, fees, and holding period — all in one place.
Road Signs Test
Washington D.C. Permit Signs Test (2026)
Free Washington D.C. road signs practice test for 2026. Learn every sign shape, color, and meaning from the DC Driver Manual (2026), then drill sign questions with AI explanations.
Right-of-Way Practice
Washington D.C. Right-of-Way Practice Test (2026)
Master right-of-way for the Washington D.C. permit test. Intersections, 4-way stops, left turns, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles — with free practice questions.
DMV Test in Spanish
Washington D.C. DMV Permit Test in Spanish (2026)
Study for the Washington D.C. DMV permit test in Spanish. Native-quality Spanish practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Chinese
Washington D.C. DMV Permit Test in Chinese (2026)
Study for the Washington D.C. DMV permit test in Chinese. Native-quality Chinese practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Korean
Washington D.C. DMV Permit Test in Korean (2026)
Study for the Washington D.C. DMV permit test in Korean. Native-quality Korean practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Russian
Washington D.C. DMV Permit Test in Russian (2026)
Study for the Washington D.C. DMV permit test in Russian. Native-quality Russian practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
Related guides from our blog
FAQ · 5 min
How Many Questions Are on the Permit Test (and the Passing Score)?
It varies by state, but most written permit tests run 25–50 questions with a passing score around 80%. Here are the numbers.
Comparison · 5 min
Permit Test vs Driving Test: What's the Difference?
They sound similar but they're two separate exams. The written permit test comes first; the behind-the-wheel driving test comes after.
How-To · 6 min
How to Pass Your Permit Test on the First Try
Most people fail because they cram the night before. Here is a calmer, smarter way to prepare in about a week.

