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District of Columbia DC DMV practice tests 2026

Get ready for the District of Columbia written knowledge tests: numbered practice tests that follow the official District of Columbia format, with 130 questions on District of Columbia law, from teen licensing and speed limits to alcohol limits and insurance, plus the road rules that apply everywhere.

Facts checked against official District of Columbia sources on September 2, 2026.

The Washington Monument above the Tidal Basin framed by pink cherry blossoms, in the District of Columbia
Washington Monument

Choose your District of Columbia test

A car stopped at the stop line of a quiet suburban intersection

Car

The written knowledge test for a learner permit or a Class D driver license.

10 tests of 25 questions; pass with 20.

A rider in protective gear on a motorcycle along a winding road

Motorcycle

The written test for a Class M license or motorcycle endorsement.

6 tests of 25 questions; pass with 20.

A tractor-trailer driving on an open interstate highway

CDL

The general knowledge test every commercial driver license applicant takes.

5 tests of 50 questions; pass with 40.

An open driver handbook with a highlighter and road sign shapes floating above it

Handbook

The official District of Columbia driver, motorcycle and CDL handbooks every test is based on.

3 official manuals

All District of Columbia practice tests

District of Columbia Permit Practice Tests

District of Columbia Motorcycle Practice Tests

District of Columbia CDL General Knowledge Practice Tests

A magnifying glass over a manual page with check marks beside the lines

How to pass the District of Columbia knowledge test

  1. Read the handbook. Every question comes from the official District of Columbia manuals; the handbook page links to the agency's own copies.
  2. Practice test by test. Each numbered test mixes District of Columbia law with the national road rules, like the real exam.
  3. Read every explanation. Especially for answers you got right by guessing.
  4. Simulate the real exam on the category page when you pass the tests comfortably.

District of Columbia written test format

Test Questions Pass mark Minimum age
Car 25 20 correct (5 mistakes allowed) 16 years
Motorcycle 25 20 correct (5 mistakes allowed) 16 years
CDL 50 40 correct (10 mistakes allowed) 18 years for intrastate driving; 21 years for interstate driving

Car. DC DMV publishes a 60-minute limit for the non-commercial knowledge test and a 75-minute limit for the GRAD or learner permit test, but it does not publish the number of questions or the passing score. The values shown are an assumption and are listed as unconfirmed.

Motorcycle. DC DMV publishes a 60-minute limit for the motorcycle knowledge test and states that it can only be taken at a DC DMV service center, but it does not publish the number of questions or the passing score. The values shown are an assumption and are listed as unconfirmed.

CDL. DC DMV publishes a 90-minute limit for the CDL general knowledge test and 60 minutes for endorsement tests. The number of questions is not published; the value shown assumes the standard 50-question test scored at the federal 80 percent threshold and is listed as unconfirmed.

What the District of Columbia questions cover

Topic Questions
Licensing and permits 33
Graduated licensing for teen drivers 18
Speed limits 10
Alcohol limits and DUI 12
Penalties and points 14
Phone use and distraction 11
Insurance requirements 11
Move over law 8
Other state rules 13

Sources and accuracy

The District of Columbia facts on this site were checked against these official sources on September 2, 2026. Test formats that the DC DMV does not publish are marked as such in the notes above.

DMV Exam Test is not affiliated with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. To book a test, pay fees or check your license, use the official DC DMV website.