Free District of Columbia permit practice tests with 1011 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official District of Columbia driver handbook. The official District of Columbia written knowledge test has 25 questions and requires 80% to pass.
About the District of Columbia written test
Knowledge (written) test: Covers traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules from the DC Automobile Driver Manual. Can be taken at a DC DMV Service Center (first-come, first-served), at a Test Proctoring Center, or virtually (virtual option available for standard and GRAD 16–20 tests). Time limit for the GRAD/Learner Permit knowledge test is 75 minutes (60 minutes for non-commercial). If you fail, you must wait 3 full calendar days to retake; six failures in a 12-month period locks you out until 12 months after the first failure. After passing, you must visit a Service Center within 14 business days with eligibility documents or the result is voided. *(Note: the official DC DMV page does not publish the exact number of questions or the passing percentage. The commonly cited figure of "25 questions, 80% to pass" is widely reported but not confirmed on DMV.dc.gov — treat as unverified.)*
Vision screening: Required at application.
Road (skills) test: Required for the provisional license; evaluates safe vehicle operation, signaling, parallel parking, and other maneuvers. Road test fee: $10 (a $30 cancellation fee applies if not cancelled at least two business days ahead).
Getting licensed in District of Columbia
Stage 1 — Learner Permit (age 16): Applicant must be at least 16, pass a vision screening and knowledge test, and provide proof of identity/date of birth, Social Security number (or proof of ineligibility), and DC residency. Applicants under 18 also need parental/guardian consent. The permit is issued as either a REAL ID or Limited Purpose credential depending on whether the applicant has a valid SSN. Driving is allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and the permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21+ with a valid full license, seated beside them and wearing a seat belt. Fee: $20.
Stage 2 — Provisional License (intermediate): To advance, the driver must have held the learner permit for at least 6 months, certified at least 40 hours of supervised driving (with a driver/tutor 21+ holding a valid full license, seated beside them), have no point-assessable offense for 12 consecutive months, and pass the road skills test. Fee: $20. Provisional drivers face restricted driving hours and passenger limits (see Rules of the Road).
Stage 3 — Full License with Conditions (age 17): Available at age 17 after holding the provisional license at least 6 months, with no point-assessable offense for 12 consecutive months (counting the 6 months on the learner permit plus 6 months on the provisional license), and certifying at least 10 hours of night driving practiced with a licensed driver 21+. A photocopy of the accompanying driver's license must accompany the certification form. Fee: $47 / 8 years. Eligible drivers can convert a provisional license to a Full License with Conditions online. Conditions apply while under 18 (see below).
District of Columbia written-test FAQ
What is the minimum age for a DC learner permit?
16.
How long must you hold the learner permit before qualifying for a provisional license?
At least 6 months.
How many hours of supervised driving must be certified before the provisional license?
40 hours (with a driver 21+).
What hours may a learner-permit holder drive?
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. only.
Who must accompany a learner-permit holder?
A licensed driver age 21+ with a valid full license, seated beside them and belted.
At what age can you obtain the Full License with Conditions?
17 (after 6 months on a provisional license).
How many night-driving hours must be certified for the full license?
At least 10 hours.
Under 18 with a Full License with Conditions, how many passengers under 21 may you carry?