US driving theory test practice

Washington, D.C. DMV Cheat Sheet

A condensed study guide for the DC DMV written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the Washington, D.C.-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official Washington, D.C. driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just Washington, D.C.? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.

25Questions
80%To Pass
$20 learner permitFee

Washington, D.C.-Specific Rules

Minor & Provisional Licensing (GRAD Program)

  • A Learner Permit requires being at least 16 years old, passing the knowledge test and vision screening, and parental consent if under 18. It's valid two years for U.S. citizens and is non-renewable.
  • A Provisional License requires being at least 16 years 6 months old, a 6-month violation-free Learner Permit hold, a signed 40-hour supervised-driving certification, and a passed road skills test.
  • A Full Driver License requires holding the Provisional License 6 months, staying violation-free 12 consecutive months, and certifying at least 10 hours of night driving.
  • GRAD Learner Permit holders may only drive, accompanied by a licensed driver 21+, every day between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
  • GRAD Provisional License hours (Sept-June): Mon-Thu 6:01 a.m.-10:59 p.m., Fri-Sun 6:01 a.m.-11:59 p.m.; every day 6:01 a.m.-11:59 p.m. in July/August.
  • A Provisional License holder may drive alone, with one licensed 21+ passenger up front, or with their own sibling, child, or parent; all must wear seat belts.
  • During the Learner Permit stage, 8+ points or a GRAD violation triggers a permit suspension of 90 days plus a reinstatement fee.
  • During the Provisional stage, a GRAD violation triggers a 30-, 60-, or 90-day suspension for a first, second, or third-plus violation.
  • A driver under 18 with a Full License with Conditions may carry no more than two passengers under 21 (siblings/own children excepted) and keeps GRAD driving-hour limits until 18.
  • GRAD restrictions end automatically at 21 -- no certification form or holding period is needed to advance immediately to the next stage.

Licensing Procedure & Documents

  • New DC residents who drive must get a DC driver license within 60 days of establishing residency.
  • A DC license expired over 365 days needs the knowledge test (or online traffic school) retaken; expired over 545 days needs both the knowledge and road skills tests retaken.
  • Failing the knowledge test means a 3-day wait to retest; 6 consecutive fails means a 12-month wait from the first failed date.
  • The road skills test costs $10; failing it means a wait of 72 hours to retest, or 12 months after 6 consecutive fails.
  • Cancelling a road skills test appointment less than two business days ahead costs a $30 fee.
  • Drivers 70 years or older at license expiration need a physician-completed Mature Driver certification.

Points & License Actions

  • Points stay active on a DC record for two years; a full violation-free calendar year can earn a "Good Point" credit.
  • 10-11 points suspends a DC license for 90 days; 12+ points revokes it, with a minimum of six months before reinstatement eligibility.
  • A DUI/DWI conviction requires DC's mandatory IID Program, with a minimum revocation of 6 months for a first offense, 1 year for a second offense, or 2 years for a third or subsequent offense.
  • DC DMV assesses points for violations from any state whenever a driver is found liable, convicted, or pays the ticket.

Rules of the Road

  • Left turns on red are illegal everywhere in DC -- there's no one-way-to-one-way exception.
  • Passing on the right is legal in DC on one-way roads with room for more than one line of traffic, and on highways with four or more lanes.
  • A lane change must be signaled at least 300 feet in advance -- further out than the 100-foot minimum for a turn.
  • Parallel parking on a two-way street requires ending up within 12 inches of the curb.
  • Unless posted otherwise: 20 mph on city streets, 15 mph in alleys/school zones, 30-50 mph on ordinary highways, 30-55 mph divided, 55-75 mph interstate.
  • Seat belt violations carry a $50 fine plus 2 points, and police may stop a vehicle for this alone; the driver answers for every passenger.
  • A child under 3 years old must always ride in a child safety seat in the back seat.
  • Nothing may be attached to or hung from the rearview mirror while driving.
  • Headsets, earphones, and earplugs are banned while driving, except hands-free cellphone earpieces and hearing aids.
  • Drivers must be hands-free on a cell phone, and texting while driving is never allowed.

Parking Rules

  • No parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
  • No parking within 25 feet of a stop sign or traffic signal at the roadside.
  • No parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing's nearest rail, except briefly to load/unload.
  • No parking within 20 feet of a fire station driveway entrance.
  • No parking within 5 feet of a private driveway, public driveway, or alley.

Sharing the Road & Transit

  • Turning right in front of a bus stopped to load/unload at an intersection is illegal -- merge behind it instead, or face a fine of at least $200.
  • Crossing a bus lane to turn right needs a permitting sign, or -- with none -- must happen within 40 feet of the intersection.
  • No parking/stopping/standing on or within a streetcar guideway or adjacent platform; pass a stopped streetcar only on the left.
  • Bicycles are legally treated as vehicles in DC -- motorists must yield to them at intersections when passing or turning.
Want the core rules and road signs that apply everywhere, not just Washington, D.C.?General cheat sheet →

Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with DC DMV before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-08-09.