Washington, D.C.: Rules of the Road Questions
10 real, verified Washington, D.C. driving-test questions on rules of the road, each with the correct answer and a full explanation below. Want to practice these interactively instead? Start a Rules of the Road practice round.
1. Is it ever legal to make a left turn on a red signal in the District of Columbia?
Why: DC prohibits left turns on red at all intersections -- unlike some jurisdictions, there's no exception for turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
2. Where is it legal in DC to pass on the right instead of the left?
Why: DC allows passing on either the left or right on one-way roads with room for more than one line of traffic, and on highways with four or more lanes.
3. How far before changing lanes must a DC driver signal their intention?
Why: DC requires a driver to signal a lane change no less than 300 feet before making it -- longer than the 100-foot minimum for signaling a turn.
4. When parallel parking on a two-way DC street, how close to the curb must the vehicle end up?
Why: DC requires a parallel-parked vehicle on a two-way street to be parked parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb.
5. Unless otherwise posted, what is DC's default speed limit on ordinary city streets?
Why: Unless otherwise posted, DC's default speed limit is 20 mph on city streets, 15 mph in alleys and school zones, 30-50 mph on ordinary highways, 30-55 mph on divided highways, and 55-75 mph on interstates.
6. What is the penalty in DC for not wearing a seat belt properly at all times, and who is responsible for passenger compliance?
Why: DC's seat belt law carries a $50 fine plus 2 points, and the driver is responsible for seat belt compliance for all passengers in the vehicle.
7. Under DC law, when may a child under 3 years old ride in a vehicle without a child safety seat?
Why: DC law requires a child under 3 years old to always be properly secured in a child safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
8. Is it legal in DC to hang an air freshener or other object from the rearview mirror while driving?
Why: DC regulations prohibit having anything attached to or hanging from the rearview mirror while driving.
9. Which of these is exempt from DC's ban on wearing headsets or earphones while driving?
Why: DC prohibits wearing earplugs, headsets, or earphones attached to a radio, tape player, or CD player while driving; earphones/earplugs for cellular phones and hearing aid devices are exempt.
10. What does DC law require regarding cell phone use while driving?
Why: DC requires drivers to be hands-free while using a cellular phone, and texting while driving is never allowed.
More Washington, D.C. Topics
- Licensing Procedure & Documents (6)
- Minor & Provisional Licensing (10)
- Parking Rules (5)
- Points & License Actions (4)
- Sharing the Road & Transit (4)
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with DC DMVbefore your exam. Take the full Washington, D.C. practice test or check the Washington, D.C. cheat sheet.