District of Columbia permit practice: 20 free questions
Choose an answer, then check the explanation and its handbook source. These are Steerlet practice questions, not the official test or its exact format.
Written from District of Columbia Driver Manual. Independently checked .
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Correct answer: B. A driver with a full, valid license who is at least 21
Your supervisor needs a full license and must be 21 or older. That person must occupy the front passenger seat.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Types of Driver Licenses & Permits — Learner Permit, PDF page 14. Checked .
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Correct answer: C. No, the learner restriction includes hands-free devices
During the GRAD learner stage, phone and electronic-device use is prohibited while driving, including hands-free operation.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — GRAD Program Restrictions — Learner Permit, PDF page 15. Checked .
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Correct answer: A. 20 miles per hour
The default limit for city streets in DC is 20 mph. A posted limit takes precedence.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Traffic Rules — Speed Limit Laws/Unless Otherwise Posted, PDF page 46. Checked .
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Correct answer: B. 100 feet
Keep your turn indication on throughout the final 100 feet or more before the turn.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Driving Rules — Signaling, PDF page 41. Checked .
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Correct answer: C. At least 300 feet beforehand
DC advises signaling a lane change 300 feet ahead or earlier so surrounding drivers can respond.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Driving Rules — Driving on Roads With Marked Lanes, PDF page 42. Checked .
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Correct answer: A. No closer than 10 feet
Keep at least 10 feet between your parked vehicle and a hydrant.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Parking Rules — Stopping, Standing, Parking – Prohibited, PDF page 44. Checked .
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Correct answer: B. 12 inches
Place the vehicle parallel with the curb and no farther than 12 inches away.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Parking Rules — Parallel Parking, PDF page 43. Checked .
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Correct answer: C. At least 20 feet
Leave 20 feet or more behind the bus. Stay stopped until its alternating red lights switch off.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Sharing the Roadway With Others — Stopping for School Vehicles, PDF page 38. Checked .
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Correct answer: A. No, make the pass using another lane
Motorcycles may occupy a whole lane. Passing one while sharing that lane is prohibited.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Sharing the Roadway With Others — Sharing the Road With Motorcyclists, PDF page 38. Checked .
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Correct answer: B. Remain behind the bus or merge behind it
DC prohibits turning right across the front of a bus stopped at an intersection for passengers. Position your vehicle behind the bus.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Sharing the Road with Buses — General Safety, PDF page 39. Checked .
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Correct answer: C. Keep firm, continuous pressure on it
ABS controls wheel braking for you. Keep pressing the pedal rather than pumping or releasing it.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Emergencies — Brake Failure / Anti-Lock Braking Systems, PDF page 32. Checked .
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Correct answer: A. Ease off the accelerator and hold your intended direction
Reduce power and keep a firm grip on the wheel. Let speed fall until traction returns.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Driving Conditions — Hydroplaning and Flooding, PDF page 24. Checked .
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Correct answer: B. At least 500 feet
Dim your high beams before you get within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Driving Rules — Using Your Headlights / High Beams, PDF page 42. Checked .
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Correct answer: C. 500 feet
Do not follow closer than 500 feet behind fire equipment responding to an emergency.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Right-of-Way — Authorized emergency vehicles, PDF page 35. Checked .
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Correct answer: A. No, you must not overtake that stopped car
A car yielding to someone crossing may hide that person from view. Passing that stopped vehicle from behind is prohibited.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Right-of-Way — Crossing at Crosswalks, PDF page 35. Checked .
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Correct answer: B. Do not use that lane
A red X closes the lane to your traffic. A green arrow permits travel in that lane.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Signals, Signs and Markings — Lane Use Signals, PDF page 51. Checked .
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Correct answer: C. Stop, then apply the right-of-way rules
Treat a failed signal as requiring a stop. Proceed only after yielding as required for the intersection.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Signals, Signs and Markings — Traffic Signals, PDF page 50. Checked .
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Correct answer: A. No, use an entry point where signs and markings permit it
Double white lines prohibit crossing. Enter the special lane at a permitted opening.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Pavement Markings — Double Solid White Line, PDF page 58. Checked .
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Correct answer: B. Yes, impairment can come from legal drugs too
Legal drugs can impair driving ability. The risk is not limited to alcohol or illicit substances.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Introduction — Impaired Driving, PDF page 5. Checked .
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Correct answer: C. Stop to rest or have another driver take over
Rest or switch drivers when drowsiness develops. Fatigue slows your reactions and makes driving unsafe.
Source: District of Columbia Driver Manual — Driver Information — Fatigue / Danger Signs of Drowsy Drivers, PDF page 26. Checked .
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This score describes these 20 practice questions. It does not predict a result on the official test.
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Every published answer links to the official handbook section it was checked against.
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