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District of Columbia · Permit test

The DC DMV manual, and the DC rules behind the test

The DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual is free to read online as a flipbook, and it’s the book DC DMV tells you to study for the knowledge test. It comes in English and six other languages, and DC DMV’s manual page is dated January 22, 2024. DC DMV no longer hands out printed copies of the DC DMV manual, and you can’t look at it during the test.

  • $0The manual, online
  • 7Languages it comes in
  • January 22, 2024Date on DC DMV’s manual page
Open the DC driver manual

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Which DC DMV manual do you need?

The Automobile Driver Manual comes in these 7 languages.

You’re testing forStudy this manual
A learner permit or car licenseAutomobile Driver Manual
A motorcycle endorsementMotorcycle Operator Manual
A commercial driver license (CDL)Commercial Driver License Manual
  • English
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Amharic
  • Vietnamese
  • Chinese
  • Korean

DC DMV says to read and study all of it, and that drivers who already have a license should check it for new laws.

The DC CDL tests and manual →

What the DC knowledge test covers

DC DMV says the test checks traffic laws, road signs and safe driving rules. DC law adds that it covers safely sharing the road with people walking and riding bikes (§ 50‑1401.01), and the regulations list reading traffic control devices, safe driving practices, DC traffic and motor vehicle laws, and DC’s motor vehicle insurance laws (18 DCMR § 104.2).

DC rules worth memorizing

These numbers come from the District’s own traffic laws, the DC Municipal Regulations and the DC Code, which are cited at the bottom of this page.

  • 20 mph is the speed limit on DC streets unless a sign says otherwise, and 15 mph in alleys.
  • School zones are 15 mph from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless signs give other hours.
  • Stop at least 15 feet from a school bus with flashing lights or its stop arm out.
  • When a train is coming, stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail.
  • Stay at least 500 feet behind a fire truck answering an alarm.
  • Stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk who is in your lane or one lane away.
  • You may not hold a phone while driving, and calls need a hands-free accessory.
  • The alcohol limit is 0.08 at 21 or older, and any measurable amount under 21.

Can you turn right on red in DC?

Yes, unless a sign says no turn on red. The regulations let you turn right on a steady red after a full stop, yielding to people in the crosswalk and to other traffic (18 DCMR § 2103.7). The Safer Streets Amendment Act of 2022 set a citywide ban on turns on red from January 1, 2025, except where signs allow them. The DC Code marks that change as “Not Funded” and says it hasn’t been put in place, so the regulation above still applies.

Other DC DMV study help

DC DMV also posts a short online practice knowledge test and runs a teen driver website with the GRAD rules and forms. Where to find them, and the apps and schools that add more practice, are on the where to learn page.

DC DMV practice test and study options →
Sources: DC DMV · DC Office of Documents · DC Council and 11 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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