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District of Columbia Permit Test: Safe Driving Practice Questions
Following distance, headlights, seat belts and distractions.
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Every District of Columbia topic, mock exams and your progress, right here or in the app.
Question 1
Who must wear a seat belt in DC?
Only the driver
Only front-seat riders
The driver and all passengers
Only children
Correct answer: The driver and all passengers
DC law requires the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Question 2
What is the penalty for not wearing a seat belt in DC?
$10 fine, no points
$200 fine and 5 points
A warning only
$50 fine and 2 points
Correct answer: $50 fine and 2 points
The penalty is a $50 fine and 2 points; drivers are responsible for all passengers’ compliance.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Question 3
Can DC police stop a car solely because occupants are unbuckled?
No
Yes
Only on highways
Only at night
Correct answer: Yes
District law allows police to stop a vehicle solely because the driver and passengers are not properly buckled up.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Question 4
In DC, a child under what age must be in a child safety seat in the back seat?
Under 1
Under 3
Under 8
Under 12
Correct answer: Under 3
The operator may not transport a child less than 3 years old unless properly secured in a child safety seat in the back seat.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Question 5
How far should you sit from the steering wheel hub for air bag safety?
Only 2–3 inches, so you can reach the pedals easily
About 4–5 inches, close enough to grip the wheel firmly
At least 24 inches, even if you can’t reach the pedals
10–12 inches
Correct answer: 10–12 inches
Sit as far from the steering wheel as practical; try to keep 10–12 inches from the hub to your chest.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Question 6
Where should children age 12 and under ride?
In the front seat
Anywhere there is an air bag
On an adult’s lap
Buckled up in a rear seat
Correct answer: Buckled up in a rear seat
Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate seat or belt.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Question 7
How should a pregnant woman wear the lap belt?
Across the middle of the belly
Behind her back
Not at all
Under the abdomen, low on the hips
Correct answer: Under the abdomen, low on the hips
Pregnant women should place the lap belt under the abdomen as low as possible on the hips and across the upper thighs.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Question 8
How should you adjust a head restraint?
Directly behind your head
Down at the base of your neck
As low as possible
Removed for comfort
Correct answer: Directly behind your head
Head restraints protect against whiplash; adjust the head rest to a position directly behind your head.
Source: Seat Belt Law, Child Safety Seats & Air Bags
Question 9
In DC, how must you use a cell phone while driving?
Hands-free only; never text
Freely at low speed
Only when stopped in traffic
Texting is fine at red lights
Correct answer: Hands-free only; never text
You must be hands-free while driving with a cellular phone in DC, and texting while driving is never allowed.
Source: Important Things to Know
Question 10
May you wear headphones connected to a music player while driving in DC?
No
Yes, one ear
Yes, at low volume
Yes, on highways
Correct answer: No
You may not wear earplugs, a headset or earphones attached to an audio device while driving; cell phone earpieces and hearing aids are allowed.
Source: Traffic Rules – Speed Restrictions & Other Traffic Laws
Question 11
Is it legal to hang something from the rearview mirror in DC?
Yes, small items
No
Yes, parking passes
Yes, air fresheners
Correct answer: No
Having something attached to or hanging from the rear-view mirror while driving is against DC regulations.
Source: Safe Driving Practices
Question 12
When should you sound your horn in DC?
To say hello to friends
To hurry slow drivers
Only to warn others in an emergency
To alert cyclists you are near
Correct answer: Only to warn others in an emergency
Sound your horn only to warn a pedestrian, cyclist or driver in an emergency; never in a Quiet Zone except in emergencies.
Source: Safe Driving Practices
Question 13
When backing up, what is the safest way to look?
Rely on the rearview mirror alone
Look only straight ahead
Open the door and lean out
Turn your head and check both side mirrors
Correct answer: Turn your head and check both side mirrors
Turn your head and look out the rear window and check both side mirrors; don’t depend on the rearview mirror alone.
Source: Safe Driving Practices
Question 14
If using a driveway to turn around, which is safer?
Drive in and back out
Back across the intersection
Back into the driveway and drive out
Make a U-turn instead
Correct answer: Back into the driveway and drive out
If you use a driveway to turn around, it is safer to back into it and drive out than vice versa.
Source: Safe Driving Practices
Question 15
Where should you put loose objects in your car?
In the trunk or on the floor
On the dashboard
On the rear window shelf
On the passenger seat
Correct answer: In the trunk or on the floor
Loose objects can become projectiles in a crash; put them in the trunk or on the floor (but not where they block pedals).
Source: Safe Driving Practices
All District of Columbia practice
Other topics
Signals & Pavement Markings
Right-of-Way
Speed Limits
Turning
Lanes & Passing
Parking
Alcohol & Drugs
Emergencies
Sharing the Road
Licensing
Insurance & Collisions
Teen & Provisional Drivers
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Practice questions are written from official driver handbooks. Always check your state DMV for current rules.
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