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Speed Limits
District of Columbia Permit Test: Speed Limits Practice Questions
Posted and default limits, school zones and the basic speed law.
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Question 1
What is the speed limit on DC city streets unless posted?
25 mph
20 mph
30 mph
15 mph
Correct answer: 20 mph
Unless otherwise posted, DC city streets are 20 mph, alleys 15 mph, and school zones 15 mph.
Source: Traffic Rules – Speed Restrictions & Other Traffic Laws
Question 2
What is the speed limit in a DC school zone unless posted?
15 mph
20 mph
25 mph
10 mph
Correct answer: 15 mph
The DC school zone limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.
Source: Traffic Rules – Speed Restrictions & Other Traffic Laws
Question 3
What is the speed limit in a DC alley unless posted?
10 mph
20 mph
15 mph
5 mph
Correct answer: 15 mph
The DC alley speed limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.
Source: Traffic Rules – Speed Restrictions & Other Traffic Laws
Question 4
What range of speed limits applies to interstate highways in the DC manual?
30–50 mph
30–55 mph
55–75 mph
65–85 mph
Correct answer: 55–75 mph
Interstate highways are 55–75 mph; divided highways 30–55; ordinary highways 30–50 mph.
Source: Traffic Rules – Speed Restrictions & Other Traffic Laws
Question 5
Up to the posted limit, what is the safest speed to drive?
The average speed of traffic
Well below everyone else
Always the maximum
Faster than traffic
Correct answer: The average speed of traffic
Up to the limit, it is safest to drive at the average speed of traffic; departing from it raises crash chances.
Source: Traffic Rules – Speed Restrictions & Other Traffic Laws
Question 6
On a curve posted 35 mph in good weather, what might a safe speed be on ice and snow?
5 mph or less
20 mph, a little more than half the posted speed
30 mph, just under the posted advisory speed
35 mph, since the posted speed always applies
Correct answer: 5 mph or less
A curve posted 35 mph may be safe at only 20 mph in wet weather and 5 mph or less on ice and snow.
Source: Skids, Curves & Fog
Question 7
If fog is so thick you cannot go at least 10 mph, what should you do?
Pull completely off the highway
Turn on high beams
Follow taillights closely
Stop in your lane
Correct answer: Pull completely off the highway
If you cannot go at least 10 mph, pull completely off the highway or stop at a rest area, service station or parking area.
Source: Skids, Curves & Fog
Question 8
Can driving too slowly be dangerous in DC?
No, slow driving is always safe
Yes, it can cause crashes
Only on interstates
Only at night
Correct answer: Yes, it can cause crashes
Never drive so slowly as to interfere with normal traffic; drivers who block traffic by going too slowly can cause crashes.
Source: Driving Conditions – Speed, Wet Pavement, Following Distance
Question 9
How should you drive through a work zone?
Weave between lanes to get around slow-moving cars
Brake hard whenever you come near workers or equipment
Ignore the posted signs whenever no workers are present
Watch for slower limits and avoid sudden moves
Correct answer: Watch for slower limits and avoid sudden moves
In work zones watch for slower speed limits, avoid sudden moves, don’t weave, brake gradually, and obey police and flaggers.
Source: Work Zones
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