District of Columbia driving lesson · Getting Your DC License
The knowledge test & vision screening
A 3-minute lesson from the District of Columbia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
The knowledge test checks what you know about traffic laws, rules of the road, motor vehicle laws and safe driving practices. Everything on it is in the handbook, and the handbook says plainly: if you don't study it, you won't pass.
Know the rule
You can take the knowledge test at any DMV service center. It is also available in audio, or visual with touch screen response.
If you are 70 or older when your license expires (getting or renewing a license), your physician must complete the Mature Driver section of the application, certifying you can safely operate a motor vehicle.
For the vision screening you look into a machine and read lines of characters to the DMV representative. It checks your eyesight and peripheral vision against the District's standards. It is not a medical examination.
Know the rule
If you fail the vision screening, you must submit an Eye Report from your eye care professional.
A handbook sample question: the signal is green but a police officer signals you to stop. The answer is to obey the traffic officer. Officers' directions come before signals, signs and markings.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If your DC driver license has been expired for more than 365 days but not more than 545 days, what must you do to renew it?
Take and pass the road skills test only
Take and pass both the knowledge and road skills tests
Nothing, you can renew freely
Take the knowledge test or online traffic school
Answer: Take the knowledge test or online traffic school
Expired more than 365 days requires the knowledge test or online traffic school; more than 545 days requires both tests.