Washington D.C. DMV Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2024

There are 25 questions on the Washington D.C. DMV motorcycle test, and you will need to answer at least 20 correctly to get a passing score (80%). The questions in our sample tests are nearly identical to those on the official DC MC test.

Not your state?
What to expect on the official DC motorcycle permit test
Number of questions:
25
Correct answers needed to pass:
20
Passing score:
80%
Minimum age to apply:
18years
practice test
Questions

Which statement is true regarding signaling?

Watch out for how other vehicles are acting (e.g. slowing down or turning), and don’t believe blindly in turn signals. Other drivers may signal too early or forget to turn off their turn signal after turning.

What should you do when driving downhill?

If you brake too much using your brake pedal, your brakes may overheat and stop functioning. A low gear will allow for your vehicle to engine brake, and thus avoid overheating.

Keep an eye on your surroundings (e.g. if you have a large vehicle behind you). Your vehicle will pick up speed on its own when driving downhill (due to gravity), so also check your speed every now and then to see if you’re riding faster than is safe.

Which of the following are examples of safe and responsible riding?

“Jerky” riding leads to higher fuel consumption as you will have to break and accelerate more. It also increases the probability of a collision as your behavior will be unpredictable for other drivers.

When stopped, should you stand close to or well behind the vehicle in front?

By staying well behind the vehicle ahead of you when stopped, you will have an escape route if (1) the vehicle backs up or (2) the vehicle behind you is traveling too quickly to stop in time.

How should you handle a tailgater?

There are good and bad ways to handle tailgaters. If you speed up, it's possible the tailgater will speed up as well which means you will just have someone tailgating you but at a higher speed. Flashing your emergency lights or slowing down does not usually help, instead the best way to handle the situation is to allow the tailgater to pass you. You can also slow down gently to open up a larger space ahead of you - this will give you more space to stop if an emergency develops and encourage the tailgater to pass you.

What should you avoid when passing a vehicle?

It can be dangerous to return to your lane too early - always make sure that the passed vehicle is at a safe distance behind you before signaling and returning to the lane.

What does the three-step process "SEE" stand for?

SEE is a three-step process that motorcycle riders can use to make appropriate judgments and apply them correcly. It stands for Search, Evaluate, Execute.

Are all motorcycle mirrors the same?

There are both flat and convex mirrors. If you are not used to convex mirrors, you should get familiar with them before you ride. Convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind the motorcycle than flat mirrors, but makes everything appear smaller and farther away than they really are.

Does your weight affect your BAC level?

Different persons will reach different BAC even though they drink the same amount. There are a number of factors will affect your BAC including the type of alcohol you consume, how long since you’ve had your last meal, your body size and your gender.

Is the following statement true? Riders driving in light traffic do not have to use turn signals if they perform a quick lane change.

Riders must signal their intentions like any other driver, which includes signaling for all lane changes even in light traffic. Do not change lanes without signaling at any time as you will put yourself at risk.

Most motorcycle collisions involve riders who:

The front brake provides about 75% of the braking power. If you underbrake the front tire, and overbrake the rear, it's likely you won't have enough braking power to stop in time. You should use both the front and rear brakes when emergency braking. Just be careful to not slam the front brakes as it may lead to you flying over the motorcycle - practice, practice, practice!

Motorcycle riders should:

You cannot be certain that others will see you or yield the right-of-way. Adapt your riding so you won't crash as a result of someone else's negligence.

From the perspective of a car driver, should you be extra cautious when behind a motorcyclist on an uneven road? If so, why?

Maintain a safe following distance when driving near motorcyclists or any other road user. In this case, the motorcyclist has to react and deal with hazards on this uneven road, for example a pothole. Motorcyclists may wobble or swerve to avoid a hazard or changing road condition.

Do motorcycle riders need insurance?

Just like when driving other vehicles, you need insurance to drive a motorcycle. The financial responsibility that applies to other vehicles will also apply to motorcycle owners and operators.

What does it mean to ‘over drive’ your headlights?

To ‘over drive’ your headlights means that you won’t be able to stop within the area lighted up by your headlights. For example, if you’re riding faster than 25 mph with low-beam headlights at night, it may be too late to stop without hitting an object by the time you see it.

What should you check on each tire before a long journey?

Tire air pressure and tire tread depth should be checked before any long journey. A proper tire tread depth / air pressure will minimize the risk of a tire blowout or tire failure and increase handling and traction.

Why should you make sure that your turn signals are canceled after turning?

You can mislead other road users if you don’t cancel your signals. If they are still activated, other drivers may drive directly across your path expecting you to turn again in the direction your signals are indicating. For example; if you are signaling left but riding straight ahead, another vehicle may turn in front of you.

At a railroad crossing with two tracks, should you assume that you can proceed after one train has passed?

Another train may come after the first train. Don’t proceed before you’ve checked for trains in BOTH directions.

What should you do when moving off from a parked position on the right side of the road?

Before pulling out into traffic, you must check that the road is clear. Do this by checking your mirrors, and then giving a left signal to warn other road users of your intention to pull out.

In this case, signal left and then check the blind spot by looking over your left shoulder.

You arrive at a crash scene where a motorcyclist has been injured. When should you remove the motorcyclist’s helmet?

Don't remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it's essential. Removing hte helmet may worsen spinal/neck injuries.

Is the Washington D.C. Motorcycle Written Test Hard?

That depends on how well you have prepared, and with Zutobi, that won’t be a problem. We have designed our material to be easy to understand and easy to remember by providing bite-sized pieces of information that are accompanied by useful visuals. This way, you can be confident you’ve learned test-relevant material in a productive, efficient way.

Ace Your 2024 Washington D.C. DMV Motorcycle Permit Test with Zutobi

Our gamified approach to driver’s ed will keep you motivated and engaged on your way to a passing score. Here’s how we can help:

  • Our Washington D.C. motorcycle practice tests simulate the real DMV written knowledge test to help you prepare completely and confidently for your actual test.
  • We provide answers and explanations to all of our questions so you can learn from your mistakes.
  • Our fun learning levels allow you earn points and level-up, keeping you engaged throughout the entire process.
  • From road signs to traffic laws, you will learn all of the information you need to know to pass your test and stay safe out on the roads of the nation’s capital.

How Can I Get My Motorcycle License in Washington D.C.?

After you’ve earned your motorcycle permit, here's how to obtain your license:

  • After you pass the written knowledge test, you have 6 months to also complete the Motorcycle Demonstration Course and show proof of completion.
  • Once you have your completion certificate, you can send it to the DMV, and you will receive an email when it’s approved.
  • You can then apply for a motorcycle endorsement to be added to your license via the DMV’s online portal.
  • You must already have a valid driver’s license in order to have the endorsement added.
  • Washington D.C. has strict regulations on what is considered a motorcycle and what is not.
  • If you wish to operate a motorcycle (which is classified as having a saddle for the rider, 2 or 3 wheels that make contact with the ground, and can reach a speed of 30mph or faster), you will need a motorcycle endorsement to legally ride on public roads.

Try Our FREE Washington D.C. Motorcycle Permit Practice Test Now

You can test your motorcycle knowledge with our free Washington D.C. motorcycle practice test today, then take a look at our course. Zutobi can help you earn a passing score on your permit test so you can be on your way to a brand-new license in no time.

Ace your DMV test, guaranteed