Speed Limits & Following Distance — District of Columbia

District of Columbia DMV practice test: 510 free practice questions (Based on the official driver handbook). Official test format: 25 Q pass 20; GRAD (16-20) 30 Q pass 24. Speed Limits & Following Distance: 32 questions. Updated

Posted speed limits, school and construction zones, stopping and following distance.

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Topic / MetricValue
TopicSpeed Limits & Following Distance
License testDistrict of Columbia Car learner's permit test
Topic questions32 (6% of 510 total)
Review statusThis topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.

Official handbook

dmv.dc.gov ✓ Verified from official source

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Questions (32)

1. You are approaching an intersection at the posted speed limit when the signal turns yellow. You should:
  1. Slow down and proceed through the intersection without caution.
  2. Speed up to cross the intersection before the light turns red.
  3. Stop before entering the intersection, if you can do so safely. ✓

Answer: C. Stop before entering the intersection, if you can do so safely.

Official handbook: Official handbook
2. You must not drive your vehicle at a speed greater than:
  1. The maximum speed limit.
  2. A speed that is faster than is reasonable and prudent.
  3. A speed that is safe for existing conditions.
  4. All of the above. ✓

Answer: D. All of the above.

Official handbook: Official handbook
3. You should always travel:
  1. At the speed of vehicles surrounding you.
  2. At the speed limit.
  3. At a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions. ✓

Answer: C. At a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.

Official handbook: Official handbook
4. If bad weather makes it difficult for you to see clearly, you should:
  1. Speed up to get off the road quickly.
  2. Drive in the lane closest to oncoming traffic.
  3. Increase your following distance. ✓

Answer: C. Increase your following distance.

Official handbook: Official handbook
5. The most important thing to remember about speed management and curves is that you must:
  1. Drive at the posted speed limit as you enter the curve, then slow down at the sharpest part of the curve.
  2. Slow down before you enter the curve. ✓
  3. Accelerate gently before you enter the curve.
  4. Drive at the posted speed limit before, throughout, and after the curve.

Answer: B. Slow down before you enter the curve.

Official handbook: Official handbook
6. You should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead when you:
  1. Are following a small passenger vehicle.
  2. Are being tailgated by another driver. ✓
  3. Are driving more slowly than the posted speed limit.

Answer: B. Are being tailgated by another driver.

Official handbook: Official handbook
7. When driving on slippery roads, you should:
  1. Use alternate routes.
  2. Drive as you would on dry roads.
  3. Increase your following distance. ✓
  4. Avoid crossing bridges or intersections.

Answer: C. Increase your following distance.

Official handbook: Official handbook
8. On slippery roads, you should:
  1. Slow down. ✓
  2. Drive more quickly.
  3. Drive the speed limit, with caution.
  4. Not drive more quickly than 20 mph.

Answer: A. Slow down.

Official handbook: Official handbook
9. There may be times when 10 mph is too fast for drivers to safely operate their vehicles.
  1. True ✓
  2. False

Answer: A. True

Official handbook: Official handbook
10. How fast you drive does not affect the distance your vehicle travels after you brake to come to a stop.
  1. TRUE
  2. FALSE ✓

Answer: B. FALSE

Official handbook: Official handbook
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Last checked: 2026-10-17 · Verified from official source

Updated: · Based on the official driver handbook