Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation — 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. Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation: 28 questions.
Brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, seat belts, child seats and basic vehicle control.
This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.
| Topic / Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Topic | Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation |
| License test | District of Columbia Car learner's permit test |
| Topic questions | 28 (5% of 510 total) |
| Review status | This 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
Questions (28)
1. Check your rearview mirrors:
- Often to see how traffic is moving behind you. ✓
- To see if a vehicle is in your blind spot.
- Only when you are slowing down.
Answer: A. Often to see how traffic is moving behind you.
2. Your tire blows out while you are driving. You should:
- Slam on your brakes.
- Hold your steering wheel tightly and slow to a stop. ✓
- Keep driving normally.
- Turn on your emergency flashers and continue driving.
Answer: B. Hold your steering wheel tightly and slow to a stop.
3. Before switching on the ignition, you should:
- Buckle your safety belt.
- Be sure all passengers have buckled their safety belts.
- Both of the above. ✓
Answer: C. Both of the above.
4. You should use your horn when:
- Another vehicle is in your way.
- It may help prevent a collision. ✓
- Another driver makes a mistake.
Answer: B. It may help prevent a collision.
5. While driving, your wheels slip off the edge of the road. You should:
- Jerk the steering wheel to force the vehicle back onto the pavement.
- Speed up and steer back onto the pavement gradually.
- Slam on your brakes and stop.
- Slow down by gently using the brakes. Turn the steering wheel to return to the pavement at a safe speed. ✓
Answer: D. Slow down by gently using the brakes. Turn the steering wheel to return to the pavement at a safe speed.
6. What is the purpose of rumble strips?
- They alert drivers to potential tire problems.
- They test a vehicle's shock absorbers.
- Through vibration and sound, they alert inattentive drivers to the fact that their vehicles have left the travel lane. ✓
Answer: C. Through vibration and sound, they alert inattentive drivers to the fact that their vehicles have left the travel lane.
7. Which of the following is true regarding seat belts and child restraints in vehicles?
- You should never place an infant or small child in the front seat of a vehicle with airbags.
- An airbag can be dangerous to an infant or small child, even in a low-speed collision.
- You should always make sure all your passengers are using a seat belt or child restraint.
- All of the above. ✓
Answer: D. All of the above.
8. Worn or bald tires:
- Can make turning more difficult.
- Are likely to hydroplane.
- Can increase your stopping distance.
- All of the above. ✓
Answer: D. All of the above.
9. If you need to slow down while driving on a slippery road, the first thing you should do is:
- Firmly apply your brakes.
- Take your foot off the gas pedal. ✓
- Apply your parking brake.
- Pump your brakes.
Answer: B. Take your foot off the gas pedal.
10. In a vehicle equipped with airbags, the safest place for children age 12 and under to ride is in:
- The front seat.
- The back seat. ✓
- The bed of a pick-up truck.
Answer: B. The back seat.
Source
Last checked: 2026-10-17 · Verified from official source
Updated: · Based on the official driver handbook