District of Columbia DMV Handbook 2025

As part of our permit test preparation program, we have made available the official District of Columbia DMV driver’s 2025 handbook (District of Columbia DMV Handbook (DC Driver's Manual) 2025) for your convenience. The DMV publishes versions of this manual in seven languages, of which we currently offer two: English and Spanish. Each version is in PDF format and can be easily downloaded from this webpage.

In District of Columbia, all drivers, regardless of age, must obtain a learner permit to practice supervised driving before applying for a driver’s license. One key requirement to obtain a learner permit is to pass an official knowledge (permit) test on safe driving. You must take the knowledge test at any DMV service center on a first-come, first-served basis, not online. Enrollment in a driver’s education course is recommended (especially if you’re under 18) but not legally required.

The DMV knowledge test is based on information contained in the official manual. Therefore, you should start preparing for the knowledge test by studying this manual. However, this alone may not prepare you well enough. In 2022, about 47.3% – nearly half – of those who took the knowledge test failed it on their first attempt.

Our permit test preparation program goes beyond studying the official driver’s handbook by providing a graduated series of practice tests accompanied by our AI assistant. It can give you hints and explanations to help you understand and learn the material. You can also ask it to clarify complex terms or obscure or confusing points that you may find in the handbook.

We have also created an audiobook of the English version of the official driver’s handbook. It’s formatted as a series of MP3 files, one for each chapter of the handbook. You can download each chapter file from the right side of this webpage and listen to it on any device that supports an internet browser or audio app capable of playing MP3s. You can listen to a chapter while you follow along by reading the text of that chapter in the PDF version of the manual. This technique will help you concentrate and learn better, even in a distracting environment.

In addition to the official handbook, we also offer our own permit test study guide (available elsewhere on this website) to help you get ready for the day of your District of Columbia knowledge test. It covers what documents to take to the DMV, what fees you may have to pay, frequently missed knowledge test questions, and other last-minute knowledge test tips.