District of Columbia written test scoring: 20 of 25

DC DMV runs two automobile knowledge tests: the standard non commercial version with a 60 minute limit, and the GRAD or learner permit version for novice drivers aged 16 to 20 with a longer 75 minute limit. The same test costs $10 at a DC DMV service center, $39.95 at a test proctoring center, or $49.95 taken virtually, and you pay whether you pass or fail; the learner permit itself is a separate $20. No passing score is published for either exam. The closest official indication of length is DC DMV's own practice knowledge test, laid out as 25 questions with a 60 minute limit that matches the published limit for the standard exam, and DC DMV states that the practice test does not reuse real exam questions. The exam is offered in more than 20 languages, with audio assisted versions for anyone who needs help reading.

A failed knowledge test in the District means waiting three full calendar days and returning on the fourth day, so a Tuesday failure puts Saturday as the earliest retest. Each retest is billed again in full at whichever venue you use. On top of that sits an annual limit: fail six times inside a 12 month period and a seventh attempt is blocked until 12 months have passed from the date of the first failure. The road skills test carries its own 72 hour wait and the same six failures in twelve months rule. A pass also has a shelf life, since you have 14 business days to reach a service center with your documents before the result stops counting.