Can You Drink Water During the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

Yes, in small sips. The bottle rules – 20 oz or smaller and label-free – what happens if you glance away, and how to hydrate before you start.

Lume Test

Apr 24, 2025

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5 min read

Can You Drink Water During the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

Key Takeaways

Yes, in small sips.
The bottle rules – 20 oz or smaller and label-free – what happens if you glance away, and how to hydrate before you start.

Sitting for 1 hour straight during the Duolingo English Test (DET) might dry out your throat.

No doubt, you can’t leave the webcam, but the thirst might distract you from the exam.

So, can you drink water during the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

Don’t worry; you’re not the only one wondering that.

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Key Takeaways

You can drink water during the Duolingo English Test (DET), but only in small sips and without breaking the test rules.
The bottle must be 20 oz or smaller and completely label-free.
To stay hydrated smartly, you should start prepping hours before your test with sleep, a good oatmeal breakfast, and less caffeine.

Related:

Can I Drink Water During the Duolingo Test?

Yes, you can drink water during the Duolingo English Test, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Since the test is protected online and you’re being monitored through your webcam and microphone, anything that seems out of the ordinary could raise a red flag.

Feel free to take small sips of water, but don’t overdo it; try to avoid big movements or making noise that might distract from the test.

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to check the rules for confirmation.

What Kind of Water Bottle Is Allowed?

You are allowed to have a bottle with you, but it must be 20 oz (about 600 ml) or smaller.

Most importantly, it needs to be completely label-free.

That means no branding, stickers, or logos; your best option is a plain, transparent bottle.

The goal is to keep everything visible and avoid anything that might seem suspicious to the proctors.

What Happens If I Look Away While Drinking?

If you look away from the screen while drinking (or at any point during the Duolingo English Test), it could alert the proctors.

The test is closely monitored through your webcam, and even something as simple as glancing to the side might be interpreted as suspicious behavior.

But as said earlier, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a sip of water.

It’s just that you should try to stay facing forward and keep your eyes on the screen as much as possible, even while drinking.

Can I Leave My Seat to Drink Water?

No, you absolutely can’t.

Once the Duolingo English Test begins, you’re expected to stay in your seat and remain fully visible on camera until it’s over.

Stepping away (even for a quick water break) isn’t allowed and can result in your test being disqualified.

So, be sure to have everything you need, including a small, label-free water bottle, within reach before you start.

It’s the same as being in a real exam room; you wouldn’t walk out mid-test to grab a drink, and the same rules apply here.

3 Extra Tips to Stay Hydrated Before The Test

Start Your Day with a Bowl of Oatmeal

When you cook oats, they absorb a lot of water, which your body slowly releases as you digest them.

That means you will stay hydrated longer without needing to chug water right before the test.

You can even toss in some fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries.

They’re packed with water, natural sugars, and fiber to keep your energy steady.

Plus, adding milk instead of just water gives you a bonus boost of protein and extra fluids.

Limit Caffeine

Too much caffeine right before your test isn’t your friend.

Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can make your body lose more fluids.

It might also leave you feeling jittery, anxious, or needing a bathroom break (which you obviously can’t take during the test).

Avoid sugary energy drinks, too; they’ll give you a short boost and then leave you crashing right when you need to focus most.

You don’t have to completely abandon your morning cup if it’s already part of your daily routine, but it’s a good idea to scale back a bit.

Try a smaller cup than usual, or swap your regular coffee for something milder, like green tea.

Don’t Skip Sleep

Most people don’t realize that hydration actually starts with good sleep.

When you’re sleep-deprived, your body struggles to regulate fluid balance, leaving you feeling tired and dehydrated.

That’s not ideal for a high-stakes test!

Shoot for 7 to 8 solid hours of sleep the night before your test.

To help you wind down, avoid screens before bed, keep your room cool and quiet, and try not to guzzle too much water right before sleeping (midnight bathroom runs aren’t exactly restful).

Waking up well-rested helps your body stay hydrated naturally and keeps your brain sharp, exactly what you want on test day.