Washington DMV Permit Test Exam Flashcards

Q: How many questions are on the Washington knowledge test and what score do I need?

The Washington DOL knowledge test has 40 questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly, an 80% score, to pass.

Q: Is there a time limit for the Washington knowledge test?

No. The Washington DOL knowledge test has no fixed time limit, so you can work through all 40 questions at your own pace.

Q: What should I study for the Washington permit test?

Study the Washington Driver Guide from the DOL. Every question comes from it, covering road signs, right-of-way, speed limits, and impaired-driving laws.

Q: Can I retake the Washington knowledge test if I fail?

Yes. WA DOL does not publish a fixed waiting period, but there may be a short wait before you retest. Check with your local licensing office.

Q: What should I bring to take the Washington knowledge test?

Bring required proof of identity, residency, and any parental or driver-ed documents, plus payment for the test or permit fee. Confirm exact documents with WA DOL.

Question 1

What does an octagon (eight-sided) sign always mean?

Accepted Answer

An octagonal sign is always a STOP sign. Come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection, then proceed only when it is safe. The unique shape lets you recognize it even when snow or grime hides the word STOP.

Question 2

What does a downward-pointing triangle (inverted triangle) sign mean?

Accepted Answer

An inverted triangle is a YIELD sign. Slow down, be ready to stop, and give the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians already in or approaching the intersection. Stop completely only if necessary to yield safely.

Question 3

What does a diamond-shaped sign indicate?

Accepted Answer

Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs. They alert you to hazards or changes ahead, such as a curve, intersection, narrow bridge, or merging traffic. Most are yellow with black symbols; slow down and be prepared to react.

Question 4

What kind of message does a pennant-shaped (sideways triangle) sign give?

Accepted Answer

A pennant-shaped sign, pointing to the right, marks the beginning of a NO PASSING zone. It is posted on the left side of the road and warns you not to pass other vehicles until the zone ends.

Question 5

What does a round (circular) sign warn you about?

Accepted Answer

A round sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead. Look, listen, slow down, and be prepared to stop for trains. It is usually yellow with a black X and the letters RR.

Question 6

What do red signs and red sign borders generally mean?

Accepted Answer

Red on a sign means stop or prohibition. STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, and WRONG WAY signs use red to tell you to stop or that an action is forbidden. Always obey them without hesitation.

Question 7

What do regulatory signs do, and what color are most of them?

Accepted Answer

Regulatory signs tell you the law you must obey, such as speed limits, turn restrictions, and one-way streets. Most are white rectangles with black or red lettering. Disobeying them is a traffic violation.

Question 8

What do orange signs and cones mean?

Accepted Answer

Orange signs and devices mark construction and maintenance work zones. Reduce speed, watch for workers and equipment, and be ready for sudden stops or lane shifts. Fines for violations are often doubled in work zones.

Question 9

What information do green guide signs provide?

Accepted Answer

Green signs are guide signs that give directions and distances to destinations, exits, and highways. They help you navigate but do not require any specific driving action.

Question 10

What do a solid yellow line and a broken (dashed) yellow line tell you?

Accepted Answer

Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. A broken yellow line means passing is allowed when safe; a solid yellow line on your side means do not pass. Two solid yellow lines mean no passing in either direction.

Question 11

What do white pavement lines indicate?

Accepted Answer

White lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. A broken white line means you may change lanes when safe; a solid white line discourages or prohibits lane changes. Double solid white lines mean do not cross.

Question 12

What must you do when a traffic signal turns yellow?

Accepted Answer

A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely; do not speed up to beat the light. Enter the intersection on yellow only if you are too close to stop safely.

Question 13

What does a flashing red traffic signal mean?

Accepted Answer

A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to other traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when it is safe.

Question 14

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

Accepted Answer

A flashing yellow light means caution. Slow down, stay alert, and proceed through the intersection carefully. You do not have to stop, but you must watch for cross traffic and pedestrians.

Question 15

Can you turn right on a red light in Washington?

Accepted Answer

After coming to a complete stop, you may turn right on red unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic first. Washington also allows a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping.

Question 16

What does a flashing yellow left-turn arrow mean?

Accepted Answer

A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic has the green light, so proceed only when there is a safe gap.

Question 17

At a four-way stop, who has the right-of-way?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle that arrives and stops first goes first. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Always proceed only when the intersection is clear.

Question 18

Who has the right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection (no signs or signals)?

Accepted Answer

Yield to any vehicle already in the intersection and to the driver on your right if you reach the intersection at the same time. Slow down, be ready to stop, and never assume another driver will yield.

Question 19

How do you drive correctly in a roundabout?

Accepted Answer

Slow down as you approach, yield to traffic already circulating and to pedestrians in the crosswalk, then enter when there is a safe gap. Travel counterclockwise, stay in your lane, and signal before you exit.

Question 20

Who yields when turning left across oncoming traffic?

Accepted Answer

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. Wait for a safe gap before completing the turn; the oncoming traffic going straight has the right-of-way.

Question 21

What must you do for pedestrians at a crosswalk?

Accepted Answer

Stop and yield to pedestrians in any marked or unmarked crosswalk, which exists at most intersections even without painted lines. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, because it may be yielding to someone you cannot see.

Question 22

What is Washington's basic speed rule?

Accepted Answer

You must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, even when below the posted limit. In rain, fog, heavy traffic, or near pedestrians you must slow down. A posted limit is the maximum for ideal conditions only.

Question 23

What is the speed limit in a Washington school zone?

Accepted Answer

The school-zone speed limit is 20 mph when children are present or when the posted school-zone signs or beacons are in effect. Fines in school zones are doubled, and watch carefully for children crossing.

Question 24

What is the default speed limit on Washington city and residential streets?

Accepted Answer

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 25 mph on city and town streets and in residential areas. Many local roads are lower; always obey the posted sign.

Question 25

What is the maximum speed limit on Washington highways and freeways?

Accepted Answer

The maximum is 70 mph on some interstate freeways where posted, and 60 mph on many state highways. The default limit on highways outside cities is 60 mph unless a higher or lower limit is posted.

Question 26

What is the following-distance rule recommended in the Washington Driver Guide?

Accepted Answer

Use a following distance of at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Pick a fixed point; when the car ahead passes it, count the seconds until you reach it. Increase the gap in rain, snow, or fog and when following motorcycles or large trucks.

Question 27

How far before a turn or lane change must you signal in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Signal continuously for at least the last 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. Washington law requires a signal every time you turn or change lanes, even if no other traffic seems to be present.

Question 28

What should you check before changing lanes?

Accepted Answer

Signal, check your mirrors, and look over your shoulder to check the blind spot before moving over. Change lanes only when there is a safe gap and never cross a solid line where lane changes are prohibited.

Question 29

Which lane should you normally use on a multilane highway?

Accepted Answer

Keep to the right and use the left lane mainly for passing. Slower traffic must move right so faster traffic can pass. The Move Right rule keeps traffic flowing and reduces tailgating.

Question 30

Who may use an HOV (carpool) lane in Washington?

Accepted Answer

HOV lanes are reserved for vehicles carrying the minimum number of occupants posted on the sign, usually two or more. Motorcycles and certain permitted vehicles may also use them. Crossing the double white line into or out of the lane illegally is a violation.

Question 31

What is the legal BAC limit for adult drivers (age 21+) in Washington?

Accepted Answer

It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. You can still be charged with DUI below 0.08% if alcohol or drugs impair your ability to drive safely.

Question 32

What is the BAC limit for drivers under 21 in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Washington has a zero-tolerance law: drivers under 21 may not drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. Because they cannot legally drink at all, even a small amount of alcohol can lead to a license suspension.

Question 33

What is the BAC limit for commercial drivers in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are limited to a BAC of 0.04% or higher, half the adult limit. A commercial driver caught at or above 0.04% can lose their commercial driving privilege.

Question 34

What is Washington's Implied Consent Law?

Accepted Answer

By driving in Washington, you automatically consent to a breath or blood test if an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect impaired driving. Refusing the test brings its own penalties, including license suspension or revocation, on top of any DUI charge.

Question 35

How does alcohol affect your driving ability?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgment, reduces coordination, and affects vision, even in small amounts. The only thing that lowers your BAC is time; coffee, food, or a cold shower will not make you sober enough to drive.

Question 36

How far from a fire hydrant must you park in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. This space keeps the hydrant accessible to firefighters in an emergency. Parking too close can result in a ticket and your vehicle being towed.

Question 37

How far from a crosswalk or stop sign must you park?

Accepted Answer

Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection or within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal. Keeping clear of these areas preserves visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.

Question 38

When parking on a hill, which way do you turn your wheels?

Accepted Answer

Facing downhill or uphill without a curb, turn your wheels toward the edge of the road so the car rolls away from traffic. Facing uphill with a curb, turn wheels away from the curb. Always set the parking brake.

Question 39

Where is parking always prohibited?

Accepted Answer

Never park in a marked crosswalk, on a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, in a disabled space without a permit, on a bridge, in a tunnel, or where signs or red curbs prohibit it. Blocking these areas endangers others and brings fines.

Question 40

How must you pass a bicyclist on the road in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Give bicyclists a safe buffer, generally at least 3 feet of clearance when passing, and slow down. Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers, so treat them as you would any vehicle and check for them before turning.

Question 41

Why should you give motorcycles extra following distance and attention?

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles are small, can stop quickly, and are easily hidden in blind spots. Allow at least a four-second following distance, never share a lane with one, and always double-check before changing lanes or turning.

Question 42

What must you do when a school bus stops with red lights flashing and the stop arm out?

Accepted Answer

Stop in both directions and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm folds back. You need not stop only if you are on the opposite side of a divided highway with a physical barrier between you and the bus.

Question 43

What must you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren?

Accepted Answer

Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. On a multilane road, clear a path so the emergency vehicle can get through. Never follow closely behind an emergency vehicle.

Question 44

What does Washington's Move Over law require?

Accepted Answer

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights, move over a lane if you can do so safely. If you cannot change lanes, slow to at least 10 mph below the speed limit to protect roadside workers.

Question 45

What does Washington's distracted-driving (E-DUI) law prohibit?

Accepted Answer

It is illegal to hold or use a handheld phone or electronic device while driving, including at a stoplight. This is a primary offense, so police can pull you over for it alone. A first offense carries a fine of about $136, with higher fines for repeats.

Question 46

What are Washington's seat belt and child-restraint requirements?

Accepted Answer

Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt, and seat belt use is a primary offense. Children under 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must ride in a child or booster seat appropriate for their size and age.

Question 47

When must you turn on your headlights in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Use headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and any time conditions like rain, fog, or snow limit visibility. Washington also requires headlights on whenever your windshield wipers are in continuous use.

Question 48

What passenger and nighttime restrictions apply to an intermediate (GDL) license in Washington?

Accepted Answer

For the first 6 months, an intermediate license holder may carry no passengers under 20 except immediate family. For the next 6 months, no more than three passengers under 20. They also may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless supervised or for work, school, or religious activities.

Question 49

What should you do if you are involved in a collision?

Accepted Answer

Stop at the scene, check for injuries, and call for help if anyone is hurt. Exchange names, license, insurance, and vehicle information with other drivers. Report the crash to police, and leaving the scene of an injury collision is a serious crime.

Question 50

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a slippery road?

Accepted Answer

Ease off the gas, do not brake hard, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Avoid sudden movements until you regain traction. Slowing down and increasing following distance in rain, snow, or ice prevents most skids.

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