Free Washington DMV Permit Test Exam Flashcards

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.