Washington DMV Permit Practice Test 1: 50 Questions
Practice Test 1 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Washington driving rules, including Washington BAC limit, Washington Under-21 BAC, handheld phone and texting and Washington signal distance. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More Washington Practice Tests
What Practice Test 1 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Washington BAC Limit
- Washington Under-21 BAC
- Handheld Phone and Texting
- Washington Signal Distance
- School Bus Two-Lane
- School Bus Not Required
- Roundabout Entry
- Hydroplaning Response
- Wet Road Stopping Distance
- Skid on Ice
- Aggressive Driver Response
- Emergency Vehicle Response
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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You should choose your driving speed mainly based on:
Show answer
A. Road, traffic, and weather conditions, even if that is below the posted limit
Always adjust your speed to match current conditions, not just the posted limit.
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For most drivers age 21 and older, the legal intoxication limit is:
Show answer
C. 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
A BAC of 0.08% or more is considered legally impaired for most adult drivers.
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If you feel tired while driving on a long trip, you should:
Show answer
C. Exit the road safely and rest before continuing
Only rest and sleep can fight drowsy driving. Short-term tricks are not a safe substitute.
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Texting or using a handheld phone while driving is:
Show answer
B. Dangerous and often against the law
Looking at a screen or typing while driving takes your eyes, hands, and mind off the road.
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On most roads, you should signal your turn or lane change at least:
Show answer
C. 100 feet before you turn or move over
Signaling early gives others time to see what you plan to do and react safely.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 1, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. You should choose your driving speed mainly based on:
Correct answer: Road, traffic, and weather conditions, even if that is below the posted limit
Why: Always adjust your speed to match current conditions, not just the posted limit.
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Q2. When there is a STOP sign and a painted stop line, you must stop:
Correct answer: At the stop line before entering the crosswalk or intersection
Why: Make a full stop at the stop line first so you do not block people walking or cross traffic.
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Q3. A solid yellow line on your side of the center of the road means you:
Correct answer: May not pass because it is unsafe in that area
Why: A solid yellow line on your side marks a no-passing zone.
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Q4. A broken yellow center line between two lanes of traffic means:
Correct answer: Passing is allowed when it can be done safely
Why: A broken yellow line between opposite directions allows passing when there is enough clear space.
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Q5. A solid white line between lanes usually means:
Correct answer: Lane changes are discouraged and should be made only when necessary
Why: Solid white lines separate lanes going the same way and warn you not to change lanes unless you must.
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Q6. Before changing lanes on a multilane road, you should first:
Correct answer: Check mirrors, signal, and check your blind spot before moving over
Why: Safe lane changes use mirrors, turn signals, and a quick look over your shoulder.
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Q7. You are driving near other vehicles in Washington traffic. How much space does the Washington driver guide say to leave between you and the vehicle ahead?
Correct answer: At least twice the length of your vehicle
Why: When you're driving near other vehicles, leave a distance that's at least twice the length of your vehicle between you and the vehicle ahead.
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Q8. You are driving at night on a road you do not know well in Washington. What does the guide tell you to do with your following distance?
Correct answer: Increase it
Why: Increase your following distance for night driving and when driving on unfamiliar roads at night.
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Q9. On a multilane road, the left lane is usually used for:
Correct answer: Passing and faster-moving traffic
Why: Use the left lane mainly to pass or prepare for a left turn, then return to the right lane.
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Q10. If another driver is closely following your vehicle (tailgating), you should:
Correct answer: Gradually create space and, when possible, change lanes so they can pass
Why: Easing off the gas and letting the tailgater pass lowers the chance of a crash.
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Q11. If your view at an intersection is blocked by trees or parked vehicles, you should:
Correct answer: Move forward slowly until you can see, then proceed when it is clear
Why: Creep forward carefully and look for cross traffic and people before you enter the intersection.
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Q12. A green arrow pointing left at an intersection means you may:
Correct answer: Make a protected left turn; oncoming traffic should be stopped
Why: A steady green arrow gives you a protected turn in that direction while oncoming traffic has a red light.
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Q13. When a steady yellow light appears as you approach an intersection, it means:
Correct answer: The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely
Why: A steady yellow warns that the green is ending. Prepare to stop if it is safe.
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Q14. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means you must:
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, then go when the way is clear
Why: A flashing red works like a stop sign. Stop fully, yield, then proceed.
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Q15. If a traffic signal is not working at an intersection, you should:
Correct answer: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop and proceed carefully
Why: When signals are out, all drivers must stop and take turns, just like at a stop-controlled intersection.
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Q16. When a law enforcement officer gives directions that conflict with a traffic signal, you should:
Correct answer: Follow the officer’s directions
Why: Directions from law enforcement always override signals and signs.
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Q17. You must use your headlights:
Correct answer: At night and any time you cannot see clearly ahead
Why: Turn on headlights at night and whenever visibility is poor so you can see and be seen.
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Q18. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until your tires grip again
Why: Sudden braking or steering can cause a skid. Gently reducing speed helps your tires regain contact.
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Q19. On wet roads compared to dry roads, your stopping distance will be:
Correct answer: Longer, so you must slow down and leave more space
Why: Rain reduces traction and increases the distance needed to stop.
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Q20. If your vehicle starts to skid on ice or packed snow, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go
Why: Look where you want the front of the car to go and steer smoothly in that direction.
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Q21. When you meet a school bus on a two-lane road with red lights flashing and stop sign extended, you must:
Correct answer: Stop in either direction until the lights stop and the bus moves again
Why: On most two-way roads, drivers from both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
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Q22. You are not required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights when:
Correct answer: You are on the opposite side of a divided highway with a physical barrier
Why: If a raised median or barrier separates your lane from the bus, oncoming traffic usually does not have to stop.
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Q23. In a work zone with reduced speed limit signs, you must:
Correct answer: Obey the posted work zone speed, even if workers are not visible
Why: Work zone speed limits apply whenever they are posted, and fines may be higher for violations.
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Q24. For most drivers age 21 and older, the legal intoxication limit is:
Correct answer: 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
Why: A BAC of 0.08% or more is considered legally impaired for most adult drivers.
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Q25. Even at levels below the legal limit, alcohol can:
Correct answer: Slow reaction time and affect judgment
Why: Any amount of alcohol can reduce your ability to drive safely.
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Q26. Seat belt laws generally require that:
Correct answer: The driver and all passengers use seat belts or proper restraints
Why: Everyone in the vehicle should be properly buckled to reduce injury in a crash.
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Q27. The safest place for a properly installed child safety seat is:
Correct answer: In the rear seat away from active airbags
Why: A rear seat location helps protect children from airbags and frontal impact crashes.
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Q28. When backing out of a parking space or driveway, you should:
Correct answer: Back slowly while looking through the rear window
Why: Turn and look through the rear window and back slowly, checking for people and vehicles.
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Q29. When sharing the road with pedestrians at a crosswalk, you must:
Correct answer: Yield and allow them to finish crossing safely
Why: People in a crosswalk have the right-of-way when crossing lawfully.
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Q30. When passing someone riding a bicycle, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and leave at least 3 feet of space
Why: Washington’s driver guide says to move over a full lane when you can and leave at least 3 feet between a bicyclist and the widest part of your vehicle.
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Q31. When you approach a railroad crossing with no gates or warning lights, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen for trains, and be ready to stop
Why: Always check carefully in both directions and cross only when you are sure it is safe.
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Q32. On a street with a curb, when parking your vehicle, your wheels should be:
Correct answer: Parallel to the curb and within 12 inches of it
Why: Washington does not allow parking more than 12 inches from the curb. Park parallel to it, facing the direction of traffic.
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Q33. Texting or using a handheld phone while driving is:
Correct answer: Dangerous and often against the law
Why: Looking at a screen or typing while driving takes your eyes, hands, and mind off the road.
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Q34. At a four-way stop, the right-of-way usually goes to:
Correct answer: The first vehicle to stop, or if two arrive together, the driver on the right
Why: After stopping, vehicles go in the order they arrived. If they arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first.
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Q35. Before making a right turn, you should:
Correct answer: Signal, move close to the right curb, check for people walking and bikes, then turn slowly
Why: Good right turns start from the proper lane with plenty of warning and careful checks for people and bikes.
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Q36. When turning left from a two-way street onto another two-way street, you should:
Correct answer: Turn from the lane nearest the center line into the lane nearest the center line
Why: Use the lanes closest to the center lines to reduce conflicts with other traffic.
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Q37. When driving at night on a dark road, you should:
Correct answer: Use high beams when no vehicle is ahead and switch to low beams for oncoming traffic
Why: High beams help you see farther, but you must dim them for oncoming or nearby traffic to avoid glare.
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Q38. If another driver acts aggressively toward you, the safest thing to do is:
Correct answer: Stay calm, avoid eye contact, and move to a safe, public place if needed
Why: Do not engage with aggressive drivers. Focus on staying safe and reducing contact.
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Q39. If you feel tired while driving on a long trip, you should:
Correct answer: Exit the road safely and rest before continuing
Why: Only rest and sleep can fight drowsy driving. Short-term tricks are not a safe substitute.
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Q40. If your turn signals do not work, you must:
Correct answer: Use the correct hand and arm signals until they are fixed
Why: Hand signals are still required when your electric turn signals fail.
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Q41. When you are first in line at a green light, you should:
Correct answer: Look left, right, and ahead for traffic or people before moving
Why: Even with a green light, always check that the intersection is clear before you go.
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Q42. On a street with two lanes in your direction and parked cars on the right, the best lane to use is usually:
Correct answer: The left lane, to avoid opening doors and people stepping into the road
Why: Staying a little farther away from parked vehicles helps you avoid sudden hazards.
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Q43. When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is coming from behind you, you should:
Correct answer: Move to the right side of the road and stop until it has passed
Why: Always yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right and stopping when it is safe.
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Q44. If you miss your exit on a freeway, you should:
Correct answer: Go to the next exit, leave the freeway safely, and turn around
Why: Stopping, backing up, or crossing a median on a freeway is very dangerous. Use the next exit instead.
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Q45. The purpose of the acceleration lane on a freeway entrance ramp is to:
Correct answer: Allow you to reach the speed of freeway traffic before merging
Why: Use the ramp and acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic, then merge smoothly.
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Q46. A broken white line between lanes on a freeway means:
Correct answer: You may change lanes when it is safe
Why: Broken white lines separate lanes going the same way and allow lane changes when there is enough space.
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Q47. A person using a white cane or a guide dog at a crosswalk is:
Correct answer: Someone who is blind or has low vision and has the right-of-way
Why: Always stop and yield to people using a white cane or guide dog. They rely on drivers to give them extra care.
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Q48. Before leaving a parallel parking space, you should first:
Correct answer: Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and make sure the path is clear
Why: Always signal and check for traffic, bikes, and people before moving out of a parking space.
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Q49. On most roads, you should signal your turn or lane change at least:
Correct answer: 100 feet before you turn or move over
Why: Signaling early gives others time to see what you plan to do and react safely.
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Q50. When approaching a roundabout, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down, yield to traffic already in the circle, and enter when there is a gap
Why: Vehicles inside the roundabout have the right-of-way. Enter only when you can merge safely.