Washington DMV Permit Practice Test 2: 50 Questions
Practice Test 2 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Washington driving rules, including Washington shoulder passing, Washington implied consent, hill parking uphill with curb and hill parking downhill no curb. 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 2 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Washington Shoulder Passing
- Washington Implied Consent
- Hill Parking Uphill With Curb
- Hill Parking Downhill No Curb
- Deer Crossing Warning
- Truck on Downhill Warning
- T-Intersection Yield
- Merging Two Lanes into One
- ABS Emergency Braking
- Vehicle Breaks Down on Highway
- Before Driving Checklist
- Drowsy Driving Response
- Angry Driver Response
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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You may drive on the shoulder of the road to pass another vehicle:
Show answer
C. Only when signs or officials clearly allow it
The shoulder is not a travel lane. Using it to pass is usually illegal and unsafe.
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If you refuse a breath or blood test after being arrested for suspected impaired driving, you may:
Show answer
C. Lose your driving privilege for a period of time
Under implied consent laws, refusing a test usually results in an automatic license suspension.
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When parking uphill next to a curb, you should turn your front wheels:
Show answer
A. Away from the curb so the back of the front tire rests on it
Turning the wheels away from the curb helps keep the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail.
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When parking downhill with no curb, you should turn your front wheels:
Show answer
C. Toward the edge of the road
Turning the wheels toward the edge helps keep the vehicle from rolling into the roadway.
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At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the vehicle on the street that ends must:
Show answer
B. Yield to traffic on the through road
Traffic on the through road has the right-of-way. Vehicles on the ending street must yield.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 2, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. On a two-lane road, you may pass another vehicle on the left only when:
Correct answer: The center line is broken and the lane ahead is clear
Why: Passing is allowed only where the center line permits it and you have enough clear space to pass safely.
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Q2. Before you start to pass another vehicle, you should first:
Correct answer: Check mirrors and blind spots and be sure there is room to return
Why: Always check traffic around you and make sure you can safely pass and return to your lane.
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Q3. You are near the top of a hill on a two-lane road. You should not pass because:
Correct answer: You cannot see far enough ahead to know if the lane is clear
Why: Passing near hills and curves is risky because your view of oncoming traffic is limited.
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Q4. A sign shaped like a downward-pointing triangle means:
Correct answer: Yield the right-of-way
Why: The yield sign means slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians.
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Q5. A red octagon with white letters always means:
Correct answer: Stop
Why: The octagon shape is used only for STOP signs. Make a full stop before the crosswalk or stop line.
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Q6. A circular yellow sign with a black X and two R letters warns you that:
Correct answer: A railroad crossing is ahead
Why: This sign tells you to slow down and be prepared to stop if a train is coming.
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Q7. When turning right on a red light where it is allowed, your first step is to:
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians
Why: Right turns on red are usually allowed only after a full stop and yielding to others with the right-of-way.
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Q8. You are in an intersection waiting to turn left. The light turns yellow. You should:
Correct answer: Complete the turn when it is safe to clear the intersection
Why: Once you are in the intersection, you should turn when oncoming traffic clears so you can leave the intersection.
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Q9. You reach an intersection with no signs or signals. In general, who must yield?
Correct answer: The driver who arrives later yields to the driver who arrived first
Why: At open intersections, the driver who arrives first usually goes first. When in doubt, be ready to yield.
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Q10. At a four-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same time. Who should go first?
Correct answer: The driver on the right
Why: When two vehicles arrive together, the driver on the right normally has the right-of-way.
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Q11. When you see a person with a white cane or a guide dog entering the road, you must:
Correct answer: Yield the right-of-way and let them cross safely
Why: People using a white cane or guide dog may be blind or have low vision. Always stop and let them cross.
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Q12. You approach a crosswalk and the pedestrian signal shows WALK. You should:
Correct answer: Yield to people in the crosswalk until they are safely across
Why: Pedestrians with a WALK signal have the right-of-way. Wait until they are out of your path.
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Q13. When approaching a roundabout, you must:
Correct answer: Slow down, yield to traffic in the circle, and enter when there is a safe gap
Why: Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right-of-way. Enter only when traffic allows.
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Q14. You see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights coming from behind. You should:
Correct answer: Move to the right side of the road and stop until it passes
Why: You must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right and stopping when it is safe.
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Q15. When driving in heavy rain, you can reduce your chance of hydroplaning by:
Correct answer: Slowing down and avoiding hard braking or sharp turns
Why: Lower speeds and smooth control help your tires keep contact with the road.
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Q16. If your brakes suddenly stop working, you should:
Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal, downshift, and use the parking brake gently
Why: Pumping the brakes can restore pressure. Lower gears and careful use of the parking brake help slow the vehicle.
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Q17. Your vehicle’s right wheels run off the pavement onto the shoulder. You should:
Correct answer: Grip the wheel, ease off the gas, and steer back onto the road when it is safe
Why: Overcorrecting can cause a skid or rollover. Slow down and return to the lane gently.
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Q18. When driving in fog, the safest way to see and be seen is to:
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights and reduce speed
Why: Low beams reduce glare and help you see better in fog. High beams can reflect back into your eyes.
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Q19. If you are in a minor crash with no injuries and your vehicle can move, you should:
Correct answer: Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible and exchange information
Why: If your car can move, move it to a safe place so you do not block traffic or cause another crash.
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Q20. After a crash, you must be prepared to show proof of insurance to:
Correct answer: Any peace officer who asks for it
Why: You must carry and show proof of financial responsibility when an officer requests it.
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Q21. Driving without required liability insurance can lead to:
Correct answer: Fines and possible suspension of your driving privilege
Why: Insurance is required to pay for damages you may cause. Failing to carry it can bring serious penalties.
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Q22. If you refuse a breath or blood test after being arrested for suspected impaired driving, you may:
Correct answer: Lose your driving privilege for a period of time
Why: Under implied consent laws, refusing a test usually results in an automatic license suspension.
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Q23. For drivers under 21, having any amount of alcohol in the body while driving can:
Correct answer: Lead to license penalties and fines
Why: Zero-tolerance rules mean underage drivers can face penalties for any alcohol in their system while driving.
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Q24. A common mistake new drivers make with the gas pedal is:
Correct answer: Pressing too hard and causing sudden starts
Why: Smooth pressure with the right foot helps you accelerate gradually and stay in control.
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Q25. To reduce fatigue on long trips, you should:
Correct answer: Get enough sleep before driving and take regular rest breaks
Why: Good rest and short breaks help keep you alert and lower the risk of drowsy driving.
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Q26. When two lanes merge into one, the best way to merge is to:
Correct answer: Adjust speed and take turns merging with other drivers
Why: Cooperating and taking turns keeps traffic flowing and reduces sideswipe crashes.
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Q27. You may drive on the shoulder of the road to pass another vehicle:
Correct answer: Only when signs or officials clearly allow it
Why: The shoulder is not a travel lane. Using it to pass is usually illegal and unsafe.
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Q28. You must never park:
Correct answer: On a sidewalk or in front of a driveway
Why: Parking on sidewalks or blocking driveways is illegal and unsafe for people walking and property owners.
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Q29. When you see a warning sign showing a truck going downhill, you should:
Correct answer: Be ready for a steep grade where large vehicles may be moving slowly
Why: Steep grades require extra caution and lower speeds, especially around heavy trucks.
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Q30. A yellow warning sign with a black plus symbol (+) means:
Correct answer: There is a crossroad ahead
Why: The crossroad sign warns that another road meets the one you are on.
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Q31. When entering a freeway, you should use the entrance ramp and acceleration lane to:
Correct answer: Match the speed of traffic before merging
Why: Use the ramp to build up speed so you can merge smoothly into moving traffic.
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Q32. If you miss your exit on a freeway, you should:
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and turn around safely
Why: Stopping, backing, or crossing barriers on a freeway is very dangerous and illegal.
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Q33. If your vehicle begins to skid because you braked too hard, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the brake and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go
Why: Look where you want to go and steer smoothly. Sudden braking or turning can make the skid worse.
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Q34. When you share the road with a person on a motorcycle, remember that:
Correct answer: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars
Why: Always check mirrors and blind spots carefully; motorcycles can be hidden easily in traffic.
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Q35. The best way to avoid last-second moves in traffic is to:
Correct answer: Look well ahead and keep your eyes moving
Why: Scanning the road ahead lets you spot problems early and react in time.
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Q36. Another driver is trying to pass you on the left. You should:
Correct answer: Stay in your lane and, if needed, reduce speed slightly
Why: Helping the other driver pass safely reduces the chance of a side-by-side conflict.
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Q37. A driver who is very angry or upset should:
Correct answer: Wait until they are calm before driving
Why: Strong emotions affect judgment and reaction time. It is safer not to drive when you are very upset.
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Q38. You are backing out of a parking space in a busy lot. You should:
Correct answer: Back slowly while checking behind and to the sides and stop if people or cars approach
Why: Backing slowly and looking in all directions helps you avoid hitting people or vehicles.
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Q39. Before you start driving, one of the last things you should do is:
Correct answer: Fasten your seat belt and make sure passengers are buckled
Why: Everyone should be properly restrained before the vehicle moves.
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Q40. When stopping behind another vehicle on a hill, you should:
Correct answer: Leave extra space in case the other vehicle rolls back
Why: Leaving space protects you if the vehicle ahead rolls backward when starting again.
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Q41. If your vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), in an emergency stop you should:
Correct answer: Press the brake pedal firmly and keep holding it
Why: ABS works best when you press and hold the brake pedal so the system can prevent wheel lockup.
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Q42. When another driver is passing you, you should NOT:
Correct answer: Increase your speed to keep them from passing
Why: Speeding up while someone passes you is dangerous and can lead to side-by-side conflicts.
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Q43. If your vehicle breaks down and you must stop on a highway, you should:
Correct answer: Move off the roadway if possible, turn on hazard lights, and stay away from traffic
Why: Getting as far from moving traffic as you can and using hazard lights help others see and avoid you.
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Q44. A yellow sign showing two people walking in a crosswalk usually means:
Correct answer: A school zone or school crossing is nearby
Why: School crossing and school zone signs warn you to slow down and watch for children.
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Q45. A warning sign with a deer symbol on it means you should:
Correct answer: Watch for animals on or near the road and be prepared to slow down
Why: Animals can move into the road quickly. Slowing down gives you more time to react.
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Q46. When parking uphill next to a curb, you should turn your front wheels:
Correct answer: Away from the curb so the back of the front tire rests on it
Why: Turning the wheels away from the curb helps keep the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail.
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Q47. When parking downhill with no curb, you should turn your front wheels:
Correct answer: Toward the edge of the road
Why: Turning the wheels toward the edge helps keep the vehicle from rolling into the roadway.
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Q48. At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the vehicle on the street that ends must:
Correct answer: Yield to traffic on the through road
Why: Traffic on the through road has the right-of-way. Vehicles on the ending street must yield.
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Q49. You must turn on your low-beam headlights:
Correct answer: Any time you have trouble seeing other vehicles or the road ahead
Why: Headlights are required whenever visibility is poor so you can see and be seen.
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Q50. A lane marked with a white diamond symbol is usually reserved for:
Correct answer: High-occupancy vehicles and other vehicles allowed by the sign
Why: Diamond-marked lanes are special-use lanes, often for carpools or buses as shown on nearby signs.