Washington DMV Permit Practice Test 3: 50 Questions
Practice Test 3 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Washington driving rules, including WA high beam dimming distance, rain first begins most slippery, WA fire hydrant distance and Washington BAC limit. 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 3 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- WA High Beam Dimming Distance
- Rain First Begins Most Slippery
- WA Fire Hydrant Distance
- Washington BAC Limit
- Washington Under-21 BAC
- ABS Emergency Braking
- Downhill Parking With Curb
- Downhill Parking Without Curb
- Tailgating Response
- Drowsy Driving Response
- Angry Driver Response
- Emergency Vehicle Stopped with Lights
- Freeway Entry
- Missed Freeway Exit
- Backing Safety
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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You should dim your high-beam headlights when you are within about:
Show answer
C. 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle
Dimming high beams early helps prevent glare for other drivers.
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In heavy rain, the road is often most slippery:
Show answer
C. During the first few minutes after rain begins
Early rain lifts oil and dirt, creating a slick surface until more rain washes it away.
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It is illegal to park within this distance of a fire hydrant unless signs say otherwise:
Show answer
C. 15 feet
Staying at least 15 feet away gives room for emergency vehicles and hoses.
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For most adult drivers, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:
Show answer
C. 0.08% BAC
A BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired for most drivers age 21 and over.
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Drivers under 21 can face penalties for alcohol use because:
Show answer
B. Any amount of alcohol in the body while driving can violate zero-tolerance rules
Under-21 drivers can lose their license for driving with any measurable alcohol.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 3, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. A solid yellow line next to your lane on a two-way road means you:
Correct answer: May not pass because it is unsafe at that location
Why: A solid yellow line next to your lane marks a no-passing zone.
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Q2. A broken yellow line between two lanes of traffic means:
Correct answer: Passing is allowed when you have enough clear distance
Why: A broken yellow line between lanes going opposite directions allows passing when it is safe.
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Q3. Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic mean:
Correct answer: Neither direction may pass except to turn left when it is safe
Why: Double solid yellow lines usually mean no passing for traffic in both directions.
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Q4. A solid white line between lanes usually means:
Correct answer: Lane changes are discouraged and should be made only when needed
Why: Solid white lines separate lanes going the same way and warn you to stay in your lane if possible.
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Q5. Before you pass another vehicle on a two-lane road, you must first:
Correct answer: Make sure the passing lane is clear and no one is about to pass you
Why: Always check mirrors, blind spots, and oncoming traffic before starting a pass.
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Q6. You are returning to your lane after passing another vehicle. You should move back:
Correct answer: When you can see the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror
Why: Seeing the other vehicle in your mirror means you have enough space to move back safely.
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Q7. On a multilane road with slower traffic in the right lane, you should usually:
Correct answer: Use the left lane mainly for passing and then return to the right
Why: Keep right except to pass so traffic flows smoothly and predictably.
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Q8. If another driver begins to pass you on the left, you should:
Correct answer: Stay in your lane and, if needed, reduce speed slightly
Why: Letting others pass safely reduces the risk of side-by-side conflicts.
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Q9. When a red light is shown with a green arrow, you may:
Correct answer: Turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding as needed
Why: A green arrow lets you make a protected turn in that direction while other movements are stopped.
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Q10. You are waiting in a Washington left-turn lane and the turn arrow changes to yellow. What should you do?
Correct answer: Prepare to stop and give the right-of-way to oncoming traffic
Why: A yellow arrow means the light is going to turn red soon. Prepare to stop and give the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.
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Q11. You approach an intersection with a steady yellow light. You should:
Correct answer: Prepare to stop if you can do so safely before the intersection
Why: A yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Do not rush through.
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Q12. A flashing red light at an intersection tells you to:
Correct answer: Stop completely and go only when it is safe
Why: Treat a flashing red like a stop sign: stop, then proceed when the way is clear.
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Q13. When a traffic signal is dark with no lights showing, you must:
Correct answer: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop and proceed carefully
Why: If a signal is out, all directions must stop and take turns.
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Q14. At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the vehicle on the ending road must:
Correct answer: Yield to traffic on the through road
Why: Drivers coming from a road that ends must yield to through traffic and to pedestrians.
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Q15. At a four-way stop, a general rule is that the driver who goes first is the one who:
Correct answer: Stops first and enters the intersection first
Why: Right-of-way depends on the order of arrival. When in doubt, be ready to yield.
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Q16. Two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time, side by side. The driver turning left should:
Correct answer: Yield to the driver going straight
Why: Traffic going straight usually has the right-of-way over traffic turning left.
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Q17. You must yield to a pedestrian:
Correct answer: In a marked or unmarked crosswalk when they are crossing your lane
Why: People crossing at crosswalks have the right-of-way when they are crossing lawfully.
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Q18. When you see a person with a white cane or guide dog, you must:
Correct answer: Stop and let them cross safely
Why: People using a white cane or guide dog may be blind or have low vision. Always give them extra care.
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Q19. When passing a person riding a bicycle, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and leave at least 3 feet as you pass
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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Q20. Motorcycles are harder to see than cars because:
Correct answer: They are smaller and can be hidden in traffic
Why: Check mirrors and blind spots carefully; motorcycles can disappear behind other vehicles.
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Q21. You should use your low-beam headlights:
Correct answer: At night and whenever you have trouble seeing ahead
Why: Headlights help you see and be seen at night and in bad weather or low light.
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Q22. You should dim your high-beam headlights when you are within about:
Correct answer: 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle
Why: Dimming high beams early helps prevent glare for other drivers.
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Q23. When you are following another vehicle at night, use low beams:
Correct answer: So you do not shine bright lights into the driver’s mirrors
Why: Low beams reduce glare in the mirrors of the driver ahead.
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Q24. In heavy rain, the road is often most slippery:
Correct answer: During the first few minutes after rain begins
Why: Early rain lifts oil and dirt, creating a slick surface until more rain washes it away.
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Q25. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until your tires grip again
Why: Sudden braking or steering can cause a complete loss of control.
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Q26. When driving in fog, you should:
Correct answer: Use low beams and slow down
Why: Low beams reduce glare and help you see better in fog.
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Q27. If your vehicle begins to skid, your first action should be to:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and look in the direction you want to go
Why: Looking and steering gently where you want to go helps you regain control.
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Q28. When driving on a long downhill grade, you should:
Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear and use the brakes gently as needed
Why: Lower gears help control speed and prevent brakes from overheating.
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Q29. Parking on a hill with a curb and facing uphill, you should turn your front wheels:
Correct answer: Away from the curb so the back of the tire rests on it
Why: If the vehicle rolls, the tire should roll back gently against the curb and stop.
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Q30. When you park facing downhill with or without a curb, turn your front wheels:
Correct answer: Toward the edge of the road
Why: Turning toward the side of the road helps keep the vehicle from rolling into traffic.
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Q31. You must not park:
Correct answer: On a sidewalk or blocking a driveway
Why: Blocking sidewalks or driveways is illegal and unsafe for other road users.
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Q32. It is illegal to park within this distance of a fire hydrant unless signs say otherwise:
Correct answer: 15 feet
Why: Staying at least 15 feet away gives room for emergency vehicles and hoses.
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Q33. Driving after drinking alcohol is dangerous because it:
Correct answer: Slows reaction time and affects judgment and coordination
Why: Even small amounts of alcohol can reduce your ability to drive safely.
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Q34. For most adult drivers, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:
Correct answer: 0.08% BAC
Why: A BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired for most drivers age 21 and over.
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Q35. Drivers under 21 can face penalties for alcohol use because:
Correct answer: Any amount of alcohol in the body while driving can violate zero-tolerance rules
Why: Under-21 drivers can lose their license for driving with any measurable alcohol.
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Q36. If your vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS) and you need to stop quickly, you should:
Correct answer: Press the brake pedal firmly and keep holding it
Why: ABS works best when you apply firm, steady pressure so the system can control wheel lockup.
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Q37. The best way to avoid last-second moves is to:
Correct answer: Look well ahead, keep your eyes moving, and be aware of your surroundings
Why: Scanning helps you spot hazards early and plan smooth, safe actions.
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Q38. You should check your mirrors more often when:
Correct answer: Traffic is heavy or you are changing lanes
Why: Frequent mirror checks are important in busy traffic and before lane changes, turns, or stops.
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Q39. If a driver behind you is following too closely (tailgating), you should:
Correct answer: Slow down slightly to create more space in front of you
Why: Creating space ahead reduces the need for sudden stops and gives the tailgater more room.
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Q40. If you begin to feel drowsy while driving, the safest thing to do is:
Correct answer: Find a safe place to pull over and rest
Why: Only rest and sleep can fully fight drowsiness. Do not rely on short-term tricks.
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Q41. An angry or upset driver should:
Correct answer: Wait until calm before driving
Why: Strong emotions affect judgment and reaction time. It is safer not to drive until you are calm.
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Q42. When sharing the road with an emergency vehicle that has stopped with flashing lights on the shoulder, you should:
Correct answer: Move over to the lane farthest away if you can, or slow down
Why: Move-over laws require giving extra room or slowing to protect emergency workers.
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Q43. You are entering a freeway from an on-ramp. You should:
Correct answer: Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic and merge when safe
Why: Use the ramp to build up speed and merge smoothly into the flow of traffic.
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Q44. If you miss your exit on a freeway, you must:
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and turn around safely
Why: Backing or stopping on a freeway is extremely dangerous and illegal.
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Q45. When backing out of a parking space, you should:
Correct answer: Back slowly while looking through the rear window and checking around you
Why: Turning and looking through the rear window while backing slowly helps you spot people and vehicles.
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Q46. You approach a railroad crossing with no gates or lights. You should:
Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen for trains, and be ready to stop
Why: Always check in both directions and cross only when you are sure no train is coming.
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Q47. In an active work zone with workers and equipment near the road, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down, obey the posted work zone speed, and be ready to stop suddenly
Why: Work zones require extra caution. Slow down, follow the posted work zone speed, and be prepared for sudden stops.
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Q48. You should use your horn mainly to:
Correct answer: Warn other road users of a possible collision
Why: Use the horn to prevent crashes, not to express anger or impatience.
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Q49. Keeping a space cushion around your vehicle means you:
Correct answer: Leave room on all sides so you have time to react to problems
Why: Extra space gives you time to react, slow down, or change lanes if something unexpected happens.
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Q50. Before turning from a driveway or side road onto a busy street, you should:
Correct answer: Stop, look left, right, and left again, and wait for a safe gap in traffic
Why: Always stop and check carefully in both directions, entering only when there is a clear and safe gap.