Washington DOL Permit Practice Test 34
- Questions40
- Correct to pass32
- Passing score80%
- Minimum age15 years
-
1. A sign at the curb reads Tow-Away Zone. What does it mean for you?
Show answer
Answer C: That a vehicle left there can be removed at the owner's expense
In a tow-away zone the vehicle can be removed immediately and the owner pays the towing and storage charges to get it back.
-
2. A pedestrian signal displays a steady walking person symbol. What does it mean for a pedestrian at that corner?
Show answer
Answer B: The pedestrian may start crossing in the direction of the signal
The steady walking person permits a pedestrian to begin the crossing, while still yielding to vehicles already lawfully in the intersection.
-
3. You are about to descend a long steep grade. How should you control your speed?
Show answer
Answer D: Select a lower gear before starting down and use the brakes in firm, brief applications
Engine braking in a lower gear carries most of the load down the grade, while continuous brake pressure overheats the brakes and reduces their effectiveness.
-
4. Which facility does this sign direct a traveler toward?
Show answer
Answer B: A hospital offering emergency care
This is the standard marker for medical care, used to lead a traveler to a hospital where emergency treatment is available.
-
5. Why should cruise control be switched off on wet, snowy or icy roads?
Show answer
Answer B: It may keep feeding power to a wheel that has started to slip, and cancelling it costs you time
Cruise control holds a set speed regardless of grip, so it can add power just as a tire loses traction, and the extra step of cancelling it delays your response.
-
6. Besides the traffic behind you, what else must you check before moving into the next lane?
Show answer
Answer D: That there is room ahead in the new lane for your normal following distance
Moving into a gap that is too short leaves you tailgating the vehicle ahead with a vehicle close behind you.
-
7. What is the what if habit of a defensive driver?
Show answer
Answer C: Thinking through what you would do if a hazard ahead of you turned bad
Rehearsing an answer before the hazard develops means you act at once instead of spending time deciding.
-
8. Which action becomes clearly more risky beyond this sign?
Show answer
Answer A: Using the left side of the roadway to overtake
With vehicles coming the other way on the same pavement, overtaking on the left needs enough clear road to pull out, pass and return, which is often not available.
-
9. The circular sign shape is reserved for which warning?
Show answer
Answer C: Advance warning of a highway-rail grade crossing
A round yellow sign with a black X and the letters RR is the grade crossing advance warning sign, and the circular outline is used for no other message.
-
10. What does Washington law say about wearing headphones or earbuds while driving?
Show answer
Answer D: It is against the law to drive while wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones or headsets that broadcast sound or cancel noise
Washington makes it illegal to drive while wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones or headsets that broadcast sound or cancel noise, although a compliant hands-free device may be used in one ear.
-
11. A curb sign reads 2 Hour Parking, 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Saturday. When may you stay longer than two hours?
Show answer
Answer A: Outside those hours and on Sundays
A time limit applies only during the days and hours printed on the sign; outside them the ordinary parking rules apply.
-
12. You have strapped luggage to the roof rack for a long trip. What should you expect?
Show answer
Answer D: A higher center of gravity, so take the curves and lane changes gently
Weight on the roof raises the center of gravity and makes the vehicle lean and respond more slowly to steering.
-
13. You are driving at night through heavy falling snow. Which headlight setting works better and why?
Show answer
Answer C: Low beams, because high beams bounce off the falling flakes back at you
Falling snow reflects light the way fog does, so high beams build a white wall of glare while low beams still give a usable view.
-
14. A friend who has been drinking insists on driving home. What is the right thing to do?
Show answer
Answer B: Take the keys and arrange a sober ride, even if the friend objects
An impaired driver is dangerous on any street at any speed, and coffee does not lower blood alcohol. Keeping the keys and finding another way home is the only safe choice.
-
15. Another driver takes a right of way that was legally yours. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer A: Give way to the other driver and avoid the crash, whatever the law says
Right of way is something you give, not something you take, and being in the right is no protection in a collision.
-
16. There is a driveway and a side street between you and the corner where you will turn right. When should you signal?
Show answer
Answer C: After passing the openings, so nobody pulls out in front of you
A signal switched on before an opening tells drivers waiting there that you are turning in, and they may pull out into your path.
-
17. Why does a long downhill grade lengthen the distance you need to stop?
Show answer
Answer C: Because gravity keeps pulling the vehicle forward as you brake
On a downgrade gravity works with the vehicle and against the brakes, so the same speed needs noticeably more distance than it would on level ground.
-
18. If you must abandon a vehicle stuck on the tracks with a train coming, why do you move toward the train and away at an angle?
Show answer
Answer D: Because debris from the impact is thrown forward, away from the train
A train pushes wreckage down the track ahead of it, so walking toward the train and off to the side keeps you out of the debris path.
-
19. Another driver is behaving aggressively toward you. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer D: Avoid eye contact, give them room to go on their way and do not respond to provocation
Responding to an aggressive driver escalates the conflict, while creating distance and refusing to engage takes you out of the situation. Report serious threats once you can do so safely.
-
20. A curb lane is marked BUS ONLY 7 AM TO 9 AM. What may the driver of a car do?
Show answer
Answer A: Use the lane outside those hours
A part-time bus lane is reserved only during the posted period, and outside it the lane serves general traffic like any other.
-
21. You reach a four-way stop after another driver has already stopped there. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer D: Let the driver who stopped first proceed before you go
At a four-way stop the vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, so a driver who stopped before you goes first.
-
22. Where does the restriction that starts at this sign come to an end?
Show answer
Answer D: Where the centerline markings show that overtaking is allowed again
The sign marks the start of the restricted section, and the centerline markings along the road show how far it runs and where overtaking becomes lawful again.
-
23. In most states, how far before a turn must your signal already be on in city traffic?
Show answer
Answer B: At least 100 feet, roughly the length of six or seven cars
Most states require the signal for at least 100 feet before a turn in city driving, which gives drivers behind you time to react before you slow; several require more at higher speeds.
-
24. A yellow diamond shows the two edges of the road pinching toward each other. What does it mean?
Show answer
Answer B: The pavement gets narrower but the lanes continue
The road narrows sign warns that the traveled way becomes tighter, leaving less room beside passing vehicles even though no lane is dropped.
-
25. A regulatory message is normally carried on a sign whose shape is
Show answer
Answer A: a rectangle standing taller than it is wide
Regulatory signs that state a law, such as speed limits and turn restrictions, use a vertical rectangle with a black legend on a white background.
-
26. What is the best way to handle the radio, the music player and the climate controls on a trip?
Show answer
Answer B: Set them before you start driving and let a passenger handle changes
Fiddling with controls takes eyes and hands off the driving task. Setting them before you move and letting a passenger make later changes removes the distraction entirely.
-
27. Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same moment from adjacent roads. Who should go first?
Show answer
Answer A: The driver on the right
When two drivers stop at a four-way stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
-
28. You are parking on a one-way street where parking is allowed on both sides. What must still be true?
Show answer
Answer D: The vehicle must face the direction the traffic flows
Either curb may be used on a one-way street where signs allow it, but the vehicle must always be headed in the direction traffic moves.
-
29. In which situation should you increase your usual following distance?
Show answer
Answer B: On wet roads, at night, in fog, when towing a trailer, or when following a motorcycle
Reduced traction, reduced visibility, a heavier load and a vehicle that can stop faster than yours all require extra space to keep the same margin of safety.
-
30. You are traveling beside a solid white lane line. What does it tell you?
Show answer
Answer B: Crossing it is discouraged or prohibited, so stay in your lane
A solid white line separates lanes going the same direction where lane changing is discouraged or prohibited, such as where a through lane meets a mandatory turn lane.
-
31. Is it acceptable to watch a video on a screen positioned where you can see it while driving?
Show answer
Answer B: No, the screen pulls your eyes and attention away from the road
Moving pictures are among the strongest visual distractions. Video screens must be out of the driver's view while the vehicle is moving.
-
32. What is the sensible way to handle a meal on a long drive?
Show answer
Answer D: Eat before you leave or stop to eat
Eating takes hands, eyes and attention, and the only version with no cost to your driving is the one that happens while the car is parked.
-
33. An oncoming vehicle at night has its high beams on and you are being dazzled. Where should you look?
Show answer
Answer A: Toward the right edge of your lane
Looking toward the right edge line keeps you on course while sparing your eyes the worst of the glare. Slow down and do not retaliate with your own high beams.
-
34. You have just driven through a deep puddle and your brakes feel weak. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer D: Drive slowly while lightly applying the brakes until they dry and work normally
Wet brakes grip poorly and may pull to one side. Gentle braking at low speed generates heat that dries the pads and discs quickly.
-
35. A piece of farm machinery ahead of you is wider than its own lane. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer C: Hold back until you can see far enough to pass safely
Wide equipment leaves no gap inside the lane and may use part of the other side, so a pass needs a long clear view of the road ahead.
-
36. No plaque stating days or hours accompanies this sign at the intersection. When does the restriction apply?
Show answer
Answer D: At all times, since nothing limits it to particular periods
A regulatory restriction runs continuously unless a supplemental plaque states the days or hours during which it applies.
-
37. A SHOULDER DROP OFF sign warns that
Show answer
Answer B: there is a step down from the pavement to the shoulder
The sign is used where the edge of the pavement stands several inches above the shoulder, which can grab a wheel and pull the vehicle sideways.
-
38. Some crosswalks are marked with two transverse lines and others with a row of wide bars laid along the direction of travel. Why is the second pattern used?
Show answer
Answer B: It is far easier for an approaching driver to see
Longitudinal bar patterns are used where extra visibility is wanted, such as an uncontrolled crossing or one near a school, because they show up much better from a car.
-
39. You have signaled and pulled up level with the car in front of an empty curb space. What comes next?
Show answer
Answer A: Reverse slowly while turning the wheel toward the curb
From alongside the forward car you back in on a turn toward the curb, then straighten and swing the front in as the rear reaches the space.
-
40. You are following another vehicle down a long, steep grade. What should you do about the gap?
Show answer
Answer D: Make it longer, because both of you need more room to stop
Everything takes longer to stop on a downgrade, including the vehicle ahead, so the gap that works on the flat is no longer enough.