Washington Permit Practice Test — Written Test, 40 Questions

Free 10-question Washington permit practice test, then full 40-question tests like the real exam (32 to pass), each question cited to the Washington State Driver Guide.

The exam

The Washington State Department of Licensing knowledge test is 40 questions, and 32 correct is a pass. Everything on it comes out of Washington State Driver Guide. Officially it is the knowledge test; most people call it the written test, or the permit test.

How this works

Most practice tests hand you a bank of questions and leave the manual somewhere else. This one puts them together.

You read one law and the reason behind it, then answer a question on that law while it is still fresh. Get it right and you move on; get it wrong and you have found the gap while it is cheap to fix, not on the morning of the exam.

Learning one rule at a time, and proving it immediately, is what turns a manual you skimmed into something you actually know — and it makes studying feel like getting somewhere rather than like waiting to find out.

Ask a question about Washington road law

Easier than searching the manual: ask in your own words — how far from a fire hydrant you may park, when you must stop for a school bus — and the answer comes from Washington State Driver Guide or Washington’s code, with the page or the section it is in. When neither says, the answer says so rather than guess. Or tick Nationwide and compare every state on one question.

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Washington driving law, answered

Washington driving questions, answered

What it costs

  • One payment, once — not a subscription. Nothing renews and there is nothing to cancel, for an exam you sit one time.
  • Free to start: a 10-question test and the first section of cards. No sign-up and no account.
  • Paying opens the rest of the cards, unlimited full-length practice tests, and retests built from exactly the questions you got wrong.
  • Every level up to Prepared — 3 tests passed in a row.
  • Do the work, fail the real exam, and we refund you.

What Washington tests

56 concepts, 311 separate rules. Each one is a page of its own.

Questions from the Washington test

How early may a learner enrolled in a driver training course apply for an instruction permit?

At 15 years old, once enrolled in the course. The course is the reason the age is lower. A student in one is practicing under an instructor, not on their own. Washington State Driver Guide, p.25: “You can apply for your permit as early as 15 years old.”

What are the two restricted phases a Washington teen passes through before an unrestricted license?

The instruction permit, then the intermediate driver license. Crash risk falls with miles driven, so the state hands over the road in two pieces rather than one. Washington State Driver Guide, p.28: “Washington teens ages 16 and 17 move through two restricted phases of licensing before being granted an unrestricted driver license”

What does Washington law say about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs?

It is illegal, and the law that says so is RCW 46.61.502. Alcohol takes away the judgment you would need to notice that it has. Washington State Driver Guide, p.37: “In Washington, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (RCW 46.61.502).”

What does Washington's open container law say about drinking in a vehicle on the road?

It is a traffic infraction for anyone in the vehicle. An open container in the cabin is the part an officer can see, so the law stops at the container rather than waiting for the test. Washington State Driver Guide, p.38: “Under the open container law, it is a traffic infraction if any person in a vehicle on the road: • Drinks alcohol or consumes cannabis.”

Which of these costs a Washington driver their driving privileges?

Putting a construction or emergency worker in danger. These are the ones where a suspension is the point, because a fine would not change the behavior. Washington State Driver Guide, p.36: “Putting a construction or emergency worker in danger”

What is the least liability coverage Washington requires for one person injured or killed?

$25,000 for one person in a collision. One night in a hospital costs more than most people have, and that figure is the floor the state puts under it. Washington State Driver Guide, p.43: “$25,000 or more, payable for the bodily injury or death of one person in a collision in which only one person was injured or killed”

What is the least tread a tire should have?

2/32 of an inch of tread. Tread is what pushes water out from under the tire; worn smooth, it floats instead of gripping. Washington State Driver Guide, p.48: “Tire tread shouldn’t be less than 2/32 of an inch.”

When does Washington law require headlights to be on?

From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. The half hour either side is the part people misjudge, because the sky still looks light when the road has gone dark. Washington State Driver Guide, p.49: “Washington law says you need to have your headlights on a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.”

From how far away must brake lights be clearly visible?

From 100 feet away from the vehicle. A hundred feet is roughly the distance the driver behind needs to lift off and start braking. Washington State Driver Guide, p.50: “Your brake lights are red and must be clearly visible from 100 feet away.”

Who must be restrained in a moving vehicle in Washington?

Every person in the vehicle. In a crash an unbelted passenger keeps moving at the speed the car was doing, and hits whoever is in front of them. Washington State Driver Guide, p.52: “Every person in a moving vehicle must wear a seat belt or be securely fastened into an approved child restraint device.”

Until what age must a child ride in a rear-facing car seat?

Up to the age of 2. A small child's neck cannot hold their head in a crash, and facing backward is what spreads the force across the whole seat. Washington State Driver Guide, p.53: “Children up to age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat.”

Where should a driver's hands be on the steering wheel?

Outside the wheel, on its top half. Hands inside the rim sit in the path the airbag takes on its way out. Washington State Driver Guide, p.55: “Place your hands outside the wheel, on the top half of the steering wheel.”

What can a blind zone hide from a driver?

A vehicle, a motorcyclist, or a bicyclist, completely. A whole motorcycle fits in the gap your mirror does not cover. Washington State Driver Guide, p.63: “These areas are dangerous because they can hide another vehicle, motorcyclist, or bicyclist completely.”

What is a driver's responsibility in a vehicle with safety technology fitted?

They are still fully responsible for operating it. The car can warn you, and it cannot be the one who gets the ticket. Washington State Driver Guide, p.45: “They are meant to assist your already-healthy driving habits, not replace them. You are still fully responsible for the operation of your vehicle.”

What does the check outside the vehicle look for before driving?

Objects in the tires, leaks, glass, children, or pets. A walk round is the only way to find the thing that is already under the car. Washington State Driver Guide, p.66: “Check outside your vehicle. Are there foreign objects in the tires, broken glass in the area, or fluid leaks under the vehicle?”

What does Washington law require before a driver license is issued?

That the applicant passes a vision test. Everything else on the road reaches you through your eyes first. Washington State Driver Guide, p.69: “Good vision is so important for safe driving that the law requires you to pass a vision test before you get your driver license.”

Which drivers may not hold an electronic device while driving in Washington?

All drivers, whatever their age or experience. The law is about holding it, so a glance at a phone in your hand is the offense whether or not you were reading anything. Washington State Driver Guide, p.85: “You cannot hold any electronic device while driving (like cell phones, tablets, or gaming devices). This applies to all drivers, regardless of age or experience.”

What should a tired driver traveling alone do?

Pull off the road and take a 20-minute nap. Sleep is the only thing that fixes tiredness, and the road gives no warning before it takes you. Washington State Driver Guide, p.76: “If you’re traveling alone and start to feel tired, pull off the road and take a 20-minute nap.”

How does Washington treat aggressive driving?

As a traffic offense. The word purposely is what separates it from a mistake, and that is what makes it an offense. Washington State Driver Guide, p.77: “Aggressive driving is a traffic offense.”

What should a driver check before turning?

Side mirrors and over the shoulder for people alongside. A bicycle keeps coming up your right side while you are watching for a gap on your left. Washington State Driver Guide, p.88: “Before turning, check your side mirrors and do an over-shoulder check for bicyclists or pedestrians who might be alongside you or about to cross the street.”

Who is responsible for securing items being transported in a vehicle?

The driver and the passengers. Litter on a road causes crashes and starts wildfires, which is why the fines for it are severe. Washington State Driver Guide, p.90: “You and your passengers are responsible for securing items you’re transporting and properly throwing away trash.”

Where do pedestrians and bicyclists have the right-of-way?

At crosswalks and intersections, marked or not. An unmarked corner is still a crossing, and the person stepping off it has no bumper. Washington State Driver Guide, p.93: “Pedestrians and bicyclists have the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections whether the road is marked or not.”

What do the red and yellow lights on a school bus mean?

Red means stop, and yellow means slow down. The lights come on before the door does. That is the part of the warning you can use. Washington State Driver Guide, p.94: “School bus lights are like traffic signals: Red means stop, and yellow means caution or slow down.”

How far does a loaded truck at 55 mph need to stop completely?

450 feet to come to a complete stop. Cutting in front of one takes away the distance it was already going to need. Washington State Driver Guide, p.98: “It takes a loaded truck with properly adjusted brakes, traveling at 55 mph, 450 feet to come to a complete stop.”

What rights do motorcyclists have on the road?

The same rights and responsibilities as other road users. They are traffic, not an obstacle in it. Drivers forget that when they crowd one. Washington State Driver Guide, p.100: “Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. They obey the same traffic laws.”

What rights does a bicyclist have on a Washington road?

The same rights and duties as a vehicle driver. Treating a bicycle as traffic is what makes its behavior predictable to you. Washington State Driver Guide, p.102: “Bicyclists have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities as a vehicle driver.”

How far from the nearest rail must a driver stop at a crossing?

Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. Closer than fifteen feet and the train's overhang reaches you; further than fifty and you cannot see it coming. Washington State Driver Guide, p.105: “Stop between 15 and 50 feet away from the nearest rail of a crossing when”

What speed are vehicles carrying the slow moving triangle designed to travel at?

25 mph or less. The triangle is a warning about speed, and closing on one at highway pace is how the crash happens. Washington State Driver Guide, p.106: “Agricultural and farm vehicles designed to go 25 mph or less will have a triangle sign or emblem on the back.”

Who has the right-of-way when lights and sirens are on?

The fire truck, ambulance, or police car. Somewhere ahead is the reason they are running, and every second you cost them is spent there. Washington State Driver Guide, p.107: “Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars using lights and/or sirens always have the right-of-way.”

Which lane should a driver use where several lanes run the same way?

The right lane, using the left to pass. A left lane held by somebody cruising is what pushes the traffic behind them into passing on the right. Washington State Driver Guide, p.108: “Keep right except to pass. When there are multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, drive in the right lane. Use the left lane to pass slower traffic.”

What happens when a person directing traffic contradicts a traffic signal?

Their directions must be followed instead. A person directing traffic can see the thing the signal was not built for, which is why they win. Washington State Driver Guide, p.109: “These people can overrule traffic signals, and their orders or directions must be followed.”

What must a driver wait for at a solid red light before moving ahead?

Green, and a clear intersection. Green means your turn, not that the intersection is empty, and those are different things. Washington State Driver Guide, p.110: “Stop. Wait until the traffic light turns green and there are no vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection before you move ahead.”

What does red mean on a Washington traffic sign?

A prohibitive or restricted action. Red is reserved for the things you may not do, which is why so few signs use it. Washington State Driver Guide, p.113: “Red Prohibitive or restricted action”

Where must you stop when you meet this sign?

At the line, the crosswalk, or the corner. The stop exists so you can look, which is why stopping past the line teaches you nothing about what is coming. Washington State Driver Guide, p.114: “A stop sign means you must stop at the line, crosswalk, or corner. Look for crossing vehicles and pedestrians in all directions and yield the right-of-way.”

What does this sign tell a driver about the road ahead?

A speed change is advised for what is coming. The number is what the bend was measured at, and it assumes nothing has made the surface worse. Washington State Driver Guide, p.115: “These signs indicate that a speed change is recommended for a potential hazard or road condition (often a curve or turn).”

Who must a driver yield to inside a highway construction zone?

Construction personnel, their vehicles, and equipment. A worker on foot has a few feet of road and no protection at all on either side of it. Washington State Driver Guide, p.117: “Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists must yield to any highway construction personnel, vehicles with flashing yellow lights, or equipment inside a highway construction or maintenance work zone.”

What does this sign show a driver?

Services such as hospitals and rest areas. These carry no rule at all. Recognize one and you can put your attention back on the road. Washington State Driver Guide, p.117: “Service signs show the location of various services, such as hospitals, electric vehicle charging stations, and rest areas.”

What does this sign mark?

The railroad crossing itself. It marks the one place the tracks are built to be driven over, which is why crossing anywhere else is forbidden. Washington State Driver Guide, p.121: “Railroad crossing”

Who goes first where two vehicles reach a four-way stop at about the same time?

The vehicle on the right. Order of arrival settles most of it, and the tie-break has to be a rule both drivers already know. Washington State Driver Guide, p.122: “If two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time, yield to the one on the right.”

Which lane must a driver turn into?

The lane closest to the direction they came from. Everybody turning into the nearest lane is what keeps two cars turning at once from meeting in the middle. Washington State Driver Guide, p.123: “state law requires you to turn into the lane closest to the direction you are coming from”

What must every vehicle approaching a roundabout do?

Yield on entry. Everybody yielding on the way in is what keeps a roundabout moving without a signal. Washington State Driver Guide, p.126: “A roundabout is a circular intersection where all approaching vehicles yield on entry and travel counterclockwise around a raised center island.”

What do yellow lines on a roadway separate?

Traffic moving in opposite directions. The color tells you whether the traffic beside you is coming at you or going with you. Washington State Driver Guide, p.131: “Yellow lines separate traffic in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic lanes moving in the same direction.”

Who may use an HOV lane in Washington?

Carpools, vanpools, and buses meeting the posted number. The lane only moves faster because fewer vehicles are allowed in it. Washington State Driver Guide, p.134: “HOV lanes are reserved for carpools, vanpools, and buses.”

What is the school zone speed limit in Washington?

20 mph in a school zone. The difference between twenty and thirty is most of the difference between a child who walks away and one who does not. Washington State Driver Guide, p.140: “The school zone speed limit is 20 mph because higher speeds increase the risk of fatal crashes.”

How far from a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign must a driver park?

At least 30 feet away. A car parked at the corner hides the sign and everything coming past it. Washington State Driver Guide, p.143: “Within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign.”

What does Washington law say about driving with an unsecured load?

It is against the law. Whatever falls out lands in the lane behind you, at whatever speed you were doing. Washington State Driver Guide, p.151: “Driving with an unsecured load is both against the law and extremely dangerous.”

Which rules apply in a Washington ferry lane?

All the rules of the road. The line of cars waiting is on a highway, which is why cutting it is a traffic offense rather than bad manners. Washington State Driver Guide, p.152: “As part of that network, all rules of the road apply.”

What does a posted speed limit assume about the road?

That conditions are ideal at the time. The sign was set for a dry day, and the law still applies on the day the road is wet. Washington State Driver Guide, p.158: “Speed limits indicate the maximum speed legal under ideal conditions. Washington law also requires you to drive at speeds that are safe for current road conditions.”

How much space does the guide say to leave to the vehicle ahead?

At least twice the length of your vehicle. The gap is where your reaction time lives, and without it you are braking on whatever is left. Washington State Driver Guide, p.159: “it’s important to leave a distance that’s at least twice the length of your vehicle between you and the vehicle ahead”

What counts as a hazard while driving?

Anything that requires you to make a change. Calling both of them hazards is what stops a driver only noticing the dramatic ones. Washington State Driver Guide, p.155: “A hazard is anything that requires you to make a change.”

How far do headlights usually let a driver see at night?

About 400 feet ahead. Beyond your headlights the road is a guess, and you cannot stop for something you have not seen yet. Washington State Driver Guide, p.166: “Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop within the glow of your headlights (usually 400 feet).”

When should a driver reduce speed for a curve?

Before entering the curve. Braking in the curve moves the weight around at the moment the tires have least to spare. Washington State Driver Guide, p.168: “Reduce your speed before entering the curve. This helps maintain traction and prevents your vehicle from skidding or veering off the road.”

When is pavement most slippery after rain begins on a hot day?

In the first few minutes of the rain. The road is at its worst before the rain has had time to wash it clean. Washington State Driver Guide, p.170: “If it starts to rain on a hot day, the pavement can be very slippery for the first few minutes.”

What should a driver do with the brakes when a tire blows out?

Not brake, letting the vehicle slow itself. Braking on a flat pulls the car toward the failed corner, which is the direction you least want to go. Washington State Driver Guide, p.173: “Do not brake. Allow the vehicle to slow by itself, or brake gently if necessary.”

What must a driver do after a collision where somebody is injured?

Stay at the scene and call 911. Leaving turns a collision into a separate and far more serious offense. Washington State Driver Guide, p.175: “Do not drive away. If anyone is injured or killed, call 911. Law enforcement must be notified.”

What should a driver do first when being pulled over?

Signal and pull to the right as soon as it is safe. Signaling tells the officer you have seen them, and it settles most of the next minute. Washington State Driver Guide, p.180: “Use your turn signal and pull to the right side of the road as soon as it’s safe.”

Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against Washington State Driver Guide, published by the Washington State Department of Licensing, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-09-14.