Washington DMV Practice Test - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering Washington driver licensing steps, test rules, and common road-sign and safe-driving concepts from the provided notes.

Four-second rule

Maintain at least a four-second following distance behind the vehicle in front.

Merging gap

When merging, aim for a gap of about four seconds to safely join traffic.

School crossing reminder

Be alert for children and ready to stop at school crossings.

Yield sign rule

Slow down and yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or roadway you’re entering.

Turn signals distance

Signal for at least 100 feet before changing direction.

Headlights timing

Headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

Transit vehicle re-entry

If a transit vehicle signals to re-enter after stopping, you must yield.

Accident reporting deadline

If required, report the collision to law enforcement within four days.

Liability insurance requirement

Washington law requires liability insurance and proof of insurance when driving.

BAC refusal penalty

Refusing a BAC test results in loss of license for at least one year.

Night roadside stop

If you stop at night, use emergency flashers and keep low beams on.

BAC thresholds (21+)

For adults 21+, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal.

BAC thresholds (under 21)

For drivers under 21, any detectable amount (0.02% or higher) is illegal.

Tailgating in no-passing zone

If five or more vehicles form a line behind you, you should yield and let them pass safely.

School bus stop on two-lane

On two-lane roads, you must stop when a school bus has red lights flashing, in either direction.

City speed limit

The typical maximum is 25 mph in urban areas unless posted otherwise.

Parking distance from curb

When parking on a street, your vehicle should be within 12 inches of the curb.

Right turn on red

In Washington, you may turn right on red after stopping and signaling, unless prohibited by a sign.

Two-lane road driving

Keep in the right lane except when legally passing another vehicle.

Uphill parking with curb

Park uphill with your wheels turned away from the curb to prevent rolling into traffic.

Passing room when being passed

Slow down to create space in front of your vehicle to allow the other driver to complete the pass.

Shared center lane limit

A shared left-turn lane may be used for up to about 300 feet, not for long-distance travel.

Four-way stop rule

The first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way; if arriving together, the driver on the right goes first.

Blind spots

Check for vehicles in your blind spots by turning your head and looking over your shoulder.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

If ABS activates, press and hold the brake pedal; do not pump the brakes.

Hydroplaning

If tires ride on a film of water, slow down gradually and avoid hard braking.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is extremely risky and should be minimized.

Aggressive driver

Avoid eye contact, slow down, and let the aggressive driver pass.

Hand signals

If turn signals fail, use standard hand signals to indicate turns.

Emergency breakdown protocol

Use four-way flashers, pull off the roadway, and make yourself visible.

Returning to lane after passing

You may return to your lane once you can see the other vehicle’s headlights in your rearview mirror.

Speed management in curves

Slow down before entering a curve to maintain control.

Exiting the highway

Move into the exit lane well before you slow down; reduce speed in the exit lane.

Space cushion

Maintain a cushion of space on all sides to react to hazards.

Low beams in poor visibility

Use low beams in fog, rain, or snow to reduce glare and improve visibility.

Tire blowout procedure

Slow gradually, ease off the accelerator, and avoid hard braking.

Skid recovery

If skidding, steer in the direction of the skid and avoid braking hard.

Green arrow turning rules

You may turn on a green arrow, but yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic if needed.

Railroad crossing signs (round)

Round signs indicate an upcoming railroad crossing; proceed with caution.