WA State DOL Knowledge Test

What does a yellow traffic sign mean?

Warning or caution

What do white, black, and/or red traffic signs generally mean?

Regulatory

What does an orange traffic sign mean?

Work zone or construction

What does a green traffic sign mean?

Destination or guiding

What does a blue traffic sign mean?

Service

How close to the curb must you park to be legal?

Within 12 inches

How far must you park from a driveway or alley?

At least 5 feet

How far must you park from a fire hydrant?

At least 15 feet

How far must you park from a crosswalk?

At least 20 feet

How far must you park from a traffic sign, traffic light, or yield sign?

At least 30 feet

How far must you park from the corner of an intersection?

At least 30 feet

How far must you park from a railroad crossing?

At least 50 feet

How far must you park from a fire station if parking on the same side?

At least 20 feet

How far must you park from a fire station if parking on the opposite side?

At least 75 feet

What can happen to your license if your BAC is above the legal limit after being arrested?

Your license may be suspended

What is the legal BAC limit for adults age 21 and older?

0.08%

How long does a probationary license last after a DUI conviction?

5 years

What does the open container law prohibit?

Drinking from or possessing an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment

What does the implied consent law require?

You must take the breathalyzer test

What happens if you refuse the breathalyzer test?

1-year license suspension

What is one standard penalty for a DUI?

90-day license suspension

What are other possible DUI penalties?

Jail time, fines, towing, ignition interlock device, and more

Are DUI penalties the same for other drugs?

Yes

How long can marijuana impair your performance?

Up to 5 hours

What is the legal marijuana limit for adults age 21 and older?

5 ng/mL of THC in the blood

What is the legal marijuana limit for drivers under 21?

0

How does marijuana affect decision-making?

It increases the time needed to evaluate situations and determine appropriate responses

Does marijuana impair hearing?

No

How long does a DUI stay on your record?

Forever

When are low beams required?

30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset

When must you turn off your high beams when following another car?

When within 300 feet behind the car

When must you turn off your high beams for an oncoming vehicle?

When the vehicle is within 500 feet

What should you do if you see blinding headlights?

Look away and toward the right side of the road

What color must a bicycle's front headlight be?

White

How far must a bicycle's front headlight be visible?

500 feet

What color must a bicycle's rear tail light be?

Red

How far must a bicycle's rear tail light be visible?

600 feet

When turning left at a green light, who must you yield to?

Oncoming traffic and pedestrians

What should you do before turning right at a red light?

Stop, signal, and turn only if safe and not prohibited by a sign

How much of a gap should you allow when merging with traffic?

About 4 seconds

What should you do when merging onto a freeway?

Signal, yield, and enter at the same speed as traffic already on the freeway

What does a steady red light mean?

Stop

Can you travel straight through a steady red light?

No

Who has the right-of-way when entering traffic from a private road?

Vehicles already on the road

At an uncontrolled intersection, who should you yield to?

Vehicles coming from the right

What should you do when you see red flashing lights at a railroad crossing?

Stop

What should you do if another driver speeds up to get around you?

Slow down and let them pass

Who has the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections?

Pedestrians and bicycles

Do pedestrians have the right-of-way at unmarked crosswalks?

Yes

What should you watch for when entering a road from a curb or driveway?

Pedestrians, cars, motorcycles, and bicyclists

Who has the right-of-way when entering a roundabout?

Drivers already in the circle

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

Slow down and proceed with caution

On a two-way road, which lane should you normally drive in?

The right lane

When may you use the opposite lane on a two-way road?

When legally passing another vehicle

What does a solid yellow line mean?

Do not pass

Should you stop in a travel lane on the roadway?

No, continue until you can safely pull off the road

What must you do when a metro/transit bus signals to reenter traffic?

Yield

When should you stop for a school bus?

When its red warning lights are flashing and/or its stop sign is out

When can you legally pass a stopped school bus with its sign out and lights on?

When traveling on the opposite side of a wide multi-lane road with at least 3 marked lanes, or on the opposite side of a physical median/barrier

When can you proceed after stopping for a school bus?

Once all children have cleared the roadway

What is the default speed limit in school zones?

20 mph

What is the default speed limit on streets in cities and towns?

25 mph

What is the default speed limit on county roads?

50 mph

What is the default speed limit on state highways?

60 mph

Can a bicyclist be ticketed for violating traffic laws?

Yes

How much space must you give a bicyclist when passing?

At least 3 feet

What should you do if your brakes stop working?

Pump the brakes several times to build up brake pressure

What should you do if you hit a parked vehicle?

Try to find the owner or leave a note with your contact information, including the time and date

What following distance should you allow for emergencies?

4 seconds

What should you do when there is a crash on the side of the road?

Use caution, slow down, and keep your eyes on the road

What should you do if you are involved in a collision?

Stop and drive to the side of the road if possible

What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

Remove your foot from the gas pedal and keep the steering wheel straight

Why should you scan ahead while driving?

To identify problems and hazards on the road

When should you look for vehicles behind you?

Any time you change lanes

What is inattentional blindness also called in this study guide?

Distracted driving

What is the biggest contributor to collisions?

Failing to see what is happening

How should you check your blind spot?

Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move

What should you do whenever you are reversing?

Look back carefully and yield to vehicles and pedestrians

What steps should you take to change lanes?

Signal, check mirrors, check your blind spot, and move if safe

What should you do if you miss your freeway exit?

Take the next exit

What should you NOT do if you miss your freeway exit?

Stop, back up, or dart across lanes

According to this study guide, is not wearing a seatbelt a possible distraction while driving?

The test says it is NOT a possible distraction

What should you do if you are very tired or at risk of falling asleep?

Take a nap before driving home

What is hydroplaning?

When wet-road conditions cause tires to ride on water and lose traction

What following distance should you maintain at speeds of 30 mph or more?

4 seconds

Where should the headrest be positioned?

Directly behind your head

Who is responsible for ensuring passengers under 16 are properly restrained?

The driver

What does Washington law require regarding seatbelts?

Everyone must wear a seatbelt

What does Washington law require for young children?

Proper child restraints

What should you do when confronted by an angry or enraged motorist?

Do not engage and distance yourself physically and mentally

What should you do if an angry motorist is tailgating you?

Pull over or change lanes

What should you do if someone is following you?

Drive to a local police station or a public place with witnesses

Why should you allow more space when merging in front of a larger vehicle?

Larger vehicles have longer stopping distances

Which age group has the highest risk of collisions, speeding, and impaired driving?

16-25 year olds

How long do you have to notify the DOL after changing your address?

10 days

What is the biggest contributing factor in fatal or serious-injury run-off-the-road or car-flipping collisions?

Speeding

Can legal distracted-driving activities still cause you to violate other laws?

Yes

If traffic safety information gives you basic knowledge and skills, what else is needed for you to be a good driver?

Experience

How should you always hold the steering wheel?

As long as both hands are on the wheel

How far can you drive down a 2-way turn lane?

You can't