WA DOL Written Knowledge Test Practice

How far before a turn should you signal?

At least 100 feet.

What does a solid red traffic light mean?

Stop completely before entering the intersection.

What does a flashing red light mean?

Stop and proceed when safe.

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

Slow down and proceed with caution.

What does a yield sign mean?

Give right-of-way to other traffic.

What does a stop sign require?

A complete stop.

Who goes first at a four-way stop if two vehicles arrive at the same time?

The vehicle on the right.

What should you do before changing lanes?

Check mirrors, check blind spots, and signal.

What is a blind spot?

An area not visible in your mirrors.

When should you check your blind spot?

Before changing lanes, merging, or turning.

What color are stop signs?

Red.

What color are warning signs usually?

Yellow.

What color are regulatory signs usually?

White with black lettering.

What does a railroad crossing sign indicate?

Railroad tracks ahead.

Can you stop on railroad tracks?

No.

How close may you park to a fire hydrant?

At least 15 feet away.

How close may you park to a stop sign?

At least 30 feet away.

Is parking on a sidewalk allowed?

No.

What is double parking?

Parking beside a parked vehicle.

When are headlights required?

From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is poor.

What should you do if an oncoming driver uses high beams?

Look toward the right edge of the road.

What is the minimum recommended following distance in good conditions?

At least 3 seconds.

What should you do before entering a curve?

Slow down before entering it.

What does a broken yellow line mean?

Passing is allowed when safe.

What does a solid yellow line mean?

Passing is restricted.

What does a solid white line mean?

Lane changes are discouraged or restricted.

How should you enter a freeway?

Use the acceleration lane and match traffic speed.

What should you do when leaving a freeway?

Signal and move into the exit lane early.

What should you do if a traffic signal is not working?

Treat it as a four-way stop.

Who has the right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection?

The driver who arrives first.

What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren?

Pull to the right and stop.

What is hydroplaning?

When tires lose contact with the road because of water.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Ease off the accelerator and steer where you want to go.

Why is distracted driving dangerous?

It reduces attention and reaction time.

What should you do before backing up?

Check behind and around your vehicle.

Why are seat belts important?

They reduce injuries and deaths in crashes.

What should you do before opening your vehicle door?

Check for traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

What is defensive driving?

Driving to avoid hazards and crashes.

What should you do around bicyclists?

Give them space and share the road.

What should you do when approaching a school zone?

Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.

What is the purpose of turn signals?

To communicate your intentions.

What happens to your field of vision as speed increases?

It narrows.

What is peripheral vision?

The ability to see to the sides without moving your eyes.

Why should drivers scan ahead?

To spot hazards early.

What should you do if another driver is tailgating you?

Increase following distance ahead and let them pass when safe.

Can alcohol affect driving ability?

Yes.

Can prescription drugs affect driving?

Yes.

What is the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers 21 and older?

0.08%.

What BAC limit applies to drivers under 21?

0.02%.

What is implied consent?

By driving, you agree to chemical testing under certain circumstances.

What should you do if you miss your freeway exit?

Go to the next exit.

What should you do when merging?

Adjust speed and enter when safe.

Who has the right-of-way in a crosswalk?

Pedestrians.

Must you stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

Yes.

What should you do at a yellow traffic light?

Prepare to stop if safe.

Can you drive through a yellow light?

Yes, if stopping safely is not possible.

What does a green light mean?

Proceed if the intersection is clear.

What should you do before making a right turn on red?

Stop completely and yield.

When is a right turn on red prohibited?

When a sign prohibits it.

What is the purpose of lane markings?

To guide traffic safely.

What does a double solid yellow line mean?

No passing in either direction.

What should you do when approaching a work zone?

Slow down and obey signs and workers.

What should you do if a tire blows out?

Hold the wheel firmly and slow gradually.

Why should you avoid sudden steering movements?

They can cause loss of control.

What is the safest way to handle road rage?

Stay calm and avoid confrontation.

What should you do at a roundabout?

Yield to traffic already in it.

Which direction do vehicles travel in a roundabout?

Counterclockwise.

Should you signal when leaving a roundabout?

Yes.

What is the purpose of an acceleration lane?

To reach freeway speed before merging.

What is the purpose of a deceleration lane?

To slow down after exiting.

What should you do if visibility is severely reduced by fog?

Slow down and use low-beam headlights.

Should high beams be used in fog?

No.

What should you do when driving at night?

Reduce speed and increase following distance.

How often should you check your mirrors?

Frequently and regularly.

What is a no-zone around a large truck?

A truck's blind spot.

Why should you avoid lingering beside large trucks?

You may be in a blind spot.

What should you do when passing a truck?

Pass promptly and safely.

How should you react to a stopped school bus with flashing red lights?

Stop as required by law.

What should you do if your accelerator sticks?

Shift to neutral and pull over safely.

What is the purpose of vehicle registration?

To legally identify a vehicle.

Why is vehicle insurance required?

To provide financial responsibility.

What should you do after a minor collision?

Move to a safe location if possible.

When should headlights be turned on during rain?

Whenever visibility is reduced.

What does a pentagon-shaped sign indicate?

A school zone or school crossing.

What does an orange sign usually indicate?

A construction or work zone.

What does an octagon-shaped sign mean?

Stop.

What shape is a yield sign?

Triangle.

What should you do before passing another vehicle?

Check that passing is legal and safe.

Can you pass in a no-passing zone?

No.

What should you do when approaching a hill where visibility is limited?

Stay in your lane and do not pass.

Why is speeding dangerous?

It reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.

What should you do if you become drowsy while driving?

Stop and rest.

What is the purpose of a center turn lane?

For vehicles preparing to turn.

Can pedestrians unexpectedly enter the roadway?

Yes.

What is the safest attitude while driving?

Stay alert, patient, and courteous.

What is the main goal of the Washington knowledge test?

To verify understanding of safe driving laws and practices.

What is SMOG?

Signal, Mirrors, Over the shoulder and Go

Most serious vehicle skids result from…

Driving too fast for road conditions

When you are following a vehicle that makes frequent stops, you should allow _________ than usual

a greater following distance

You are driving in a roundabout. If an emergency vehicle using a siren, air horn, or a red or blue flashing light approaches you, what should you do?

Continue to your exit, then pull over to the right