The Washington permit test has 40 questions, and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass. Official source. Page updated 2026-10-15.
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Key Washington DMV rules and numbers
These are key rules and numbers from the Washington handbook, a few per topic so they fit on one printed page. We favor rules that state a specific number. Every fact below comes from our free Washington DMV practice test question bank, which has 500 questions across 9 topics, checked against the Washington handbook (last verified 2026-09-07).
Speed limits
- Excessive speed limits the time available to scan for hazards. (Handbook, PDF page 62)
- Belts still belong on at every speed, but higher speed weakens what they can do for you in a crash, alongside longer stopping distances and less scanning time. (Handbook, PDF page 62)
- The maximum speed limit is for ideal conditions. (Handbook, PDF page 44)
Right of way
- Washington treats the crossing protection as present even when paint is missing. (Handbook, PDF page 36)
- A bus loading zone requires a complete stop when the red lights flash and the stop sign extends. (Handbook, PDF page 36)
- Emergency vehicles using lights or sirens have priority, so the immediate response is to move to the right side of the road and stop. (Handbook, PDF page 41)
- Drivers must yield to a person in or about to enter a crosswalk. (Handbook, PDF page 53)
- The guide's general driving guidance tells Washington drivers to drive on the right side of the road. (Handbook, PDF page 41)
Alcohol and DUI
- The guide identifies a BAC of 0.08% or higher as a DUI threshold for drivers who are 21 or older. (Handbook, PDF page 10)
- For drivers under 21, the guide attaches the same potential consequences an adult faces at 0.08% to a BAC of only 0.02%. (Handbook, PDF page 10)
- For drivers 21 and older, the guide identifies more than 5 nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood as a DUI threshold. (Handbook, PDF page 10)
- The Washington guide says recreational use of marijuana, THC, and other cannabis products is legal for those 21 years or over. (Handbook, PDF page 25)
- Minors who receive an alcohol, drug or firearm offense risk having their license delayed until they are 17. (Handbook, PDF page 10)
Signals and markings
- The guide gives a minimum of 100 feet for signaling before turning left or right across oncoming traffic. (Handbook, PDF page 48)
- Washington says you should not travel farther than 300 feet in a shared center lane, and the lane must never be used for passing. (Handbook, PDF page 52)
- The guide uses double solid yellow centerlines to show the middle of a two-way road and says drivers are not allowed to pass there. (Handbook, PDF page 52)
- A flashing red traffic light functions as a stop sign. (Handbook, PDF page 42)
- A steady yellow light means the signal is changing to red, so the guide tells drivers to slow down and prepare to stop. (Handbook, PDF page 42)
Parking
- Washington's do not park list includes parking within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign. (Handbook, PDF page 56)
- Washington parking rules prohibit parking within 75 feet of a fire station driveway on the opposite side of the street. (Handbook, PDF page 56)
- Washington's do not park list includes parking within 5 feet of a driveway, alley, or private road. (Handbook, PDF page 56)
- Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is prohibited in Washington. (Handbook, PDF page 56)
- Washington bans parking on railroad tracks and within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. (Handbook, PDF page 56)
Safe driving
- Washington tells drivers to leave at least 3 feet of space when driving behind a bicyclist. (Handbook, PDF page 39)
- The guide gives two distance cues for switching back to regular headlights: 500 feet in front of an oncoming vehicle and 300 feet when following another vehicle. (Handbook, PDF page 16)
- Worn tires can cause slipping and sliding, especially on wet roads, and the guide says tire tread should not be less than 2/32 of an inch. (Handbook, PDF page 15)
- Airbags are why children under the age of 13 should never ride in the front seat. (Handbook, PDF page 18)
- You cannot drive while wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones or headsets that broadcast sound or cancel noise, but you can use a hands free device in one ear if it complies with Washington Administrative Code 204-10-045. (Handbook, PDF page 24)
Road signs
- The guide states that the school zone speed limit is 20 mph because higher speeds increase the risk of fatal crashes. (Handbook, PDF page 54)
- Agricultural and farm vehicles designed to go 25 mph or less carry a triangle sign or emblem on the back. (Handbook, PDF page 41)
- Washington describes traffic signs as information tools for several roadway needs. (Handbook, PDF page 43)
- Traffic signs communicate rules, hazards, directions, and services. (Handbook, PDF page 43)
- Washington's stop sign rule identifies three possible stopping points: the stop line, the crosswalk, or the corner. (Handbook, PDF page 44)
Laws and paperwork
- New residents who are licensed in another state have 30 days to obtain a Washington State driver license. (Handbook, PDF page 2)
- Enrollment in a driver training course permits an application as early as age 15. (Handbook, PDF page 4)
- For a first license at ages 16 to 17, Washington requires the instruction permit to have been held for at least six months, and the applicant must be at least 16 and a Washington resident. (Handbook, PDF page 4)
- Washington says intermediate license restrictions are automatically lifted when the driver turns 18. (Handbook, PDF page 6)
- Intermediate license restrictions end automatically at age 18, but Washington does not require an immediate replacement card at that moment. (Handbook, PDF page 6)
Emergencies
- When a railroad crossing signal is flashing, a driver must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. (Handbook, PDF page 40)
- A driver in a Washington emergency zone must never drive faster than 50 mph. (Handbook, PDF page 55)
- If your vehicle has trouble, get it off the road and away from traffic, turn on the emergency flashers and headlights, and warn other road users by placing emergency flares 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle. (Handbook, PDF page 70)
- If power lines fall on your vehicle, or if you hit a transformer box, stay in your vehicle and call 911. (Handbook, PDF page 73)
- State law requires a driver to file a collision report form within 4 days of a crash if a law enforcement officer does not file one. (Handbook, PDF page 72)
Want the reasoning behind these rules? Study the handbook, chapter by chapter, in 18 short lessons quoted from the Washington manual.
Signs
Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.
Keep studying
This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Washington DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Washington DMV facts and fees before test day.