WA Permit Practice Test 24

All 20 questions in test 24

Every question below comes from the Washington question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. Power lines fall across your car after a Washington crash. How far should bystanders stay back?

   1. About 10 feet, beyond the fallen wires
   2. At least 35 feet away, since the ground nearby may be energized
   3. Just outside the car doors, ready to help you out
   4. Distance does not matter if nobody touches the wires
   Show answer

   At least 35 feet away, since the ground nearby may be energized. If power lines fall on your vehicle, stay inside and call 911. The ground around your vehicle could be energized. When possible, encourage people to stay at least 35 feet away. The ground around your vehicle could also be energized. The manual says to encourage people to stay at least 35 feet away because nearby ground could be energized. Keep bystanders at least 35 feet away; the ground around the vehicle could be energized.

   Study this in the handbook: Breakdowns, collisions and power lines

2. 2. You have a firearm inside the car during a Washington traffic stop. When should the officer hear about it?

   1. Only if the officer asks about weapons directly
   2. After you hand over license and registration
   3. Right away, as the officer approaches the vehicle
   4. Only when you are asked to step out of the car
   Show answer

   Right away, as the officer approaches the vehicle. As the officer approaches, lower the corresponding window and let the officer know right away if you have a weapon in the vehicle. Wait for instructions before reaching for your driver license or vehicle documents. The guide says to tell the officer right away as the officer approaches. Documents come after the immediate weapon disclosure, not before it. Tell the officer right away as the officer approaches, rather than waiting for an instruction to get out.

3. 3. You drive past a Washington crash scene with responders working. What driving behavior protects them best?

   1. Slow sharply and stare to understand what happened
   2. Stop in the lane briefly to offer help
   3. Speed past quickly to clear the area sooner
   4. Keep focus on your driving as you pass instead of slowing to stare
   Show answer

   Keep focus on your driving as you pass instead of slowing to stare. Do not block emergency responders. Follow directions from people authorized to direct traffic at the scene. Focus on your driving as you pass; slowing down to stare creates traffic congestion. Keep emergency responders and people involved at the collision scene safe by focusing on your driving as you pass. Slowing down to stare at the scene creates traffic congestion. The guide says slowing down to stare creates traffic congestion; focus on driving as you pass.

   Study this in the handbook: Breakdowns, collisions and power lines

4. 4. Trees and parked objects block your side view at a Washington intersection approach. What should you watch for?

   1. Movement that reveals hazards or people about to cross
   2. Reflections in storefront windows only
   3. Painted curb colors along the corner
   4. Dashboard warning icons first
   Show answer

   Movement that reveals hazards or people about to cross. When foliage or other objects obscure your view to the sides, watch for movement to identify potential hazards and people who could be planning to cross the road. Pay close attention to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists approaching intersections from the left and right. The guide says to watch for movement when objects obscure your side view. The marked choice, Movement that reveals hazards or people about to cross, is the one that matches the guide on this point.

   Study this in the handbook: Large vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and farm vehicles

5. 5. What does Washington law say about driving while wearing headphones that broadcast sound or cancel noise?

   1. It is allowed in both ears at low volume
   2. It is allowed only on freeways
   3. It is against the law
   4. It is allowed whenever the phone is hands-free
   Show answer

   It is against the law. The guide says it is against the law to drive while wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones, or headsets that broadcast sound or cancel noise. It permits a hands-free device in one ear if it complies with WAC 204-10-045. Instruction permit and intermediate license holders have additional restrictions on mobile devices; section 1.8 permits intermediate license holders to use a phone to report an emergency.

   Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, cannabis, medicine and fatigue

6. 6. Why does hand-to-hand steering lower injury risk if an airbag deploys?

   1. Your hands cross high on the wheel, away from the airbag
   2. Your hands never cross over the wheel, so face, hands, and arms face less injury risk
   3. One hand leaves the wheel at the top of each turn
   4. Your arms rest below the wheel hub at all times
   Show answer

   Your hands never cross over the wheel, so face, hands, and arms face less injury risk. With hand-to-hand steering, start with your hands at 9 and 3 or 10 and 2. Each hand stays on its own side, with one gripping and steering while the other slides opposite it. Your hands never cross over or leave the wheel. This reduces the chance of injury to the face, hands, or arms if the airbag deploys and keeps your arms away from the airbag area.

   Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats, steering and braking

7. 7. Two people take the same combination of drugs. What should they expect about the effects?

   1. The effects can differ from person to person
   2. The effects will match if both people take the drugs at the same time
   3. The effects will match if both drugs were legally obtained
   4. One person’s reaction reliably predicts the other person’s reaction
   Show answer

   The effects can differ from person to person. Polydrug effects vary between people. Purity, quantity, frequency of use, and how the drugs are taken also affect the outcome. Taking the same combination does not establish that two people will respond alike, and legal purchase does not establish that either person can drive safely. Washington warns that polydrug use can increase the probability of overdose, risky behavior, serious injuries, and crashes. Another person’s experience is not a sound prediction of your own response.

   Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, cannabis, medicine and fatigue

8. 8. Your Washington driver license is lost or stolen. How can you get a replacement?

   1. Only by retaking both licensing exams
   2. Apply at a vehicle licensing office with the original registration
   3. Apply online, or request a duplicate in person at any driver licensing office
   4. Request a duplicate by phone after paying a fee at a police station
   Show answer

   Apply online, or request a duplicate in person at any driver licensing office. If your license is lost, stolen, destroyed, or illegible, you can apply for a replacement online or request a duplicate in person at any driver licensing office. Retaking the skills and knowledge tests is required when a license has been expired for eight or more years. You can also request a duplicate in person at any driver licensing office. Retaking exams is tied to a license expired 8 or more years, not a lost license replacement.

   Study this in the handbook: License exams, renewal and losing your license

9. 9. A Washington driver brakes sharply to punish someone who is following too closely. How does the guide describe that behavior?

   1. A sign the driver may be experiencing road rage
   2. A recommended way to create a following gap
   3. A required warning before changing lanes
   4. A normal substitute for using brake lights
   Show answer

   A sign the driver may be experiencing road rage. Deliberately braking to make a following driver back off appears in Washington's list of road-rage behaviors. The same list includes passing someone and then slowing to teach a lesson. These actions use the vehicle to respond to anger instead of maintaining safe travel. Do not confuse a necessary stop with braking as punishment. When another person's driving upsets you, keep your attention on driving and create space rather than trying to correct their behavior with your car.

   Study this in the handbook: Distracted driving, emotions and road rage

10. 10. The center of your hood lines up with the lane markings. What does that reference point tell you?

    1. Your vehicle is exactly centered in the lane
    2. You are about 3 to 6 feet from the lane edge
    3. You are about 3 to 6 inches from the edge of the lane
    4. Your front bumper sits on the stop line
    Show answer

    You are about 3 to 6 inches from the edge of the lane. When the center of your hood is in line with lane markings, you are approximately 3 to 6 inches from the edge of the lane. At an intersection, a stop line under your side mirror indicates that the front end of your vehicle is about 3 to 6 inches from the line. These reference points depend on your vehicle and the road.

11. 11. When do fines double for offenses in Washington construction areas?

    1. When workers are present in the area
    2. On weekends with no crew scheduled
    3. Whenever cones remain after work ends
    4. Only between midnight and dawn
    Show answer

    When workers are present in the area. Work zone signs warn that people are working near the roadway, and fines double for offenses committed while driving in construction areas when workers are present. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists must all yield to highway construction personnel, vehicles with flashing yellow lights, and equipment inside the work zone. The doubling rule keys on workers being present, not on the clock, the weekend, or leftover cones. Work zone employees need a safe work environment while vehicles pass the work area.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signs

12. 12. A bicyclist rides a Washington roundabout as a vehicle. Where should the rider be?

    1. Against the outer curb at all times
    2. In the middle of the lane for visibility
    3. Walking the bike through each crosswalk
    4. On the truck apron beside the island
    Show answer

    In the middle of the lane for visibility. Bicyclists may navigate a roundabout as pedestrians or as vehicles. When traveling as a vehicle, ride in the middle of the lane to increase visibility to drivers. Drivers must stop for pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks when entering and exiting the roundabout. Bicyclists should ride in the middle of the lane to increase their visibility to drivers. The guide recommends riding in the middle of the lane to increase visibility.

    Study this in the handbook: Intersections, turns and roundabouts

13. 13. What is the Dutch Reach method for opening a Washington car door?

    1. Opening the rear door first to block bikes
    2. Pushing the door open with the nearest elbow
    3. Opening with the hand farthest from the door so your body turns
    4. Cracking the door and waiting ten seconds
    Show answer

    Opening with the hand farthest from the door so your body turns. Check your rear and side-view mirrors before opening the door. Use the hand farthest from the door, called the Dutch Reach. This forces your body to turn so you can see approaching bicyclists and prevents the door from opening too quickly. Open the door with your hand that’s farthest from the door. This is called the “Dutch Reach” method. The Dutch Reach uses the hand farthest from the door you are opening.

    Study this in the handbook: Parking rules and hills

14. 14. Which small maintenance habit does Washington link to better gas mileage and lower emissions?

    1. Keeping tires properly inflated for better gas mileage
    2. Idling longer to warm the engine fully
    3. Braking late to save momentum on hills
    4. Carrying extra cargo weight for traction
    Show answer

    Keeping tires properly inflated for better gas mileage. Keeping tires properly inflated improves gas mileage and is one of the guide’s ways to lower vehicle emissions. Other listed steps are driving smoothly instead of speeding or braking hard, turning off the engine when parked for a while, and carpooling or using public transport. Keep your tires properly inflated for better gas mileage. Long idling wastes fuel and risks carbon monoxide buildup.

15. 15. Does an airbag replace the need for a Washington vehicle occupant to wear a seat belt?

    1. Yes, if the vehicle has both front and side airbags
    2. No, airbags and seat belts work together
    3. Yes, for short trips at neighborhood speeds
    4. Yes, if the occupant sits far from the dashboard
    Show answer

    No, airbags and seat belts work together. Airbags and seat belts work together during a crash. Washington warns that an occupant without a belt risks serious injury or death when an airbag deploys. Having more airbags or choosing a short route does not remove that need. Before moving, fasten your belt and ensure passengers use their belts or appropriate child restraints correctly. Think of the airbag as part of the protection system, rather than permission to leave another part unused.

    Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats, steering and braking

16. 16. At a Washington Y-intersection where a minor road joins a major road, which traffic has the right-of-way?

    1. The vehicle on the right, regardless of which road it uses
    2. Vehicles entering from the minor road
    3. Whichever vehicle arrives first, regardless of which road it uses
    4. Vehicles on the major road
    Show answer

    Vehicles on the major road. A Y-intersection connects a minor road with a more major route. The guide gives vehicles on the major road the right-of-way and notes that there may be a stop sign where the minor road connects. Do not assume the joining road receives priority simply because its approach forms an angle. Identify which road is the major route, observe any controls, and yield appropriately before entering its traffic.

    Study this in the handbook: Intersections, turns and roundabouts

17. 17. No other drivers are visible in Washington. Must you still signal before changing direction?

    1. No, signals matter only in visible traffic
    2. Only on roads with two or more lanes
    3. Only when a passenger reminds you
    4. Yes, signal before every direction change even when nobody seems around
    Show answer

    Yes, signal before every direction change even when nobody seems around. Signal before changing direction even when you do not see anyone else around. Signal 100 feet before the move and make sure the signal stops blinking after the turn. Create a habit of always signaling before you change direction, even when you don’t see anyone else around. The guide says to signal even when you do not see anyone else around. Lane count does not condition the signaling habit.

    Study this in the handbook: Headlights, brake lights, tires and signals

18. 18. In the OODA Loop, what happens during the Orient step on a Washington road?

    1. The driver acts first and studies the result later
    2. The driver uses knowledge and experience to judge what a change means for safety
    3. The driver signals intentions to surrounding traffic
    4. The driver picks a destination for the trip
    Show answer

    The driver uses knowledge and experience to judge what a change means for safety. During Orient, use knowledge and experience to understand what a change means for your safety and others’ safety. Consider the risks of not changing and the opportunities if you do. Decide then selects the safest response, and Act carries it out. Use your knowledge and experience to understand what that change means. How does it affect your safety and the safety of others?

19. 19. Who receives priority loading on most Washington State Ferries, and where do they wait?

    1. Motorcycles, in a lane beside the toll booths
    2. Trucks over ten tons, at the front of the dock
    3. Bicyclists, in a bicycle waiting area in front of motor vehicles
    4. Pedestrians, inside the terminal building only
    Show answer

    Bicyclists, in a bicycle waiting area in front of motor vehicles. Bicyclists receive priority loading on most ferries and have a bicycle waiting area in front of motor vehicles. They may proceed past vehicles waiting in the ferry holding lane. The guide identifies bicyclists as receiving this priority loading and waiting area in front of motor vehicles. The priority waiting area belongs to bicyclists at the front. The marked choice, Bicyclists, in a bicycle waiting area in front of motor vehicles, is the one that matches the guide on this point.

    Study this in the handbook: Speed, following space and zipper merging

20. 20. What strange lane change should a driver expect inside a Washington diverging diamond interchange?

    1. A full U-turn across the median at the signals
    2. Driving backward along the freeway ramp
    3. Crossing into an unmarked gravel shoulder lane
    4. Guided crossover to the left side of the roadway, driving briefly on the opposite side
    Show answer

    Guided crossover to the left side of the roadway, driving briefly on the opposite side. A diverging diamond deliberately swaps the sides of the road at signals, guiding you onto the left side across the bridge so freeway left turns flow without opposing traffic, then crossing you back to the right. A median U-turn, a backward ramp roll, and a gravel shoulder detour all describe improvisation inside an interchange engineered to need none. Follow signs and pavement markings closely, trust the design even while it feels backward, and keep a safe speed while your instincts recalibrate.

    Study this in the handbook: Intersections, turns and roundabouts