WA Permit Practice Test 4

All 20 questions in test 4

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. Which two conditions does Washington list for a teen's first driver license at ages 16 to 17?

   1. A permit held at least 6 months, plus age 16 and Washington residency
   2. Age 17 and five years of driving experience
   3. Age 15 and an out-of-state address
   4. Age 16 with no permit or residency requirement
   Show answer

   A permit held at least 6 months, plus age 16 and Washington residency. 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. The other choices remove the permit or residency requirement, use an out-of-state address, or add an adult experience standard that the cited rule does not state. Read the age range and the separate permit-duration condition together before deciding eligibility.

2. 2. For a Washington driver age 21 or older, what active THC concentration is described as a DUI threshold?

   1. Any amount measured in a vehicle's fuel system
   2. More than 1 nanogram per milliliter of blood
   3. Exactly 0 nanograms per milliliter of blood
   4. More than 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood
   Show answer

   More than 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood. For drivers 21 and older, the guide identifies more than 5 nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood as a DUI threshold. The one-nanogram choice lowers the stated adult figure, while zero nanograms is not the adult standard in this passage. The fuel-system option changes the sample entirely, since the rule concerns THC in blood. Remember the measurement, the substance, and the driver's age as one combined test condition.

3. 3. When must vehicles stop for a school bus on a two-lane road?

   
   1. Only vehicles behind the bus stop
   2. Opposing vehicles stop only if the bus is moving
   3. Only vehicles traveling faster than 25 mph stop
   4. All vehicles must stop when the red lights flash and the stop sign extends
   Show answer

   All vehicles must stop when the red lights flash and the stop sign extends. On a two-lane road, all vehicles must stop when the school bus red lights flash and its stop sign extends. The rule protects children who may cross from either side, so opposing traffic is not excused merely because it is in front of the bus. Speed and whether the bus is rolling do not replace the signal condition. Wait until the red lights stop, the sign retracts, and the metal arm returns to the front bumper before resuming. Continue watching because children can still be nearby after the signals end.

4. 4. A Washington teen took a traffic safety course in another state. What minimum must that course meet?

   1. 10 hours of classroom and 2 hours behind the wheel
   2. 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
   3. 24 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel
   4. 40 hours of classroom and 10 hours behind the wheel
   Show answer

   30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Washington accepts an out-of-state traffic safety course only if it meets the state minimum of 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Twenty-four classroom hours is short of the Washington minimum, and 40 and 10 are the day and night practice hour requirements, not course hours. Ten and two fall well short. Questions about transferring coursework go to the driver training school program at DOL.

5. 5. What does Washington's Clean Car Law require?

   1. All vehicles must be electric by 2030
   2. Vehicles made in 2009 and later must meet strict clean air standards before they can be registered, licensed, or sold
   3. Vehicles older than 2009 cannot be driven
   4. Emissions tests every year
   Show answer

   Vehicles made in 2009 and later must meet strict clean air standards before they can be registered, licensed, or sold. Washington's Clean Car Law requires vehicles made in 2009 and later to meet strict clean air standards before they can be registered, licensed, or sold in the state. The rule applies at the point of registration or sale rather than through annual testing. Choosing efficient routes, carpooling and recycling vehicles through a disposal center support the same goal of cleaner air across the state.

6. 6. How close to a railroad crossing may you park in Washington?

   1. No closer than 15 feet
   2. No closer than 20 feet
   3. No closer than 50 feet
   4. No closer than 100 feet
   Show answer

   No closer than 50 feet. Washington bans parking on railroad tracks and within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Fifteen feet is the hydrant rule and also the nearest point a driver may stop before a flashing crossing, a different situation. Twenty feet is the pedestrian safety zone rule, and 100 feet is not the stated distance. A parked car close to the crossing can hide an approaching train from other drivers.

7. 7. At a four-way stop, two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time. Who goes first?

   
   1. The vehicle that signals first
   2. The vehicle on the left
   3. The vehicle traveling faster
   4. The vehicle on the right
   Show answer

   The vehicle on the right. When two vehicles reach a four-way stop at approximately the same time, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. Arrival order still controls when one vehicle clearly got there first, so this rule applies to the tie condition described. Speed does not decide the sequence, and a turn signal communicates an intention rather than granting priority. Make a complete stop, identify who arrived first, and then use the right-side rule if timing is close. Continue watching for pedestrians and cyclists while the vehicles move.

8. 8. How should you respond to a flashing yellow traffic light?

   1. Stop and remain stopped until a solid green appears
   2. Slow down and proceed as you would at a yield sign
   3. Accelerate because cross traffic must stop
   4. Treat it as a red arrow
   Show answer

   Slow down and proceed as you would at a yield sign. A flashing yellow light has the same meaning as a yield sign. Slow down, treat the intersection as uncontrolled, and proceed only when you have the right of way. A complete stop is not automatically required, although you must stop if traffic or a person in your path makes that necessary. The green assumption reverses the rule by claiming priority over cross traffic. Reduce speed early, scan every approach, and resolve who may proceed before entering.

9. 9. Which Washington drivers receive an early warning letter from DOL after their first moving violation?

   1. Drivers ages 18 to 21
   2. Drivers age 65 and older
   3. Only commercial drivers
   4. Only drivers with a DUI
   Show answer

   Drivers ages 18 to 21. DOL sends early warning letters to all drivers ages 18 to 21 who receive their first moving violation, because a driver's chance of crashing doubles after that first violation. Parents and guardians of intermediate license holders get similar letters after violations or crashes. The letters are not aimed at older, commercial or DUI drivers. Their purpose is to cut repeat offenses among young drivers.

10. 10. What speed rule applies in a Washington school zone?

    1. The normal highway limit continues through the zone
    2. The limit is always 15 mph
    3. The school zone speed limit is 20 mph
    4. The limit applies only when a crossing guard is present
    Show answer

    The school zone speed limit is 20 mph. Washington school zones have a 20 mph speed limit because higher speeds increase the risk of fatal crashes. The rule is not a universal 15 mph limit, and a driver cannot substitute the general highway limit simply because traffic is light. The manual also warns that students may be near a school or playground outside ordinary class hours, so the absence of a crossing guard is not a reason to ignore the zone. Watch for the posted signs, flashing lights, and pavement markings, then reduce speed and scan for children.

11. 11. What should you do when traffic is moving slowly because a lane is closed?

    1. Merge immediately and block the ending lane
    2. Stop in the open lane until another driver waves you in
    3. Pass the line on the shoulder
    4. Use both lanes until the designated merge area, then take turns
    Show answer

    Use both lanes until the designated merge area, then take turns. Washington describes zipper merging for slow or stopped traffic caused by a lane closure. Continue in your lane until the marked merge area, then alternate with vehicles from the other lane. Merging at the first sight of a closure can leave unused roadway and create a less predictable line. The shoulder is not a passing lane, and stopping in the open lane creates a new obstruction. Keep a steady pace, signal your intent, and allow one vehicle from the ending lane to enter in turn.

12. 12. What does the Washington guide mean by polydrug use?

    1. Taking a drug more than once a day
    2. Using only prescription drugs
    3. Mixing or taking more than one type of drug, which can produce effects greater than any drug on its own
    4. Drinking on an empty stomach
    Show answer

    Mixing or taking more than one type of drug, which can produce effects greater than any drug on its own. Polydrug use is the mixing or taking of more than one type of drug. Mixing alcohol, cannabis or other drugs can produce effects greater than any drug on its own, and the category includes alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over the counter medicines and other substances such as inhalants. Read medicine warnings or ask a pharmacist before combining anything with alcohol.

13. 13. What does a green arrow give a driver permission to do?

    1. Travel in any direction because all conflicting traffic must stop
    2. Reverse through the intersection in the arrow’s direction
    3. Travel in the direction shown by the arrow while still watching for unexpected hazards
    4. Ignore pedestrians because the arrow removes every crossing hazard
    Show answer

    Travel in the direction shown by the arrow while still watching for unexpected hazards. A green arrow grants the right-of-way to travel in the arrow’s direction, but it does not cancel the driver’s duty to observe the roadway. The guide expects no oncoming vehicles, crossing traffic, or pedestrians while the arrow is green, yet a careful driver still scans before moving. The any-direction choice expands permission beyond the arrow. Reversing is unrelated, and pedestrians should never be ignored. Follow the arrow and verify the path is clear.

14. 14. What do Washington destination signs show?

    
    1. Only the location of disabled parking
    2. Directions and distances to locations such as cities, airports, or state lines
    3. Only warnings about slippery pavement
    4. Only construction worker instructions
    Show answer

    Directions and distances to locations such as cities, airports, or state lines. Destination signs help drivers navigate by showing directions and distances to places such as cities, airports, and state lines. The guide also includes national parks, historical areas, and museums among possible destinations. These signs support route planning but do not replace regulatory signs, hazard warnings, or work-zone directions. Read the destination information early so lane changes can be made safely and without a last-second maneuver.

15. 15. At night, what speed does the Washington guide say to keep?

    1. A speed that lets you stop within the glow of your headlights, usually about 400 feet
    2. The posted limit regardless of visibility
    3. 10 mph under the limit
    4. A speed that lets you stop within 100 feet
    Show answer

    A speed that lets you stop within the glow of your headlights, usually about 400 feet. It is harder to see at night, so drive at a speed that will allow you to stop within the glow of your headlights, usually about 400 feet. Use high beams when there are no oncoming vehicles, switch to low beams for approaching traffic and when following, and avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights. Keep your eyes moving across the road ahead.

16. 16. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road indicate?

    
    1. It can mark the road edge or a no-passing zone, so do not cross it to pass
    2. It separates lanes traveling in the same direction
    3. It always marks a lane where passing is required
    4. It means you may cross whenever you use a turn signal
    Show answer

    It can mark the road edge or a no-passing zone, so do not cross it to pass. A solid yellow line can mark the edge of the road or a no-passing zone. Washington says not to cross a solid yellow line to pass another vehicle. It is not a same-direction lane divider, and a turn signal does not make crossing lawful for passing. The cue is solid yellow beside your lane: remain on your side, wait for a permitted passing marking, and keep clear of the road edge.

17. 17. When driving behind a bicyclist in Washington, how much space should a driver leave?

    1. Less than 1 foot to discourage wobbling
    2. Exactly 10 feet in every situation
    3. At least 3 feet
    4. No space if the bicycle is near the curb
    Show answer

    At least 3 feet. Washington tells drivers to leave at least 3 feet when driving behind a bicyclist. A bicycle may need to shift position for debris, drainage, a parked car, or another hazard, so riding close to the curb does not erase the space requirement. The less than one foot choice is plainly unsafe, and the fixed ten foot distance is not the guide's stated minimum. Reduce speed, wait for a safe opportunity to pass, and preserve the buffer until the vehicle is clear. The three foot cue applies to the widest part of the vehicle when passing as well.

18. 18. What does a school zone sign identify?

    1. Roads around a school building or playground
    2. A highway rest area
    3. A railroad loading area
    4. A mandatory truck inspection station
    Show answer

    Roads around a school building or playground. A school zone refers to roads around a school building or playground. These areas may be identified by signs, pavement markings, and flashing lights, and they call for reduced speed and careful observation of children. A rest area is a motorist service location, a railroad area uses rail warnings, and a truck inspection station has a different regulatory purpose. Do not assume the zone ends when normal class hours end because students may take part in sports, activities, or playground use later. Scan sidewalks and entrances as you pass.

19. 19. When a Washington driver approaches an uncontrolled intersection, which general practice does the guide recommend?

    1. Choose the lane with the fastest vehicle
    2. Drive on the right side of the road
    3. Let the largest vehicle select the direction
    4. Drive left whenever no signal is present
    Show answer

    Drive on the right side of the road. The guide's general driving guidance tells Washington drivers to drive on the right side of the road. The lack of a signal does not authorize choosing the left side or yielding control to the largest or fastest vehicle. A driver may temporarily use the left only when safely and legally passing on a two-lane road. At an ordinary intersection, maintain the right-side position and make decisions from signs, markings, and other road users.

20. 20. What does a red circle with a slash over a symbol on a Washington traffic sign mean?

    
    1. The represented action is not allowed
    2. The represented action is recommended in heavy traffic
    3. The symbol identifies a nearby motorist service
    4. The action is permitted only after a full stop
    Show answer

    The represented action is not allowed. A red circle with a red slash is used on regulatory signs to show that a represented action is not allowed. The guide gives left turns, right turns, and U-turns as examples of movements that may be prohibited this way. Do not read the slash as advice to proceed cautiously or as permission after stopping. First identify the symbol beneath it, then avoid that movement and look for the roadway path the remaining signs and markings permit.