Washington DMV Tests & Practice Permit Tests
Results
#1. It is against the law to have an open alcoholic beverage container in your vehicle, except:
It is illegal for a person in a motor vehicle upon a highway to possess any receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage if the container has been opened or a seal broken, or the contents partially removed. The container cannot be kept in any accessible storage compartment. It must be kept in an area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers.
Remember, a utility compartment or glove compartment is deemed to be within the area occupied by the driver and passengers.
#2. To avoid getting tired on a long trip, it is often a good idea to:
Eat lightly. Do not eat a large meal before you leave. Some people get sleepy after they eat a big meal.
#3. To avoid last-minute moves, you should:
Look well down the road, at least 15 seconds, and look to both sides of the road and the rear, not just at the road in front of your vehicle. When looking far enough ahead, it allows you to see all potential situations before they create a surprise. This way, you have time to steer smoothly and safely.
#4. You should enter a roundabout:
Slow down as you approach the roundabout. Enter the roundabout when there is a big enough gap in traffic.
#5. When is a good time to adjust your seat and mirrors?
You should always check and adjust your seat and mirrors before you start to drive. You should have clear vision in all directions, all controls should be within reach, and at least one-third of the steering wheel should be between your hands. Head restraints should be adjusted so the head restraint contacts the back of your head.
Always fasten your seat belt and make sure all passengers are correctly using seat belts, child safety restraints, or booster seats. Also remember to lock the doors. Locking reduces the risk of doors opening during a sudden swerve, braking, or crash.
#6. It is against the law to use parking lights on when you are:
Never use parking lights instead of your headlights. Parking lights are for parked vehicles only.
#7. A sign with this shape means:
An eight-sided sign that is red with white letters means stop.
#8. It is against the law to use a handheld cell phone while driving, unless you are:
You cannot hold a wireless-communications device while operating a motor vehicle unless you are:
- Reporting illegal activity.
- Summoning medical or other emergency help.
- Preventing injury to a person or property.
- Operating an authorized emergency vehicle.
- Operating a tow truck responding to a disabled vehicle.
- Operating an amateur radio station under a Federal Communications Commission license.
- Using a hearing aid.
#9. Which of the following tends to freeze first and dry out last?
On cold, wet days, shady spots can be icy. These areas freeze first and dry out last.
#10. What does this sign mean?
Cross Road. A road crosses the main highway ahead. Look in all directions for other traffic.
#11. Which is true about alcohol?
Alcohol is a depressant, it slows you down.
Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces your ability to see clearly, and makes you less alert. As the amount of alcohol in your body increases, your judgment worsens and your skills decrease. You will have trouble judging distances, speeds, and the movement of other vehicles. You will also have trouble controlling your vehicle
#12. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with activated lights on a four-lane roadway, you must:
When passing emergency response vehicles on the side of the road with flashing lights activated, move over one lane if possible, and if not, then reduce your speed to 10 mph below the posted speed limit. Emergency response vehicles include law enforcement, fire/ambulance, incident response, highway maintenance, utility, solid waste and tow trucks.
#13. When you see this sign, you must:
Do not pass. These signs tell you where passing is not permitted. Passing areas are based on how far you can see ahead. Placement of these signs are considered at locations of unseen hazards such as hills and curves, intersections, driveways, and other places a vehicle may enter the roadway.
#14. What does this sign mean?
Traffic signal ahead. Slow down and be prepared to stop, if necessary.
#15. Worn or bald tires often:
Worn or bald tires can increase your stopping distance and make turning more difficult when the road is wet. Worn tires can also cause hydroplaning and increase the chance of a flat tire.
#16. If you are a resident and buy a vehicle in another state, you must register your vehicle:
If you are a resident here and purchase a vehicle in another state with the intention of driving it on a Washington roadway, you must register your vehicle immediately.
#17. What is the penalty for parking in a disabled parking stall without a proper permit?
There is a $250 fine for parking in disabled parking stalls without displaying the required placard or plate and for blocking the access aisle next to a space reserved for physically disabled persons.
#18. A shared center turn lane must be used for:
Two-way left turn lanes are shared center lanes marked on each side by a solid yellow and dashed yellow lines. They are reserved for vehicles making left turns in either direction from or into the roadway (or U turns when they are permitted). These lanes cannot be used for passing and cannot be used for travel further than 300 feet.
#19. The risk of hydroplaning and skidding increases:
When it is raining or the road is wet, most tires have good traction up to about 35 mph. As you go faster, your tires will start to ride up on the water, like water skis. This is called hydroplaning.
#20. If other drivers tailgate you:
If another driver follows you too closely and there is a right lane, move over to the right. If there is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is clear then reduce speed slowly. This will encourage the tailgater to drive around you. Never slow down quickly to discourage a tailgater. Doing that increases your risk of a collision from behind.
| This Washington Permit Practice Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions per test: | 20 |
| Question pool: | 800+ |
| Type of test: | Random multiple-choice |
| The Official Washington Written Knowledge Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions on real exam: | 40 questions |
| Passing score: | 80% |
| Correct answers to pass: | 32 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | 45 minutes |
| Wait time before retest: | Varies |
Washington State (WA) – Practice Permit Test
You can double your chances of passing the official WA DOL permit test with this practice test from Driver’s Prep.
Each set of practice questions is easy to use. Every time you start a new practice test, you will get 20 random questions from a database with more than 800 questions. The large pool of possible questions gives you plenty of practice for the official knowledge exam.
After each question, you will get instant feedback on whether your answer is correct. Should you make a mistake, there is also an explanation to help you understand the right answer. Use this explanation to learn more and, when needed, read about the topic in the Driver Guide.
Start by Getting the Washington State Driver Guide
When you prepare for the real knowledge test, you should always start by getting the latest version of the Washington State Driver Guide . The Department of Licensing updates the guide regularly, so make sure you have the latest version.
The Driver Guide helps you clearly understand what you must learn for the examination.
After studying the guide, use these practice tests to check your progress and whether you are ready for the actual driver’s exam.
The passing score in Washington is 80 percent. On the examination, you must answer 32 out of 40 questions correctly.
Each practice test on driversprep.com is limited to 20 questions to speed up the process, but when you have taken 10-15 practice tests, you have also covered all the critical items and the most likely questions on the exam.
Aiming for a 100% score on the practice tests is best. It gives you a good margin on the DOL exam.
Remember, every practice question counts. The more comfortable you are with questions and answers, the more likely you will pass the examination.
Focus on authentic learning instead of simply memorizing answers because investing in knowledge always pays off.
The more you know, the stronger you stand. Invest in your future today, and you won’t regret it.
Read more: How to Ace the DMV Test
When Must I Pass a Knowledge Exam?
If you haven’t been licensed before
All first-time applicants must pass all tests, including the Washington written knowledge test.
If you let your WA license expire for more than six years.
If your Washington license expired more than six years ago, you must apply for a new license and pass all tests.
If you hold an expired license from another state.
If you have an expired out-of-state license, the typical test waiver does not apply, and you must pass the knowledge test before you can get a Washington license.
If you hold a license from a foreign country
If you hold an out-of-country license, the DOL will ask you to take all tests. However, the DOL will waive the knowledge and drive test if you have a valid driver’s license from British Columbia, Germany, South Korea, or Taiwan.
Test Waivers
When moving to Washington, DOL will waive the knowledge test if you hold a valid out-of-state license. If you are under 18, you must prove you completed a driver-training course meeting Washington standards.
When renewing your license, DOL waives the knowledge and driving tests unless the Department determines that you are not qualified to hold a driver’s license.
The Department of Licensing can ask you to retake the knowledge and driving test if necessary—chances of a necessary re-test increase with poor driving records or age.
What You Need to Know about the Washington Written Test
The knowledge exam is sometimes called the written test. It is the same test.
The test aims to verify that you understand road signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, Washington traffic laws, and common safe-driving practices.
DOL draws all questions from the information in the Washington Driver Guide. So, ensure you read the guide. Relying solely on taking practice tests is not a good idea.
Read more: Are Taking Practice Tests Enough?
You can take the test at all driver licensing offices. Unless you have notified DOL about support needs, the office will offer the test on a computerized test station.
The knowledge exam is a multiple-choice test with 40 questions. If you miss more than eight questions on the exam, you may have to wait before you can re-test.
Remember, before you can take the exam, you must apply online or at a WA driver’s license office.
You can also take the test at authorized driving schools and participating high schools.
Should you fail the knowledge examination, there is no official wait time before you can make another attempt. Examiners at a driver licensing office are less likely to let you have another go at the test the same day. Expect a waiting time of at least two to three days, depending on location and how many questions you missed.
With third-party test providers, like a driving school, you can take the test twice in one day, even if they recommend waiting at least 24 hours.
Each attempt to pass the test usually comes with a new fee of $35 (some third-party testers may waive the re-test fee).
The Department of Licensing does not offer the test from the comfort of your home, regardless of age.
Languages
The computerized knowledge test in Washington state is available in these languages:
English
Japanese
Russian
Vietnamese
What is on the Washington Permit Test
The Department expanded the test from 25 to 40 questions a few years back. The new 40-question test focuses more on distracted driving and the distraction of cell phones. Texting and using a handheld phone while driving is against the law in Washington State.
You should know that drivers with an intermediate license or instruction permit cannot use any wireless device, not even a hands-free phone while driving.
On the test, you should also expect questions about impaired driving, including how the use of marijuana affects your ability to drive safely.
Is the Washington Permit Test Hard?
Washington State does not release failures on the knowledge test, but experts generally consider it to be one of the toughest in the United States.
Failing the test can be expensive since you must pay the testing fee again.
Photo credits:
Struggling woman – CollegeDegrees360
Young man with Help sign – Marcos Calvo Mesa
