20 questions from the Washington Driver Guide. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the definition of traction in the context of driving?
Answer: The grip between tires and the road surface. The handbook defines traction specifically as the grip existing between the tires and the road surface.
Washington Driver Guide, page 79: “Traction: The grip between tires and the road surface.”
2. When accelerating, how does the vehicle's weight shift according to the section on pitch?
Answer: It shifts to the back, increasing pressure on the rear. The handbook describes pitch as the forward and backward motion where acceleration causes weight to shift to the rear.
Washington Driver Guide, page 20: “When you accelerate, the weight of the vehicle shifts to the back and increases pressure on the rear of the vehicle.”
3. How do automated traffic safety cameras record violations?
Answer: They automatically record images if you fail to stop at a steady red light, fail to stop at a railroad crossing signal, or exceed the speed limit in a school zone. The handbook lists exactly three conditions under which automated cameras record images: failing to stop at red lights, failing to stop at railroad crossings, and speeding in school zones.
Washington Driver Guide, page 44: “Automated traffic safety cameras These cameras automatically record images if you: Fail to stop at a steady red light. Fail to stop at a railroad crossing signal. Exceed the speed limit in a school zone.”
4. What is the primary function of headlights on a vehicle?
Answer: To illuminate the road ahead, allowing the driver to see and be seen in low-light conditions or at night. The handbook states that headlights are used to illuminate the road and ensure visibility for the driver and others during low-light conditions.
Washington Driver Guide, page 77: “Headlights: The lights on the front of a vehicle that illuminate the road ahead, allowing the driver to see and be seen in low-light conditions or at night.”
5. According to the section on Smart Drivers, what is the definition of 'Focused attention'?
Answer: Your whole brain concentrating on one task. The handbook defines focused attention specifically as the state where the whole brain concentrates on a single task, distinct from switching, divided, or sustained attention.
Washington Driver Guide, page 32: “Focused attention. When your whole brain concentrates on one task.”
6. What is the recommended driving behavior to help lower vehicle emissions besides turning off the engine?
Answer: Drive smoothly instead of speeding or braking hard. The handbook advises smooth driving habits to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Washington Driver Guide, page 34: “Drive smoothly instead of speeding or braking hard, which uses more fuel.”
7. How should you position your left arm to signal a right turn if your vehicle's turn signals are not working?
Answer: Bend your arm so your fingers point to the sky. The handbook instructs drivers to bend their left arm with fingers pointing up to signal a right turn.
Washington Driver Guide, page 16: “Right turn. Put your left arm out the window. Bend your arm so your fingers point to the sky.”
8. If you encounter a center lane marked with left turn arrows, what is the maximum distance you should travel within this lane?
Answer: You should travel no farther than 300 feet. The handbook specifies a limit of 300 feet for traveling in a shared center lane.
Washington Driver Guide, page 52: “These lanes must not be used for passing. You shouldn’t travel farther than 300 feet in a center lane.”
9. Under the Implied Consent Law in Washington, who agrees to be tested if an officer suspects they are under the influence?
Answer: Everyone who drives in Washington. The handbook states that the implied consent applies to everyone driving in the state, not just specific age groups or vehicle types.
Washington Driver Guide, page 10: “Under The Implied Consent Law (RCW 46.20.308), everyone who drives in Washington agrees to be tested if an officer suspects they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
10. What is the definition of tailgating provided in the handbook?
Answer: Following the vehicle in front of you too closely. The handbook defines tailgating as the act of following the preceding vehicle too closely.
Washington Driver Guide, page 79: “Tailgating: Following the vehicle in front of you too closely.”
11. Which of the following is listed as a behavior associated with aggressive driving?
Answer: Using improper signaling. The handbook lists using improper signaling as one of the behaviors associated with aggressive driving.
Washington Driver Guide, page 27: “Using improper signaling.”
12. What is the required action for drivers traveling in the same direction as a school bus when its red lights are flashing?
Answer: Stop. The handbook states that drivers must stop when the red lights flash and the stop sign is extended.
Washington Driver Guide, page 36: “All drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop when the red lights flash, and the stop sign is extended.”
13. When passing a bicycle in a lane marked with sharrows, how much space should you provide?
Answer: At least 3 feet. The handbook instructs drivers to provide at least 3 feet of space when passing bicycles in sharrow-marked lanes.
Washington Driver Guide, page 54: “Drive slowly and provide at least 3 feet of space when passing.”
14. What is the recommended method for communicating intentions to other drivers to avoid creating problems?
Answer: Use a variety of tools to make proactive decisions while reacting to your environment. The handbook advises using various tools to communicate intentions proactively to prevent issues with other road users.
Washington Driver Guide, page 30: “Communicate your intentions to other drivers to avoid creating any problems. You can use a variety of tools to make proactive decisions while reacting to your environment.”
15. When using the OODA Loop to solve problems on the road, what is the purpose of the 'Orient' step?
Answer: To use your knowledge and experience to understand what a change means and how it affects safety. The handbook defines the Orient step as using knowledge and experience to interpret the observed situation and its impact on safety.
Washington Driver Guide, page 30: “Orient. Use your knowledge and experience to understand what that change means. How does it affect your safety and the safety of others?”
16. What does the handbook state about the responsibility for knowing traffic signs in Washington State?
Answer: You are responsible for knowing all signs, including city and county signs. The handbook clarifies that drivers must know all signs, not just the limited list provided in the handbook.
Washington Driver Guide, page 46: “You are responsible for knowing all signs, including city and county signs.”
17. What does a white curb marking indicate regarding parking restrictions?
Answer: Short stops only. The handbook specifies that white curb markings designate areas where only short stops are allowed.
Washington Driver Guide, page 56: “White means that only short stops are permitted.”
18. According to the handbook, how far from a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign must a vehicle be parked?
Answer: Within 30 feet. The handbook states that parking is prohibited within 30 feet of these specific traffic control devices.
Washington Driver Guide, page 56: “Within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign.”
19. What is the primary purpose of hazard lights on a vehicle?
Answer: To show other drivers and pedestrians to use caution when near the vehicle. The handbook states that hazard lights are indicators meant to show others to use caution near the vehicle.
Washington Driver Guide, page 77: “Hazard lights: Indicator lights on the front and back of a car showing other drivers and pedestrians to use caution when near the vehicle.”
20. When approaching a work zone, what specific action regarding audio and conversation does the handbook recommend to enhance focus?
Answer: Turn down music and pause conversations. The handbook instructs drivers to turn down music and pause conversations to eliminate distractions and enhance focus in work zones.
Washington Driver Guide, page 55: “Eliminate distractions to enhance focus. Turn down music and pause conversations.”