20 questions from the Washington Driver Guide. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When approaching intersections, what does the handbook advise you to pay close attention to?
Answer: Vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists approaching from the left and right. The handbook specifically lists vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists approaching from the left and right as the primary focus when approaching intersections.
Washington Driver Guide, page 33: “When approaching intersections, pay close attention to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists approaching from the left and right.”
2. According to the handbook, what is the recommended action for steering when your vehicle begins to skid?
Answer: Steer in the same direction your vehicle is moving. The handbook instructs drivers to steer in the direction of the vehicle's movement to regain control during a skid.
Washington Driver Guide, page 69: “Steer in the same direction your vehicle is moving.”
3. What action does the handbook recommend regarding your engine when parked for a while to help lower vehicle emissions?
Answer: Turn off your engine. The handbook directly instructs drivers to turn off their engine when parked for a while to reduce harmful gas emissions and pollution.
Washington Driver Guide, page 34: “Turn off your engine if you’re parked for a while.”
4. When passing an agricultural vehicle on a road with two lanes traveling in the same direction, what is the required maneuver?
Answer: Move over one full lane. The handbook states that when passing an agricultural vehicle on a multi-lane road in the same direction, the driver must move over one full lane.
Washington Driver Guide, page 41: “If you need to pass an agricultural vehicle and there are two lanes in the same direction, move over one full lane.”
5. In the hazard management routine, what should you do during the 'Communicate' step?
Answer: Let others know what you plan to do using your signals. The handbook defines the 'Communicate' step as letting others know your plans using signals, distinct from scanning, preparing, or evaluating.
Washington Driver Guide, page 62: “Communicate. Let others know what you plan to do. Use your signals and make sure everyone is well aware of your intentions.”
6. According to the parking rules, how far must a vehicle be parked from a fire hydrant?
Answer: Within 15 feet. The handbook lists specific distances for various parking restrictions, specifying 15 feet for fire hydrants.
Washington Driver Guide, page 56: “Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.”
7. How should a driver approach a curve to maintain control?
Answer: Reduce speed before entering the curve. The instructions specify reducing speed before entering the curve to maintain traction and prevent skidding.
Washington Driver Guide, page 67: “Reduce your speed before entering the curve. This helps maintain traction and prevents your vehicle from skidding or veering off the road.”
8. How long must a driver wait before proceeding when a pedestrian using a wheelchair is crossing the street?
Answer: Until the pedestrian has completely crossed the street. While standard pedestrians require clearing one additional lane, the handbook specifies that drivers must wait for wheelchair users to completely cross the street.
Washington Driver Guide, page 36: “If the pedestrian is using a wheelchair, cane, guide dog, or other service animal, wait until they have completely crossed the street before continuing.”
9. According to Washington law, when are headlights required to be on?
Answer: From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. The handbook states the legal requirement for headlight usage is from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
Washington Driver Guide, page 15: “Washington law says you need to have your headlights on a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.”
10. According to the handbook, what is the specific meaning of a flashing yellow light?
Answer: It has the same meaning as a yield sign and should be treated as an uncontrolled intersection. The handbook equates the flashing yellow light with a yield sign and instructs drivers to treat the intersection as uncontrolled.
Washington Driver Guide, page 43: “A flashing yellow light has the same meaning as a yield sign. Treat the intersection as an uncontrolled intersection.”
11. What is the rule regarding the use of earbuds, earphones, headphones, or headsets while driving?
Answer: It is against the law to drive while wearing them. The handbook states clearly that wearing these devices while driving is against the law.
Washington Driver Guide, page 24: “It is against the law to drive a vehicle while wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones, or headsets that broadcast sound or cancel noise.”
12. When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights, what is the required stopping distance from the nearest rail?
Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet. The handbook specifies a precise range of 15 to 50 feet for stopping distance when signals are active at a railroad crossing.
Washington Driver Guide, page 40: “Stop between 15 and 50 feet away from the nearest rail of a crossing when: The signal is flashing.”
13. Why is it important to keep the white stripes next to a reserved disabled parking spot clear?
Answer: To ensure the access aisle remains clear for disabled persons. The handbook identifies the white stripes as an access aisle and mandates they be kept clear, implying their function is to facilitate access for disabled persons.
Washington Driver Guide, page 58: “The white stripes next to a reserved space, called an access aisle, must be kept clear.”
14. How must license plates be displayed on motor vehicles registered in Washington?
Answer: On the front and rear, kept clean and easy to read. The handbook requires plates to be on both the front and rear, clean, and legible, while noting that frames cannot obstruct the information.
Washington Driver Guide, page 13: “License plates must be clearly displayed on the front and rear of motor vehicles registered in Washington. They must be clean and easy to read.”
15. What is the primary benefit of an Antilock Brake System (ABS) during emergency braking?
Answer: It allows the driver to steer during braking. The handbook clarifies that ABS helps maintain steering control rather than reducing stopping distance.
Washington Driver Guide, page 19: “An ABS does not shorten your stopping distance, but it will allow you to keep better steering control.”
16. Why is it important to pay attention when driving in temperatures near or below freezing, even if ice is not visible?
Answer: Because black ice is difficult to see and can cause loss of vehicle control. The handbook explains that black ice is hard to see and causes crashes, so drivers must be cautious in near-freezing temperatures regardless of visibility.
Washington Driver Guide, page 69: “Black ice refers to a thin coating of ice that is hard for drivers to see. Even if you don’t see ice, pay attention when driving in temperatures near or below freezing.”
17. Why might pavement be particularly slippery for the first few minutes after rain starts on a hot day?
Answer: Heat causes the oil in the asphalt to come to the surface. The handbook explains that heat brings oil to the surface of the asphalt, creating a slippery layer until rain washes it away.
Washington Driver Guide, page 68: “Heat causes the oil in the asphalt to come to the surface. The road is slippery until the oil washes away.”
18. According to the handbook, what is the primary function of a solid white line on the roadway?
Answer: It marks the edge of the road and separates bicycle lanes from other traffic. The handbook states that solid white lines are used to mark the road edge and separate bicycle lanes.
Washington Driver Guide, page 51: “Solid white lines mark the edge of the road and separate bicycle lanes from other traffic.”
19. According to the handbook, where should you avoid making a U-turn?
Answer: On a curve or when approaching the crest of a hill. The handbook states that clear visibility is required, so U-turns should not be made on curves or near hill crests.
Washington Driver Guide, page 49: “For that reason, do not make a U-turn on a curve or when approaching the crest of a hill.”
20. When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop intersection at approximately the same time, who has the right-of-way?
Answer: The vehicle on the right. The rule for simultaneous arrival at a stop-controlled intersection is to yield to the driver on the right.
Washington Driver Guide, page 48: “If two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time, yield to the one on the right.”