20 questions from the Washington Driver Guide. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Under what specific conditions are drivers traveling in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus NOT required to stop when the red lights flash?
Answer: When there are three or more lanes and the lanes are separated by a median or barrier. The handbook states that opposite-direction drivers do not need to stop only if there are three or more lanes separated by a median or barrier.
Washington Driver Guide, page 37: “Drivers traveling in the opposite direction as the bus don’t need to stop when the red lights flash or the stop sign extends IF: There are three or more lanes. Lanes are separated by a median or barrier.”
2. What is the recommended action when approaching hazards to allow for safe decision-making?
Answer: Drive slower to give yourself more space and time. The handbook advises driving slower when approaching hazards to ensure adequate space and time for safe decisions.
Washington Driver Guide, page 61: “Drive slower when approaching hazards to give yourself more space and time to make safe decisions.”
3. Why should children under the age of 13 generally avoid riding in the front seat?
Answer: Because they could be seriously injured or killed if an airbag deploys. The handbook states that children under 13 should not ride in the front seat specifically due to the risk of injury or death from deploying airbags.
Washington Driver Guide, page 18: “Airbags are also why children under the age of 13 should never ride in the front seat. They could be seriously injured or killed if an airbag deploys.”
4. What is the recommended minimum distance to keep between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you?
Answer: At least twice the length of your vehicle. The handbook specifies that the safe following distance is defined as twice the length of the driver's vehicle.
Washington Driver Guide, page 63: “When you’re driving near other vehicles, it’s important to leave a distance that’s at least twice the length of your vehicle between you and the vehicle ahead.”
5. If your headlights suddenly go out while driving, what should you do immediately?
Answer: Turn on your hazard warning lights, turn signals, or fog lights. The handbook advises using alternative lighting sources like hazard lights or fog lights to maintain visibility when headlights fail.
Washington Driver Guide, page 70: “Put on your hazard warning lights, turn signals, or fog lights, if you have them.”
6. What is the THC concentration limit considered a DUI for drivers age 21 and older?
Answer: More than 5 nanograms of active THC per milliliter. The handbook states that for adults, a DUI is triggered when active THC exceeds 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood.
Washington Driver Guide, page 10: “For drivers age 21 and older, having more than 5 nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood in their system is considered a DUI and can result in legal consequences.”
7. Under the intermediate driver license restrictions for teens aged 16 and 17, during the first six months from the issue date, which passengers are permitted besides immediate family members?
Answer: No passengers under age 20 are permitted except immediate family members. The handbook states that for the first six months, no passengers under age 20 are allowed unless they are immediate family members.
Washington Driver Guide, page 6: “From Issue Date to 6 Months No passengers under age 20 except immediate family members”
8. According to the handbook, which hand position is recommended specifically when backing a vehicle?
Answer: The 12 position. The handbook states that the 12 position is the recommended hand placement for backing up.
Washington Driver Guide, page 19: “The 12 position is recommended only when backing a vehicle.”
9. How long can a driver's license be suspended if they refuse to be tested for alcohol or drugs?
Answer: 90 to 730 days, or until age 21, whichever is longer. The handbook defines the suspension period for refusing a test as a range of days or until the driver turns 21, depending on which duration is longer.
Washington Driver Guide, page 10: “If you refuse to be tested, you could lose your driving privilege for 90 to 730 days, or until you reach age 21, whichever is longer.”
10. What does a dashed white line between lanes of traffic indicate?
Answer: You can cross it to change lanes if it is safe. The handbook states that dashed white lines allow lane changes when safe, distinguishing them from solid lines.
Washington Driver Guide, page 52: “A dashed white line between lanes of traffic means you can cross it to change lanes if it is safe.”
11. When parking facing up a hill with a tall curb, how should you position your steering wheel?
Answer: Turn your steering wheel away from the curb until the back of your front tire touches the curb. The handbook specifies that for tall curbs when facing uphill, the wheels should be turned away from the curb so the tire contacts the back of the curb.
Washington Driver Guide, page 58: “On hills with tall curbs, turn your steering wheel away from the curb until the back of your front tire touches the curb.”
12. What is the consequence for a second traffic violation committed by an intermediate driver license holder?
Answer: License is suspended for 6 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. The handbook outlines specific penalties, stating that a second violation results in a suspension lasting either 6 months or until the driver turns 18.
Washington Driver Guide, page 6: “2nd Violation: License is suspended for 6 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.”
13. When parking facing down a hill, what is the correct steering wheel position?
Answer: Turn your steering wheel toward the curb until the front of your front tire touches the curb. The handbook instructs drivers facing downhill to turn the wheel toward the curb so the front tire contacts it.
Washington Driver Guide, page 58: “Facing down the hill Turn your steering wheel toward the curb until the front of your front tire touches the curb.”
14. Under what specific conditions are you permitted to drive inside a marked bicycle lane?
Answer: Only when turning or crossing the lane to park near the curb. The handbook restricts driving in bike lanes to specific maneuvers like turning or parking, rather than general travel or passing.
Washington Driver Guide, page 39: “Drive in bicycle lanes only when turning or crossing the lane to park near the curb.”
15. What is the minimum tire tread depth recommended in the handbook?
Answer: 2/32 of an inch. The handbook specifies that tire tread must not be less than 2/32 of an inch to ensure safety.
Washington Driver Guide, page 15: “Tire tread shouldn't be less than 2/32 of an inch.”
16. How should a driver behave when zipper merging during a lane closure?
Answer: Stay in your lane and continue using both lanes until reaching the designated merge area. The instructions for zipper merging specifically advise staying in the current lane until the designated merge point is reached.
Washington Driver Guide, page 64: “Stay in your lane. Continue using both lanes until you reach the designated merge area.”
17. Why might a motorcyclist's brake lights not illuminate when they are slowing down?
Answer: Motorcyclists might use the throttle and not their brakes. The handbook explains that motorcyclists may slow down by reducing throttle rather than applying brakes, which means brake lights may not activate.
Washington Driver Guide, page 38: “When slowing down, motorcyclists might use the throttle and not their brakes, so brake lights wouldn’t be visible.”
18. Which of the following is listed as a characteristic of a good driver in the conclusion section?
Answer: Focused. The handbook lists 'Focused' as one of the specific traits of good drivers, defined as eliminating distractions and concentrating on driving.
Washington Driver Guide, page 75: “Good drivers are: Alert. Always aware of their surroundings and potential hazards. Buckled. Properly restrained with seat belts for every trip. Calm. Avoiding aggressive behavior and managing emotions behind the wheel. Focused. Eliminating distractions and concentrating on driving. Sober. Never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
19. How far should your chest be from the steering wheel to allow space for the airbag?
Answer: At least 10 inches. The handbook advises maintaining a distance of at least 10 inches between the chest and the steering wheel for proper airbag function.
Washington Driver Guide, page 16: “Your chest should be at least 10 inches from the steering wheel to leave space for the airbag.”
20. What is the recommended method for opening a vehicle door to protect bicyclists?
Answer: Use the hand farthest from the door. The handbook describes the Dutch Reach method, which involves using the far hand to force a body turn for better visibility and safety.
Washington Driver Guide, page 56: “Open the door with your hand that’s farthest from the door. This is called the “Dutch Reach” method.”