20 questions from the Washington Driver Guide. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. In a traffic calming circle, in which direction does traffic flow around the center island?
Answer: Counterclockwise. The handbook states that traffic flows counterclockwise around the center island in a traffic calming circle.
Washington Driver Guide, page 49: “A traffic calming circle is an intersection with a painted or raised center island that traffic flows counterclockwise around.”
2. Which of the following is permitted when driving on a two-lane road according to the general driving guidance?
Answer: Temporarily traveling on the left side to safely pass another vehicle. The handbook allows temporary left-side travel specifically for passing on two-lane roads, while other options describe prohibited actions.
Washington Driver Guide, page 41: “The only time you might temporarily travel on the left is if you are safely and legally passing another vehicle on a two-lane road.”
3. How far from the stop line are you if you stop when the line is under your side mirror?
Answer: About 3 to 6 inches. The handbook provides this specific measurement as a reference point for judging distance at intersections.
Washington Driver Guide, page 20: “At an intersection, stopping when the stop line is under your side mirror means you are about 3 to 6 inches from the line.”
4. According to the handbook, what is the definition of stopping distance?
Answer: The distance traveled from the moment a driver applies the brakes until the vehicle comes to a stop. The handbook defines stopping distance as the distance covered from brake application to a complete halt.
Washington Driver Guide, page 79: “Stopping distance: The distance traveled from the moment a driver applies the brakes until the vehicle comes to a stop.”
5. What color marking is typically used to identify a fire lane?
Answer: Red stripes or curb. The handbook specifies that fire lanes are identified by red stripes or a red curb to keep the path clear.
Washington Driver Guide, page 54: “Fire lanes are usually marked with red stripes or a red curb.”
6. What are the three typical causes of collisions listed in the handbook?
Answer: Too much speed, too little space, insufficient situational awareness. The handbook lists speed, spacing, and awareness as the three primary factors contributing to crashes.
Washington Driver Guide, page 71: “Collisions typically have three causes: Too much speed Too little space Insufficient situational awareness.”
7. When passing a bicyclist on a road with only one lane in each direction, what is the correct procedure?
Answer: Move into the other lane when there isn't any oncoming traffic. The handbook specifies that on single-lane roads, you must move into the opposing lane to pass a bicyclist, provided there is no oncoming traffic.
Washington Driver Guide, page 39: “If there's only 1 lane in each direction, move into the other lane when there isn't any oncoming traffic.”
8. When making a left turn, which side of the vehicle experiences increased weight due to centrifugal force?
Answer: The right side. The handbook explains that during a left turn, centrifugal force shifts weight to the outside, which is the right side of the vehicle.
Washington Driver Guide, page 20: “When you make a left turn, centrifugal force transfers the weight down on the outside or right side of your vehicle.”
9. What action should drivers take when a large vehicle is approaching a roundabout?
Answer: Give the large vehicle plenty of space. Drivers must provide ample space for large vehicles because they may need to use multiple lanes or cross the truck apron.
Washington Driver Guide, page 50: “Give large vehicles plenty of space as they are allowed to cross truck aprons and both lanes as they approach and drive through the intersection.”
10. According to the handbook, what is the required timeframe for filing a collision report form if a law enforcement officer does not do it for you?
Answer: Within 4 days. The handbook states that the form must be filed within 4 days if not handled by an officer.
Washington Driver Guide, page 72: “File a collision report form, within 4 days of a crash, if a law enforcement officer doesn't do this for you.”
11. How should a driver behave when approaching a light rail train station or line?
Answer: Leave at least one car length between your vehicle and light rail trains. The guidelines require maintaining a minimum distance of one car length from light rail trains to ensure safety.
Washington Driver Guide, page 40: “Leave at least one car length (or more) between your vehicle and light rail trains.”
12. What is the requirement for drivers who are required to wear corrective lenses?
Answer: Always wear them when driving. The handbook mandates that drivers requiring corrective lenses must always wear them while operating a vehicle.
Washington Driver Guide, page 23: “Always wear them when driving.”
13. When entering an uncontrolled intersection from a secondary road onto a state highway, what is the required action?
Answer: You must yield the right-of-way. The handbook lists entering or crossing a state highway from a secondary road as a specific condition where you must yield the right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection.
Washington Driver Guide, page 51: “You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road.”
14. If there are no markings on the road, where should you position your vehicle?
Answer: Stay as close to the right side as safely possible. The handbook instructs drivers to stay close to the right side when no pavement markings are present.
Washington Driver Guide, page 51: “If there are no markings on the road, stay as close to the right side as safely possible.”
15. Who has the authority to overrule traffic signals in special circumstances?
Answer: Law enforcement, construction workers, maintenance personnel, and school crossing guards. The handbook lists specific personnel who can direct traffic and override signals, distinguishing them from general pedestrians or limited groups.
Washington Driver Guide, page 42: “In special circumstances, law enforcement, construction workers, maintenance personnel, and school crossing guards can direct traffic. These people can overrule traffic signals, and their orders or directions must be followed.”
16. What is the primary reason given for putting your phone away before driving?
Answer: To keep your full attention on the road. The handbook states that putting your phone away helps keep full attention on the road, which allows for faster reactions and better decision-making.
Washington Driver Guide, page 31: “By keeping your full attention on the road, you can: React faster.”
17. What does a steady yellow X indicate on an overhead sign for a reversible lane?
Answer: The lane is changing direction and you should move out. The handbook states that a steady yellow X signals the lane is changing direction, requiring drivers to exit safely.
Washington Driver Guide, page 53: “A steady yellow X means the lane is changing direction, and you should move out of the lane as soon as it’s safe.”
18. Which of the following is listed as a specific consequence of driving at excessive speeds?
Answer: It reduces the effectiveness of seat belts. The handbook states that seat belt effectiveness decreases at higher speeds, making option C the correct choice while others contradict the handbook.
Washington Driver Guide, page 62: “Seat belts are designed to protect you in a crash, but their effectiveness decreases at higher speeds.”
19. What is the consequence of refusing to sign a traffic ticket?
Answer: It could result in your arrest. The handbook states that refusing to sign the ticket can lead to arrest, distinguishing this from other consequences like suspension or fines.
Washington Driver Guide, page 75: “However, refusing to sign a traffic ticket could result in your arrest.”
20. What action must a driver take immediately upon seeing or hearing an emergency vehicle using lights and/or sirens?
Answer: Pull your vehicle to the right side of the road and stop. Drivers are required to immediately pull to the right and stop when encountering an emergency vehicle with active signals.
Washington Driver Guide, page 41: “As soon as you see or hear the signals, immediately pull your vehicle to the right side of the road and stop.”