20 questions from the Washington Driver Guide. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. How should a driver position their vehicle when approaching a curve?
Answer: Position the vehicle slightly to the outside of the lane. The handbook advises positioning the vehicle slightly to the outside of the lane when approaching a curve to improve visibility and maneuverability.
Washington Driver Guide, page 67: “Position your vehicle slightly to the outside of the lane as you approach the curve.”
4. According to the handbook, what specific action should a driver take to avoid glare from oncoming headlights while driving at night?
Answer: Watch the right edge of the road and use it as a steering guide. The handbook instructs drivers to use the right edge of the road as a visual guide to mitigate glare from oncoming traffic.
Washington Driver Guide, page 23: “Avoid the glare of oncoming lights by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.”
5. What should you do for injured people to help prevent them from going into shock?
Answer: Cover them with a blanket or coat. The handbook advises covering injured individuals with blankets or coats to maintain body temperature and prevent shock.
Washington Driver Guide, page 72: “Cover injured people with a blanket or coat to keep them warm and to help prevent them from going into shock.”
6. 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.”
7. 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.”
8. When passing an agricultural vehicle, what is the minimum required distance between the widest part of your vehicle and the agricultural vehicle?
Answer: At least 3 feet. The handbook states a minimum clearance of 3 feet is required when passing these vehicles.
Washington Driver Guide, page 41: “As you pass, there should be at least 3 feet between the widest part of your vehicle and the agricultural vehicle.”
9. What is the specific restriction for drivers holding an instruction permit or intermediate license regarding electronic devices?
Answer: They cannot use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving, even if it is hands-free. The handbook specifies a complete ban on mobile device usage for permit and intermediate license holders, including hands-free options.
Washington Driver Guide, page 24: “Remember: If you have an instruction permit or intermediate license, you cannot use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving, even if it is hands-free.”
10. 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.”
11. 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.”
12. Where is driving allowed on ocean beaches in Washington State?
Answer: Only in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties. The handbook limits beach driving specifically to Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties.
Washington Driver Guide, page 60: “Driving is allowed on ocean beaches only in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties.”
13. 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.”
14. What is the required procedure for a vehicle turning left at an intersection?
Answer: Yield the right-of-way to vehicles going straight or turning right. Left-turning vehicles must yield to straight-moving traffic and right-turning vehicles.
Washington Driver Guide, page 48: “Any vehicle turning left must yield the right-of-way to vehicles going straight or turning right.”
15. Which of the following is listed as a benefit of keeping your full attention on the road?
Answer: Reduced stress and fatigue. The handbook lists reducing stress and fatigue as one of the specific benefits of maintaining full attention while driving.
Washington Driver Guide, page 31: “By keeping your full attention on the road, you can: React faster. Make better decisions. Improve situational awareness. Reduce stress and fatigue.”
16. What is the recommended action regarding injured people who are not in immediate danger, such as a burning vehicle?
Answer: Do not move them unless necessary. The handbook advises against moving injured persons unless there is an immediate danger like fire.
Washington Driver Guide, page 72: “Do not move injured people unless they’re in a burning vehicle or otherwise in immediate danger.”
17. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure if a power line comes in contact with your vehicle?
Answer: Stay inside the vehicle and call 911. The handbook instructs drivers to remain inside the vehicle and call 911 when power lines contact their car.
Washington Driver Guide, page 73: “If a power line comes in contact with your vehicle, do not get out of the vehicle. If a collision involves power lines, you need to take special precautions. Turn off your engine, call 911, and stay inside your vehicle until emergency responders arrive.”
18. What is the maximum speed limit allowed when driving on ocean beaches in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties?
Answer: 25 mph. The handbook clearly defines the speed limit for beach driving in these specific counties as 25 mph.
Washington Driver Guide, page 60: “The speed limit is 25 mph, and pedestrians and bicyclists have the right-of-way at all times.”
19. How should a driver respond to a speed warning sign indicating a recommended speed change?
Answer: Adjust your speed appropriately given all factors and follow the speed warning limit. The handbook instructs drivers to adjust their speed based on various factors and adhere to the limit suggested by the warning sign.
Washington Driver Guide, page 44: “Adjust your speed appropriately given all factors (road, weather, traffic, etc.) and follow the speed warning limit.”
20. 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.”