20 questions from the Washington Driver Guide. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the correct procedure for reaching for your driver license when an officer approaches your vehicle?
Answer: Wait for the officer’s instructions before reaching for your documents. Drivers must wait until instructed by the officer before making any movements to retrieve their identification documents.
Washington Driver Guide, page 74: “Wait for the officer’s instructions before reaching for your driver license or vehicle documents.”
2. How does the handbook describe the effect of higher speeds on your types of vision?
Answer: Higher speeds reduce the quality of each type of vision. The handbook states that increasing speed negatively impacts the quality of all three types of vision mentioned.
Washington Driver Guide, page 65: “Higher speeds reduce the quality of each type of vision.”
3. When navigating a roundabout as a vehicle, where should a bicyclist ride to increase visibility?
Answer: In the middle of the lane. The handbook advises bicyclists traveling as vehicles to ride in the middle of the lane to ensure drivers see them.
Washington Driver Guide, page 50: “When traveling as a vehicle, bicyclists should ride in the middle of the lane to increase their visibility to drivers.”
4. What is the consequence for a driver's second violation of the distracted driving law in Washington State?
Answer: The fines are doubled. The handbook specifies that fines can be doubled after the first violation, distinguishing this penalty from other potential outcomes.
Washington Driver Guide, page 32: “Fines after your first violation can be doubled.”
5. 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.”
6. 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.”
7. What should a driver do regarding speed when exiting a curve?
Answer: Accelerate gradually back to desired speed. The instructions specify that drivers should gently accelerate back to their desired speed as they exit a curve to maintain stability.
Washington Driver Guide, page 68: “As you exit the curve, gently accelerate back to your desired speed.”
8. 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.”
9. 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.”
10. According to the handbook, what is the recommended method for checking blind zones when turning?
Answer: Keep the steering wheel straight while turning your head. The handbook instructs drivers to keep the steering wheel straight while turning their head to check blind zones.
Washington Driver Guide, page 21: “Note: When turning your head to look, keep the steering wheel straight.”
11. What is the required seating position for children aged 2 to 4 years?
Answer: They must ride in a car seat with a rear- or forward-facing harness. The handbook specifies that children in this age group must use a car seat equipped with a rear- or forward-facing harness.
Washington Driver Guide, page 17: “Forward-facing Ages 2 to 4 years must ride in a car seat with a rear- or forward-facing harness.”
12. 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.”
13. Where should a driver place their hands on the steering wheel for best control?
Answer: Outside the wheel, on the top half. The handbook directs drivers to place hands outside the wheel on the top half to ensure optimal control.
Washington Driver Guide, page 18: “Place your hands outside the wheel, on the top half of the steering wheel. This will give you the best control.”
14. 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.”
15. What is the primary responsibility of a driver regarding blind zones?
Answer: It is your responsibility to be aware of everything in your blind zones. The handbook clearly states that the driver is responsible for being aware of everything in their blind zones.
Washington Driver Guide, page 21: “It's your responsibility to be aware of everything in your blind zones.”
16. According to the handbook, what is the recommended duration for a nap if a solo driver feels tired during a trip?
Answer: 20 minutes. The handbook specifies taking a 20-minute nap when traveling alone and feeling tired.
Washington Driver Guide, page 26: “If you’re traveling alone and start to feel tired, pull off the road and take a 20-minute nap.”
17. 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.”
18. According to the handbook, which type of vision is defined as seeing detail straight in front of you?
Answer: Central vision. The handbook defines central vision as the ability to see details directly ahead, distinguishing it from peripheral and fringe vision.
Washington Driver Guide, page 65: “Central vision allows you to see detail straight in front of you.”
19. What characterizes an uncontrolled intersection?
Answer: An intersection without traffic signals or signs. The handbook defines an uncontrolled intersection as one that lacks both traffic signals and signs.
Washington Driver Guide, page 79: “Uncontrolled intersection: An intersection without traffic signals or signs.”
20. 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.”