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Washington permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for Washington, based on the Washington driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

At what distance from an oncoming vehicle must a driver dim high beams?

  1. Only when the other driver flashes you
  2. Once within 500 feet of it
  3. Once within 100 feet of it
  4. Once within 1,000 feet of it
Show answer

Answer: B. Once within 500 feet of it

Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming car. Also dim them within 300 feet when following another car.

Sources: RCW 46.37.230; Driver handbook, 2.5 Headlights

Question 2

How far behind a broken-down car should warning flares be placed?

  1. 50 to 100 feet
  2. 200 to 300 feet
  3. 500 to 600 feet
  4. 20 to 30 feet
Show answer

Answer: B. 200 to 300 feet

Place flares well back from a disabled car, about 200 to 300 feet, so approaching drivers have time to slow. Also turn on hazard lights and stand somewhere safe.

Sources: Driver handbook, 5.7 Vehicle failures

Question 3

You drive on an ocean beach in Grays Harbor County, on hard-packed sand. What is the speed limit?

  1. 15 mph, the beach limit elsewhere
  2. 25 mph on the beach
  3. 45 mph, a highway pace
  4. 35 mph on firm sand
Show answer

Answer: B. 25 mph on the beach

Beach driving is limited to two counties, Grays Harbor and Pacific, and the top speed on the sand is 25 mph.

Sources: Driver handbook, 4.20 Beaches

Question 4

How close to a stop sign may a driver park on the approach side?

  1. Not within 30 feet
  2. Not within 50 feet
  3. Not within 15 feet
  4. Not within 20 feet
Show answer

Answer: A. Not within 30 feet

A driver may not park within 30 feet of the approach to a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal, so those controls stay visible to other drivers.

Sources: RCW 46.61.570; Driver handbook, 4.18 General parking rules

Question 5

You moved to a new apartment last week. How soon must you tell the Department of Licensing your new address?

  1. Only if you move to a new city
  2. At your next license renewal
  3. Within 30 days of the move
  4. Within 10 days of the move
Show answer

Answer: D. Within 10 days of the move

A licensed driver who moves must notify the Department of Licensing of the new address within 10 days. Changing a license address does not change the vehicle address.

Sources: RCW 46.20.205; Driver handbook, 1.16 Additional services

Question 6

At a red light with no sign about turns and clear traffic, what is a driver allowed to do about a right turn?

  1. Turn right after a full stop when it is safe
  2. Wait for the green light
  3. Turn right only if a police officer waves you
  4. Turn right without stopping if no one is near
Show answer

Answer: A. Turn right after a full stop when it is safe

After a complete stop at a red light, a driver may turn right on red unless a sign prohibits it, and must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Sources: RCW 46.61.055; Driver handbook, 4.11 Solid red

Question 7

You find a spot 25 feet before a stop sign on your side of the street. Is it legal to park there?

  1. No, parking within 30 feet of it is banned
  2. Yes, 25 feet is far enough away
  3. Yes, if you leave the engine running
  4. Yes, because stop signs only affect moving cars
Show answer

Answer: A. No, parking within 30 feet of it is banned

A driver may not park within 30 feet of the approach to a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal. The space keeps those controls visible to approaching drivers.

Sources: RCW 46.61.570; Driver handbook, 4.18 General parking rules

Question 8

You ride a moped on a city street in Washington. Is a helmet required?

  1. No, helmets are needed only on freeways
  2. Yes, with the chin strap fastened
  3. No, helmets are optional for adults
  4. No, helmets are needed only on motorcycles
Show answer

Answer: B. Yes, with the chin strap fastened

A rider on a motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle must wear a helmet on state highways, county roads, and city streets, with the chin strap fastened while moving.

Sources: RCW 46.37.530

Question 9

What is the best first response when a front tire blows out at highway speed?

  1. Grip the wheel and ease off the gas
  2. Turn sharply onto the shoulder
  3. Shift to neutral and coast to a stop
  4. Brake as hard as you possibly can
Show answer

Answer: A. Grip the wheel and ease off the gas

After a tire blowout, grip the wheel firmly, keep the car straight, take your foot off the gas, and slow gradually without hard braking. Then pull off safely.

Sources: Driver handbook, 5.7 Tires

Question 10

How wide must a solid yellow marked median be, and what may drivers do with it?

  1. At least 12 inches wide, and drivers may use it to pass
  2. At least 6 inches wide, and drivers may turn across it
  3. At least 3 feet wide, and it only separates bike lanes
  4. At least 18 inches wide, and drivers must not cross or drive on it
Show answer

Answer: D. At least 18 inches wide, and drivers must not cross or drive on it

A median may be marked with solid yellow lines at least 18 inches wide, or with crosshatching between solid lines. It is illegal to drive on, over, or across it except at openings.

Sources: RCW 46.61.150; Driver handbook, 4.16 Lanes

More Washington practice

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