The Washington knowledge test
Passing score 32 of 40 (80%)
Practice test 40 questions The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) sets this passing score .
Practice by topic
Road Signs What signs mean and what to do when you see them Right-of-Way Who goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts Traffic Signals Lights, arrows and pedestrian signals Lanes & Turns Lane markings, turns, passing and merging Speed Limits Limits and how to adjust your speed Parking Curb colors, hills and where you can't park Safe Driving Following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road Alcohol & Drugs Blood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication Emergencies Breakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings License Rules Permits, restrictions for new drivers and points Insurance & Collisions Required coverage and what to do after a crash Phones & Distraction Phone rules and other distractions Sample Washington practice questions
Roundabouts are designed for what range of speeds?
15 to 25 mph 45 to 55 mph 30 to 40 mph 5 to 10 mph Show the answer
15 to 25 mph
Slow down as you approach; roundabouts are built for 15 to 25 mph.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.15 Other intersections
You are hauling furniture in a trailer. What must you do?
Tie it down so nothing can fall onto the road Drive faster to finish the trip Leave it loose so it can shift Show the answer
Tie it down so nothing can fall onto the road
Driving with an unsecured load is illegal and can cause a crash.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.19 Transporting
You have stopped at a red light and want to turn left onto a one-way street. No sign forbids it. What may you do?
Turn only if a police officer waves you on Wait for the green light only Turn left when it is clear Turn left without stopping first Show the answer
Turn left when it is clear
After a full stop, a left turn onto a one-way street is allowed on red when no sign bans it and there is room.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.11 Traffic light signals
The road you are on has no lane markings. Where should you drive?
As far right as you safely can On the left side In the middle of the road Wherever traffic is lightest Show the answer
As far right as you safely can
Without markings, keep as close to the right side as safety allows.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.16 Road markings
You are merging onto an interstate from the on-ramp. Who has the right-of-way?
You, the merging driver Whoever is in the larger vehicle Drivers already on the interstate Show the answer
Drivers already on the interstate
Traffic already on the interstate goes first, so adjust your speed to find a gap.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 5, 5.3 Merging
Cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older. Is it legal for them to drive after using it?
Yes, if they waited one hour No, driving after using any cannabis is illegal Yes, if it was an edible Yes, on rural roads Show the answer
No, driving after using any cannabis is illegal
Recreational use is legal at 21, but driving after any cannabis use is illegal at every age.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.1 Impaired Driving: Cannabis and driving
A crash victim is conscious and asks for water. What should you do?
Give them coffee to keep them alert Give them a small drink of water Give them a sports drink Give nothing to drink and keep them warm Show the answer
Give nothing to drink and keep them warm
Injured people should get nothing to drink. A coat or blanket helps prevent shock.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 5, 5.9 Collisions
Your Washington license expired 9 years ago. What must you do to get licensed again?
Retake only the knowledge exam Pay a late fee only Pass a vision screening only Retake both the knowledge and skills exams Show the answer
Retake both the knowledge and skills exams
Once a license has been expired 8 years or more, both exams have to be taken again.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Maintaining your license
Your small dog wants to sit on your lap while you drive. Why is that a problem?
It is a distraction, and distracting activities are illegal Only if the trip is long It is fine if the dog is calm Show the answer
It is a distraction, and distracting activities are illegal
An animal loose in the car or on your lap takes your focus off driving.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.19 Transporting
You witness road rage happening right now. What should you do?
Post about it while driving Confront the driver Call 911 when it is safe Follow the driver Show the answer
Call 911 when it is safe
Report in-progress road rage to 911 with the location, plate and vehicle details.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.1 Aggressive driving and road rage
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Washington Driver Guide (PDF 520-400 (R/4/25), July 2025, linked from https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-and-testing/driver-guides, read 2026-11-07 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
