Key Washington facts: Alcohol & Drugs
For a driver under 21, a BAC of 0.02 percent can bring DUI consequences. Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI) For drivers 21 and up, a blood level of active THC above 5 nanograms per milliliter counts as DUI. Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI) For drivers under 21, any active THC above zero in the blood can bring DUI consequences. Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI) Refusing a DUI test can suspend your license for between 90 and 730 days, or until age 21 if that is later. Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI) DUI law also covers being in physical control of a vehicle while impaired, even if it is parked. Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI) Sample Alcohol & Drugs questions
You drive a pickup with no trunk. Where may an opened bottle of wine ride?
In the center console In the truck bed Under the driver's seat In the glove box Show the answer
In the truck bed
Open alcohol or cannabis may travel only in a trunk or truck bed, out of the driver's reach.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Open container law
A passenger pours vodka into a water bottle with no label. Under the open container law, is that allowed?
No, hiding alcohol in unlabeled containers is an infraction Yes, if the cap is closed Yes, if the driver is sober Show the answer
No, hiding alcohol in unlabeled containers is an infraction
Disguising alcohol or cannabis in a container without a true label breaks the open container law.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Open container law
How long does an alcohol or drug offense stay on your Washington driving record?
3 years For life 10 years 5 years Show the answer
For life
These offenses remain on your record permanently.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI)
For a Washington driver aged 21 or older, what THC blood level counts as DUI?
More than 5 nanograms per milliliter More than 20 nanograms per milliliter Any amount above zero More than 1 nanogram per milliliter Show the answer
More than 5 nanograms per milliliter
Adults are over the limit with more than 5 ng of active THC per mL of blood.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI)
A 15-year-old is cited for a minor-in-possession alcohol offense. How can it affect their license?
It can be delayed until they are 17 It has no effect It is delayed until 25 They must wait until 21 Show the answer
It can be delayed until they are 17
An alcohol, drug or firearm offense can push back a minor's license until age 17.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Maintaining your license
Cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older. Is it legal for them to drive after using it?
Yes, if it was an edible Yes, if they waited one hour No, driving after using any cannabis is illegal 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
Which kind of impairment is most common in fatal crashes, according to Washington's driver guide?
Cannabis by itself Prescription medicine by itself Mixing more than one drug Alcohol by itself Show the answer
Mixing more than one drug
Combining substances is the most common impairment in fatal crashes, and the effects can be stronger together.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.1 Impaired Driving: Polydrug use and driving
You refuse a breath or blood test when an officer suspects DUI. How long could you lose your driving privilege?
30 days at most 90 to 730 days, or until 21 if longer Only 7 days Never, refusing has no penalty Show the answer
90 to 730 days, or until 21 if longer
Refusal can cost 90 to 730 days of driving, or until you turn 21 if that is longer.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI)
You are impaired and sitting in a parked car with the keys, able to start it. Can DUI law apply to you?
No, only if the engine is running Only on a freeway No, the car must be moving Yes, being in physical control counts Show the answer
Yes, being in physical control counts
Having the ability to control the engine or operation can count as physical control under DUI law.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 1, 1.15 Driving under the influence (DUI)
Which substance is most often involved in impaired-driving crashes?
Alcohol Energy drinks Caffeine Allergy medicine Show the answer
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most common impairing substance in these crashes.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.1 Impaired Driving: Alcohol and driving
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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.
