Washington Lanes & Turns practice test
Practice lane markings, turns, passing and merging: 34 questions based on the Washington Driver Guide, 12 of them on Washington's own rules.
Key Washington facts: Lanes & Turns
Sample Lanes & Turns questions
When are U-turns generally allowed in Washington?
Never on city streets Only on freeways Only at signals with a U-turn arrow Unless a sign forbids them, with clear visibility Show the answer
Unless a sign forbids them, with clear visibility
U-turns are usually allowed unless posted, but never where a curve or hilltop limits your view.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.14 Turning
What marking usually shows a reversible lane?
A row of white triangles A single solid yellow line A green painted surface Double-dashed white lines Show the answer
Double-dashed white lines
Reversible lanes are usually marked with double-dashed white lines; check the overhead signals before entering.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.16 Road markings
You entered a turn lane and then realize you want to go straight. What must you do?
Stop and back out of the lane Go straight anyway Cut across the lane lines Complete the turn Show the answer
Complete the turn
A turn lane commits you: finish the turn and find another way back.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.16 Road markings
Traffic ahead is slow. May you use the paved shoulder to pass?
Yes, on the right side only Yes, if you go slowly Yes, if the shoulder is wide No, unless officials or signs direct you to Show the answer
No, unless officials or signs direct you to
Shoulders are not for passing and are used only when directed.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.10 Traffic laws
A median is marked with 18-inch solid yellow lines with stripes between them. May you drive across it?
Yes, to make a U-turn Yes, to pass a slow truck No, crossing a median is illegal Yes, if traffic is light Show the answer
No, crossing a median is illegal
Driving within, over or across any median is not allowed.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.16 Road markings
The road you are on has no lane markings. Where should you drive?
On the left side Wherever traffic is lightest In the middle of the road As far right as you safely can 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
When may you drive in a bicycle lane?
During rush hour To pass slow traffic Whenever no bicyclists are present Only to turn or to reach the curb to park Show the answer
Only to turn or to reach the curb to park
Bike lanes are for bicycles; enter one only to turn or to cross it to park.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.6 Sharing with bicyclists
Which vehicle may use a Washington HOV lane even with only one person aboard?
A pickup truck A rental car A car towing a trailer A motorcycle Show the answer
A motorcycle
Motorcycles are allowed in HOV lanes; other vehicles must meet the posted occupancy.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.16 Road markings
May you use a shared center left-turn lane to pass a slow vehicle?
No, it is not for passing Yes, on a two-lane road Yes, during daylight Yes, if you signal Show the answer
No, it is not for passing
The center lane is only for left turns, and drivers from both directions use it.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.16 Road markings
A lane is closed ahead and traffic is slow. How does a zipper merge work?
Use both lanes to the merge point, then take turns Merge as early as possible and block the closed lane Drive on the shoulder to get ahead Stop and wait for an empty road Show the answer
Use both lanes to the merge point, then take turns
Keep using both lanes until the merge area, then alternate like the teeth of a zipper.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 5, 5.3 Merging
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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.
