Washington Phones & Distraction practice test

Key Washington facts: Phones & Distraction

• No driver of any age may hold an electronic device such as a phone or tablet while driving. Chapter 3, 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving
• Hands-free use is permitted for fully licensed drivers, though it can still distract. Chapter 3, 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving
• Instruction permit and intermediate license holders may not use a phone or mobile device while driving, even hands-free. Chapter 3, 3.0 You Behind the Wheel: Seeing at night and Hearing
• Distracted driving fines after a first violation can be doubled. Chapter 3, 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving
• Driving while wearing earbuds, headphones or headsets that play sound or block noise is illegal. Chapter 3, 3.0 You Behind the Wheel: Seeing at night and Hearing

Sample Phones & Distraction questions

Which listening device may a driver legally use, if it meets state rules?

• Noise-canceling headphones
• A hands-free device in one ear
• Earbuds in both ears
• A full headset over both ears

Show the answer

A hands-free device in one ear

A one-ear hands-free device that meets WAC 204-10-045 is allowed.

Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.0 You Behind the Wheel: Seeing at night and Hearing

You are entering a work zone. How can you cut distractions?

• Turn up the music
• Check your messages
• Turn down the music and pause conversations
• Make a phone call

Show the answer

Turn down the music and pause conversations

Lower the music and stop talking so you can focus on workers and changing lanes.

Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 4, 4.17 Zones: Work zone

Your small dog wants to sit on your lap while you drive. Why is that a problem?

• It is fine if the dog is calm
• Only if the trip is long
• It is a distraction, and distracting activities are illegal

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

Daydreaming while driving is an example of which kind of distraction?

• An outside distraction
• A mental distraction
• A physical distraction

Show the answer

A mental distraction

Daydreaming, worry and strong emotions pull your mind away from driving.

Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving

Who in Washington may hold a cell phone while driving?

• Drivers on rural roads
• Drivers over 21
• No driver of any age
• Drivers with 5 years of experience

Show the answer

No driver of any age

The ban on holding electronic devices covers every driver.

Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving

You are a fully licensed adult. May you use a phone in hands-free mode while driving?

• No, never
• Yes, but it can still distract you
• Only while stopped at a light

Show the answer

Yes, but it can still distract you

Hands-free use is permitted, but anything that takes your mind off the road is risky.

Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving

You get a second ticket for distracted driving. What can happen to the fine?

• It can be doubled
• It stays the same
• It is cut in half
• It is waived

Show the answer

It can be doubled

Fines after a first violation can be doubled.

Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving

May a driver with a Washington instruction permit use a hands-free phone while driving?

• Yes, if a parent is in the car
• No, not even hands-free
• Yes, if it is mounted
• Yes, for music only

Show the answer

No, not even hands-free

Permit and intermediate license holders may not use phones while driving, except to report an emergency.

Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.0 You Behind the Wheel: Seeing at night and Hearing

Is it legal to drive while wearing noise-canceling headphones?

• Yes, if the windows are open
• No, that is against the law
• Yes, on the freeway
• Yes, at low volume

Show the answer

No, that is against the law

Driving with headphones or earbuds that play sound or cancel noise is illegal.

Source: Washington Driver Guide, Chapter 3, 3.0 You Behind the Wheel: Seeing at night and Hearing

May you drive while wearing headphones over both ears?

• Yes, on highways only
• Yes, if the volume is low
• No, you need to hear horns and sirens

Show the answer

No, you need to hear horns and sirens

Covering both ears blocks warning sounds such as sirens and horns, so it is not allowed while driving.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 1, Introduction to Driving: Hearing; Washington Driver Guide, Hearing, PDF p. 70; Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Driver Factors: Distractions; Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Before You Drive: Equipment Not Permitted, PDF p. 47; Ohio Revised Code, Section 4511.84, Earphones or earplugs on operator prohibited; Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 6, Illegal driver behaviors in Minnesota, p. 79; MDPS Driver's License Manual, Emotional Distractions, PDF p. 24; Montana Driver Manual (Form 25-0100, revised April 2024), Chapter 5, Seeing Well, PDF p. 61; Maine Driver's License Manual (Rev 4/24), Section 3, Vision and Hearing (no headsets or ear buds), PDF p. 23; D.C. Official Code § 50, D.C. Official Code § 50-1731.04(c)

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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.