Review 1 · Vehicle familiarization
You borrow a car whose lights and wiper controls differ from yours. When should you learn how those controls work?
Correct answer: While parked, before joining traffic
Learn the borrowed vehicle's controls and consult its owner instructions before driving. Searching for them in traffic divides attention when conditions may already be demanding.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.4 Know Your Vehicle—Functions. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 2 · Vehicle warnings
A new warning indicator appears before a trip, but the car still seems to drive normally. What is the sensible next step?
Correct answer: Identify the warning using the vehicle instructions and address it appropriately
Vehicle warnings can identify trouble before obvious handling changes occur. Use the actual car's instructions to understand the warning rather than assuming every indicator has the same urgency or meaning.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 3 · Winter visibility
Before departure, you clear a small opening in the windshield but leave frost on the side and rear windows. What is still needed?
Correct answer: Clear the obstructed windows before driving
The guide calls for clearing snow, ice and frost from all windows before departure. A narrow forward opening does not provide the view needed for traffic checks.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Glass Surfaces. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 4 · Shoulder-belt position
An adult passenger has placed the shoulder belt behind their back while leaving the lap belt buckled. Is that the intended use of the belt?
Correct answer: No; the shoulder portion should lie properly across the shoulder and chest
The shoulder portion is intended to restrain the upper body across the shoulder and chest. Routing it behind the back or under the arm defeats its intended fit.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.6 Occupant Protection—Seat Belts. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 5 · Braking and weight transfer
During a strong forward-moving slowdown, where does the vehicle's load tend to shift?
Correct answer: Toward the front
Braking transfers load toward the front, while acceleration tends to transfer load toward the rear. Smooth control helps maintain the vehicle's balance.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.10 Balanced Weight—Pitch. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 6 · Outside departure check
Before entering a parked car, you notice that children have been playing nearby. What should be part of your departure preparation?
Correct answer: Check around the vehicle for children and other obstructions
An outside check can reveal people, pets and objects that are difficult to see once seated. Do not rely on a limited mirror view to establish that the area is clear.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.14 Before You Go. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 7 · Nonprescription medicine warnings
An allergy medicine is sold without a prescription. Does that fact alone establish that it cannot impair driving?
Correct answer: No; check its warnings and effects before driving
Some nonprescription medicines affect attention or reactions. Read the label and ask a pharmacist or clinician about driving precautions.
Source: FDA, Medicines That Might Affect Driving; How to Avoid Impaired Driving; full current reader body read September 13, 2026. Handbook context: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 3.1 Impaired Driving—Medications and Driving. https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf#page=74 · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 8 · Planning for alertness
Two routes take similar driving time, but only one plan includes realistic rest opportunities. Which preparation better supports a long trip?
Correct answer: Allow time for rest and suitable stopping places
Adequate sleep and planned breaks support alertness. A fuel range or tight schedule does not measure how long a driver can safely stay attentive.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 3.1 Impaired Driving—Fatigue and Drowsy Driving, Before a Trip. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 9 · Distractions outside the car
You keep looking at an animated roadside advertisement and miss a change in traffic ahead. What does this show about distraction?
Correct answer: Something outside the car can distract you from driving
Flashing billboards and other roadside sights can pull your eyes away just as traffic changes. Glance quickly if you must, and keep your attention on the road ahead.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 10 · Checking beside a turn
Before turning across a bicycle lane, you have checked traffic ahead. What still needs attention?
Correct answer: Cyclists who may be beside or behind your vehicle
A cyclist can be in the bike lane beside or behind you when you turn right. Use the mirror plus a head check and let any rider go before you cut across.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 3.5 Smart Drivers—Scan to the Side and Behind. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 11 · Learning after a drive
After a drive, you remember braking abruptly for a hazard you noticed late. What is a useful way to learn from it?
Correct answer: Review what you missed and how to recognize the situation earlier
A late brake means you noticed the hazard later than you should have. Think about what clues you missed and when you could have seen them, so you react earlier next time.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 3.6 Respect and Responsibility—Self-Evaluation. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 12 · Selecting a merge gap
A proposed freeway merge would force the car already in the lane to brake sharply. What does that indicate?
Correct answer: The gap is not suitable for a smooth, safe merge
Choose space that permits merging without forcing abrupt avoidance by others. Signaling does not create a suitable gap.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 5.3 Merging. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 13 · Smooth control through a curve
While following a curve at an appropriate speed, a driver makes sudden steering and accelerator changes without any new hazard. Why is that undesirable?
Correct answer: Abrupt inputs can disturb the vehicle's balance and traction
Smooth steering and speed control help maintain balance in a curve. Avoid unnecessary abrupt inputs while remaining prepared to respond to changing conditions.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 5.6 Road and Driving Conditions—In the Curve. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 14 · A visible breakdown location
Vehicle trouble requires a stop, and a safe off-road area is reachable without losing control. Why prefer a place visible to approaching drivers over a spot just beyond a blind curve?
Correct answer: Approaching drivers have a better chance to notice the stopped vehicle
When you can do so safely, stop away from traffic where approaching drivers can see the vehicle in time.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 5.7 Vehicle Failures. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 15 · Helping responders locate a crash
From a safe place, you call for help after a crash but do not know the street address. Which information is most useful?
Correct answer: The road, direction and nearby landmarks or mile markers you can identify
Give accurate location details and nearby identifiable references, then answer the dispatcher's questions. Do not replace uncertainty with an invented address.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 5.9 Collisions—Calling 911. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 16 · Driving position
After another person drives your car, you can no longer press the pedals comfortably while sitting upright. What should you do before moving?
Correct answer: Adjust the seat and controls for safe reach and visibility
Set up the driving position before departure so you can see clearly and operate the pedals comfortably. Another driver's adjustment is not necessarily suitable for you.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Driver's Seat. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 17 · Recommended tire pressure
The pressure molded on a tire differs from the car's recommended cold inflation pressure. Which reference should you use for the car's specified inflation?
Correct answer: The vehicle's tire-information label or owner instructions
Use the vehicle manufacturer's specified cold pressure, not the figure on the tire sidewall. The source also notes that front and rear specifications can differ.
Source: NHTSA, Maintenance—Tire Pressure; Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure; full current reader body read September 13, 2026. Handbook context: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Tire Pressure. https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf#page=48 · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 18 · Unobstructed view
A hanging decoration blocks part of your view near the windshield, although the glass itself is clean. What is the appropriate correction?
Correct answer: Remove or reposition it so it cannot obstruct the driving view
Objects and decals can obstruct vision even on clean glass. Keep the driver's necessary view clear instead of planning to look around a preventable obstruction.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Glass Surfaces. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 19 · Airbags and seat belts
A passenger says the car's airbags make wearing a seat belt unnecessary. Which response is correct?
Correct answer: Airbags supplement properly worn seat belts; they do not replace them
Airbags and belts are designed to work together. The presence of an airbag does not remove the need for correct belt use.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.6 Occupant Protection—Airbags. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 20 · Vehicle-specific reference points
A parking reference that worked in your old car gives a different apparent position in a taller vehicle. What is the sound conclusion?
Correct answer: Learn the reference points for the vehicle you are actually using
Reference points depend on the vehicle and viewing position. Learn the references for the vehicle you are driving instead of assuming another car's references give the same clearance.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; Section 2.11 Vehicle Reference Points. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
