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; physical PDF page 44; Section 2.4 Know Your Vehicle—Functions. ↗
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; physical PDF page 51; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Driver's Seat. ↗
Mud covers a sensor used by your car's driver-assistance system. Why should you not assume that its usual warnings remain reliable?
Correct answer: An obstructed sensor can limit the system's detection
The guide identifies dirty sensors as a limitation of assistance technology. Follow the vehicle instructions for the equipment and keep observing the road yourself.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 45; Section 2.4 Know Your Vehicle—Vehicle Safety Technology. ↗
Your car's assistance display shows no warning, but a person on a bicycle may be alongside the car. What should determine whether it is safe to turn?
Correct answer: Your visual checks and the actual traffic situation
A detection system may miss a person walking or riding. A quiet warning display does not establish a clear path; the driver must check the actual surroundings.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 45; Section 2.4 Know Your Vehicle—Vehicle Safety Technology. ↗
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; physical PDF page 47; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance. ↗
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; physical PDF page 48; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Tire Pressure. https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf#page=48 ↗
Your car's tire-pressure warning is off. Does that remove the need for regular pressure checks?
Correct answer: No; the warning does not replace routine gauge checks
TPMS generally warns of significant underinflation; it is not a substitute for regular tire maintenance and pressure measurement.
Source: NHTSA, Maintenance—Tire Pressure; Tire Pressure Monitoring System; full current reader body read September 13, 2026. Handbook context: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 48; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Tires. https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf#page=48 ↗
Two tires hold the recommended pressure, but one has badly worn tread. Why does correct pressure not settle whether that tire is safe?
Correct answer: Worn tread can reduce grip, particularly on wet roads
Pressure and tread condition are different safety checks. Worn tread reduces the tire's ability to provide needed grip; inflation does not replace missing tread.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 48; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Tire Tread. ↗
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; physical PDF page 48; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Glass Surfaces. ↗
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; physical PDF page 48; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Glass Surfaces. ↗
In this car, the daytime running lamps illuminate the front but do not switch on the taillights. As daylight fades, what should the driver remember?
Correct answer: Select the proper lighting so the rear is illuminated too
The scenario states this vehicle's lighting arrangement. Do not mistake front running lamps for confirmation that the required rear lighting is operating; learn and use the actual controls.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 49; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Headlights. ↗
You complete a turn, but the signal continues flashing as you approach another driveway. What should you do?
Correct answer: Cancel it so other people are not misled about another turn
A signal left operating can communicate a turn that you do not intend. Check that it has stopped after the maneuver.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 50; Section 2.5 Vehicle Maintenance—Turn Signals. ↗
