DMV Practice LabChange state
WAWashington

WA Permit practice Updated for 2026

Washington DOL Knowledge Test Practice

Your Washington test at a glance

Car learner knowledge exam

Knowledge test

Questions
40
Correct to pass
32
Passing score
Not published by Washington DOL
Mistakes allowed
8
Washington DOL source (opens in a new tab)Verified
Sources & exam details
  • Eight mistakes is derived from 40 minus 32; the reviewed test page gives counts rather than a numeric passing percentage.
  • Availability of a particular language must be confirmed with the testing location.
  • Age 15.5 applies to obtaining a permit by taking the knowledge exam without an approved driver-training course; students in driver training may qualify for a permit at 15 without that exam.

Independent practice. Read it alongside the official handbook.

Free practiceAnswer explanations
15 practice testsFree no account neededLearn & review at your own pace

Washington Safety Practice 1

Practice mode
Question 1 of 15
  1. 1. You borrow a car whose lights and wiper controls differ from yours. When should you learn how those controls work?
  2. 2. A new warning indicator appears before a trip, but the car still seems to drive normally. What is the sensible next step?
  3. 3. Before departure, you clear a small opening in the windshield but leave frost on the side and rear windows. What is still needed?
  4. 4. 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?
  5. 5. During a strong forward-moving slowdown, where does the vehicle's load tend to shift?
  6. 6. Before entering a parked car, you notice that children have been playing nearby. What should be part of your departure preparation?
  7. 7. An allergy medicine is sold without a prescription. Does that fact alone establish that it cannot impair driving?
  8. 8. Two routes take similar driving time, but only one plan includes realistic rest opportunities. Which preparation better supports a long trip?
  9. 9. You keep looking at an animated roadside advertisement and miss a change in traffic ahead. What does this show about distraction?
  10. 10. Before turning across a bicycle lane, you have checked traffic ahead. What still needs attention?
  11. 11. After a drive, you remember braking abruptly for a hazard you noticed late. What is a useful way to learn from it?
  12. 12. A proposed freeway merge would force the car already in the lane to brake sharply. What does that indicate?
  13. 13. While following a curve at an appropriate speed, a driver makes sudden steering and accelerator changes without any new hazard. Why is that undesirable?
  14. 14. 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?
  15. 15. From a safe place, you call for help after a crash but do not know the street address. Which information is most useful?
Review all 15 questions with answers

  1. 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. ↗

  2. 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. ↗

  3. 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. ↗

  4. 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; physical PDF page 52; Section 2.6 Occupant Protection—Seat Belts. ↗

  5. 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; physical PDF page 60; Section 2.10 Balanced Weight—Pitch. ↗

  6. 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; physical PDF page 66; Section 2.14 Before You Go. ↗

  7. 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; physical PDF page 74; Section 3.1 Impaired Driving—Medications and Driving. https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf#page=74 ↗

  8. 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; physical PDF page 76; Section 3.1 Impaired Driving—Fatigue and Drowsy Driving, Before a Trip. ↗

  9. 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

    Attention can be diverted by objects outside the vehicle as well as by things in the cabin. Keeping your hands on the wheel alone does not establish attentive driving.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 84; Section 3.4 Avoiding Distracted Driving. ↗

  10. 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

    Check mirrors and the relevant blind area for cyclists before crossing their path. A signal communicates intent; it does not establish that the path is clear.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 88; Section 3.5 Smart Drivers—Scan to the Side and Behind. ↗

  11. 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

    Reflecting on surprises and abrupt decisions can identify habits to improve. Avoiding a collision once does not establish that the approach was sound.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide, 520-400 (R/4/25) English; physical PDF page 91; Section 3.6 Respect and Responsibility—Self-Evaluation. ↗

  12. 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; physical PDF page 160; Section 5.3 Merging. ↗

  13. 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; physical PDF page 168; Section 5.6 Road and Driving Conditions—In the Curve. ↗

  14. 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; physical PDF page 173; Section 5.7 Vehicle Failures. ↗

  15. 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; physical PDF page 177; Section 5.9 Collisions—Calling 911. ↗

Report a problem with this question

Question reference: wa-car-001

Opens a draft in your email app. Review and send it there; nothing is sent automatically.

Draft a correction email

Contact details & help

Keep practising

Your practice library

Continue with another question set, or choose a format that fits what you want to review.

More practice tests

15 practice tests · Pick up another set at your own pace

View all practice tests
Show all 15 practice tests

Practice by format or topic

Try a mixed test, focus on a subject, or check your progress.

Study & prepare

Your Washington study guide

Read the study notes alongside the handbook, then check the licensing essentials below.

Home / Washington / Car

Washington DOL permit practice

Practice selected Washington knowledge-test topics, starting with 15 questions on vehicle checks, attention, space and hazards. Each answer includes an explanation.

All topics and study tools
Your progress stays in this browser. Privacy
Build a useful study routineA practical plan for reading, practice and reviewTake practice offlinePrint a sample with an answer key

Before you apply

Washington licensing essentials

From DOL. Check the requirements for your age and application.

Sources checked

Can I get a Washington learner permit at 15?

You may qualify at 15 when enrolled in approved driver training. Without that enrollment, you must be at least 15 and a half and pass the knowledge test. Taking the no-course route does not remove the driver-training requirement for a license before age 18.

Washington DOL: Learner Permit (opens in a new tab)

How do I obtain a Washington permit through driver training?

Give your Washington driver-license number to the approved driving school so it can report your enrollment. You may apply for the learner permit no earlier than 10 days before the course begins. Applicants younger than 18 also need permission from a parent or guardian.

Washington DOL: Learner Permit (opens in a new tab)

Who must supervise a Washington learner-permit holder?

You must practice with a licensed driver who has at least five years of driving experience. Keep your learner permit with you while driving. Permit holders may not use a phone or mobile device while driving, except to call 911 in an emergency.

Washington DOL: Learner Permit (opens in a new tab)

Check the agency for updates before you apply.

Washington permit test: frequently asked questions

How should I prepare for the Washington permit test?

Read a section of the Washington driver handbook, then try a short practice test. Review each explanation and revisit the rules behind your mistakes before you try again.

Are these Washington permit practice tests free?

Yes. The Washington practice tests are free and include answer explanations. No account is needed. Choose a test to begin.

How should I use the Washington handbook with these questions?

Read the explanation after each answer. If a rule is unclear, find it in the handbook and explain it in your own words. Try the question again after you understand the rule.

Where can I practice Washington road signs?

Open the Washington road-sign section to practice recognizing shapes, colors and meanings. The illustrated sign guide also compares signs that look similar. Study the action each sign requires, then check the Washington handbook for local rules that apply with it.

How can I review mistakes from my Washington practice tests?

Use My mistakes to revisit questions saved from your Washington car practice on this browser. Full test results also offer answer review and, when available, a retry of missed questions. Progress is stored on this device; it does not transfer automatically to another browser or phone.

Studying for a different license?

Washington motorcycle practiceWashington CDL practice

More ways to study in Washington

Choose your license type or a topic to review. Read the handbook, try a practice test, and return to any rules you missed.

Looking for a sign’s meaning? Compare road-sign pictures and meanings, then return to your state practice for local rules.