On an ordinary intersection approach with no signs directing a different turn path, where should you position your car for a right turn?
Correct answer: As near the right curb or edge as practicable
Approach and make a right turn close to the right curb or roadway edge when practicable. Official turn controls can direct a different course.
Source: RCW46.61.290 (1), (4); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You turn left into a two-way road with two lanes in your new direction. No signs or markings direct otherwise, and either lane is practicable. Which lane should you enter?
Correct answer: The leftmost lane lawfully available in your direction
When practicable, finish a left turn in the leftmost lawful lane for your direction. Follow any official controls that require a different path.
Source: RCW46.61.290 (2), (4); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
Official lane markings guide two left-turn lanes through an intersection. What should you follow while turning?
Correct answer: The course required by your lane's official markings
Official traffic-control devices can require a turn path different from the general rule. Stay on the marked path rather than drifting into another turning lane.
Source: RCW46.61.290 (4); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
In Washington, what is the maximum distance a vehicle may travel within a marked two-way center left-turn lane?
Correct answer: 300 feet
The center lane is for left turns from either direction, not extended travel. Washington limits travel within it to 300 feet.
Source: RCW46.61.290 (3)(c); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
A slow vehicle is ahead, and a marked two-way center left-turn lane is empty. May you use it to pass that vehicle?
Correct answer: No; it is not a passing lane
A center left-turn lane must not be used to overtake traffic going your direction. Its distance limit does not authorize passing.
Source: RCW46.61.290 (3)(c); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
Under Washington's turn-signal rule, how far before turning must you give the required signal continuously?
Correct answer: At least 100 feet
Give the required signal throughout at least the last 100 feet before turning. A signal does not remove the need to check that the movement is safe.
Source: RCW46.61.305 (1)–(2); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
Near a hill crest, drivers approaching from one direction cannot see your vehicle until they are only 300 feet away. May you make a U-turn there?
Correct answer: No; the required 500-foot visibility is missing
Do not U-turn on a curve or near a hill crest where approaching drivers cannot see your vehicle within 500 feet from either direction.
Source: RCW46.61.295 (2); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
There is no No U-Turn sign, but turning around would force an approaching driver to brake sharply. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait or find another safe place to turn
A U-turn must be safe and must not interfere with other traffic. The absence of a prohibition sign is not enough.
Source: RCW46.61.295 (1); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You plan to park and leave your car, not pick up a passenger. How much clearance must you leave from a fire hydrant in Washington?
Correct answer: At least 15 feet
Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is prohibited. This situation is ordinary parking, not the separate momentary passenger-stop exception.
Source: RCW46.61.570 (1)(b)(ii); ordinary parking; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You are choosing a place to park and leave your car near a crosswalk. Which minimum distance is required by Washington's general rule?
Correct answer: 20 feet
Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk. Keeping the approach area clear helps drivers and people crossing see one another.
Source: RCW46.61.570 (1)(b)(iii); ordinary parking; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You intend to park and leave your car on the approach to a stop sign at the side of the road. How far away must you stay?
Correct answer: 30 feet
Washington prohibits parking within 30 feet on the approach to a roadside stop sign, yield sign, flashing signal or traffic-control signal.
Source: RCW46.61.570 (1)(b)(iv); approach side, ordinary parking; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You want to park on the same side of the street as a fire station entrance. What minimum distance from its driveway entrance applies?
Correct answer: 20 feet
Do not park within 20 feet of a fire station driveway entrance. The opposite-side restriction has a different distance and sign condition.
Source: RCW46.61.570 (1)(b)(v); same side, ordinary parking; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
Across the street from a fire station entrance, the restriction is properly signposted. Within what distance of that entrance is ordinary parking prohibited on the opposite side?
Correct answer: 75 feet
The opposite-side restriction extends 75 feet when properly signposted. It is different from the 20-foot rule on the entrance side.
Source: RCW46.61.570 (1)(b)(v); opposite side when properly signposted; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You want to park and leave your car near a railroad crossing, without loading or unloading. What minimum clearance from the nearest rail applies?
Correct answer: 50 feet
Ordinary parking is prohibited within 50 feet of the nearest rail at a crossing. This parking rule is separate from where a driver must stop for an approaching train.
Source: RCW46.61.570 (1)(c)(i); no loading/unloading exception in scenario; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
A curbside parking space is occupied. May you leave your car on the roadway beside that parked car while you enter a shop?
Correct answer: No; parking beside the curbside vehicle is prohibited
Parking on the roadway side of a vehicle already parked at the curb is prohibited. Hazard lights do not turn that location into a legal parking space.
Source: RCW46.61.570 (1)(a)(i); voluntary shop stop, no traffic-control exception; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You are parallel parking a car beside the right curb on a two-way road where ordinary parallel parking is permitted. How close should the right wheels be?
Correct answer: Within 12 inches
Under the general rule, park parallel with the right wheels within 12 inches of the right curb. Special authorized parking arrangements may differ.
Source: RCW46.61.575 (1); ordinary parallel car parking; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
Both sides of a one-way street allow ordinary parallel car parking, with no local rule changing the state requirement. Which way must your parked car face?
Correct answer: In the permitted direction of traffic
On a one-way road, park in the authorized direction of travel. Permission to use either curb does not permit facing against traffic.
Source: RCW46.61.575 (2); car, no different local ordinance; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
Your car fits partly in a driveway only if its rear end blocks the sidewalk. May you leave it there while unloading groceries?
Correct answer: No; do not stop or park on the sidewalk
The general prohibition on stopping, standing or parking on a sidewalk does not create a grocery-unloading exception. Keep the walking path clear.
Source: RCW46.61.570 (1)(a)(ii); voluntary stop; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
On a four-lane highway with two lanes each way, a stationary emergency vehicle flashes its warning lights on your right shoulder. A safe lane change is available. What must you do?
Correct answer: Use caution, reduce speed and move away when safe
Washington requires caution and reduced speed, plus moving away when a safe opportunity exists. Moving over does not replace slowing down.
Source: RCW46.61.212 (1)(a), (2)(a); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You approach a qualifying roadside emergency zone on a road posted at 55 mph. Changing lanes or moving away would be unsafe. What is the highest speed allowed by the reduction rule?
Correct answer: 45 mph
When moving away is unsafe here, reduce to at least 10 mph below the posted limit: 45 mph or less. Conditions may require going slower.
Source: RCW46.61.212 (2)(c), (3); posted55, move unsafe; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
On a highway posted at 70 mph, you approach a qualifying roadside emergency zone but cannot safely change lanes or move away. What upper speed applies?
Correct answer: 50 mph
For this higher-limit road, the no-safe-move rule caps speed at 50 mph. Continue with due caution and slow further if conditions require it.
Source: RCW46.61.212 (2)(c), (3); posted70, move unsafe; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
For a stationary emergency vehicle displaying the required warnings, Washington defines the emergency zone in the adjacent lanes for how far before and after the vehicle?
Correct answer: 200 feet in each direction
The statutory zone extends 200 feet before and after the qualifying vehicle in the adjacent roadway lanes. Respond early rather than waiting until you are alongside.
Source: RCW46.61.212 (1)(a); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
On a Washington city street where no authorized different limit applies and no hazard requires a lower speed, what is the general maximum?
Correct answer: 25 mph
The general city and town street limit is 25 mph. Authorized local or posted limits can differ, and unsafe conditions still require a lower speed.
Source: RCW46.61.400 (1), (2)(a) and alteration clause; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
What is Washington's general maximum on a county road when no authorized different limit applies and conditions do not require a lower speed?
Correct answer: 50 mph
The statutory default for county roads is 50 mph. It is not a rule that overrides an authorized different limit or the need to slow for hazards.
Source: RCW46.61.400 (1), (2)(b) and alteration clause; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
On a Washington state highway with no authorized different limit and no special hazard requiring slower travel, what is the general maximum?
Correct answer: 60 mph
The general state-highway limit is 60 mph, subject to authorized changes. Follow applicable limits and conditions rather than assuming every highway uses this default.
Source: RCW46.61.400 (1), (2)(c) and alteration clause; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
Ice makes the posted speed unsafe. Which statement describes your duty under Washington's basic speed rule?
Correct answer: Drive below the posted limit as necessary for safety
The posted maximum is not a guarantee of safe speed. Use a reasonable, prudent speed for actual and potential hazards.
Source: RCW46.61.400 (1)–(3); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You pass a marked school crosswalk fully posted with standard school speed-limit signs. The posted restriction is in effect and no lower limit applies. What is the maximum?
Correct answer: 20 mph
The fully posted school-crosswalk rule sets a 20 mph maximum. A lower applicable limit or a safety hazard can require a slower speed.
Source: RCW46.61.440 (1); restriction in effect, no lower maximum; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You plan to leave a 15-year-old unattended in your parked car in a public place while the engine keeps running. Is this allowed by Washington's unattended-child rule?
Correct answer: No; it prohibits this for children under 16
Do not leave a child under 16 unattended in a vehicle standing in a public place or on a public highway with its motor running.
Source: RCW46.61.685 (1); does not infer safety or legality from switching engine off; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
You are carrying furniture in a trailer on a public highway. What must you do before driving?
Correct answer: Secure it so it cannot shift loose or escape
The load must be securely fastened so it cannot become loose, detached or hazardous. Heavy items are not automatically secure.
Source: RCW46.61.655 (1)–(2); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
A cargo cover has been placed over your load, but its edges can blow free. Is laying it over the cargo enough?
Correct answer: No; secure the cover so it cannot become a hazard
Secure a required covering as well as the load. A cover that comes loose can itself endanger other highway users.
Source: RCW46.61.655 (2); no blanket claim every load needs a cover; complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
Your truck's wheels and undercarriage carry deposits of mud and rocks after leaving a work area. Before entering a paved public highway, what must you do?
Correct answer: Clean the deposits from the vehicle
Remove mud, rocks and other deposits from the vehicle before operating it on a paved public highway. Debris on the vehicle can become a roadway hazard.
Source: RCW46.61.655 (4)(b); complete current substantive section and notes read September13,2026. ↗
At a roundabout entrance, traffic is already circulating toward your entry point. What should you do?
Correct answer: Yield and wait for a safe opening
Approaching vehicles yield to traffic already circulating. Enter to the right and travel counterclockwise when a safe gap is available.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF127; 4.15 Roundabouts — How to drive a roundabout, steps1–5. ↗
A multilane roundabout has lane-choice signs for different exits. When should you choose the appropriate lane?
Correct answer: Before entering, using the signs
Choose the lane for your intended movement on the approach, then remain in it through the roundabout. Do not improvise a lane change inside to reach an exit.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF127; 4.15 Roundabouts — How to drive a roundabout, step2. ↗
A truck's rear wheels travel over the raised apron around a roundabout's center island. What should a car driver understand?
Correct answer: The apron gives large vehicles needed turning room
The apron is designed to accommodate large vehicles. Allow the truck extra space rather than trying to use that area to pass.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF127; 4.15 Roundabouts — Truck apron. ↗
You are already inside a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches. What does the Washington guide tell you to do?
Correct answer: Continue through, then pull over clear of the intersection
Clear the roundabout before pulling over for the emergency vehicle. Stopping within the circular intersection can block its route.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF127; 4.15 Roundabouts — How to drive a roundabout, step7. ↗
A broken white line separates your lane from the next lane going the same direction. What does the marking allow?
Correct answer: A lane change when it is safe
A broken white lane line may be crossed for a safe lane change. Check traffic, signal and make sure the destination lane is clear.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF132; 4.16 Road markings — Dashed white line. ↗
What does a yellow line separating travel lanes generally indicate?
Correct answer: Traffic on the two sides moves in opposite directions
Yellow lines separate opposing directions; white lines separate lanes traveling the same direction. The line pattern also matters for passing restrictions.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF131; 4.16 Road markings — White and yellow lines. ↗
You see a bicycle-and-chevron sharrow marking in a vehicle lane. What does it tell you?
Correct answer: The lane is shared with bicycle traffic
A sharrow identifies a lane shared with bicycles. Watch for riders and provide safe space; it is not a bicycle-only lane.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF139; 4.16 Other road markings — Sharrows. ↗
You enter a marked work zone at night and cannot see any workers. How should you drive?
Correct answer: Use extra caution and follow the work-zone signs
Narrow lanes, rough surfaces and other work-zone hazards may remain even when workers are not visible. Keep following the posted controls.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF141; 4.17 Work zone; physical PDF141–142. ↗
When parking on a hill with no curb, which way does the Washington guide say to turn the front wheels?
Correct answer: Toward the road edge, away from traffic
With no curb, turn the wheels toward the road edge so a rolling vehicle moves away from traffic. Set the parking brake as well.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF149; 4.18 Parking on a hill — If there is no curb; parking brake at physical148. ↗
