On an undivided Washington road with one lane each way, a school bus facing you stops to unload children with its red lights flashing. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop before reaching the bus
The opposite-direction exception does not apply to this two-lane undivided road. Stop before the bus and remain stopped until it moves again or its stopping signals are deactivated.
Source: RCW46.61.370 (1)–(3); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
You are behind a school bus on a road with four marked traffic lanes. It stops on the roadway for children and displays flashing red lights. Does the number of lanes let you pass?
Correct answer: No; traffic behind the bus must stop
The multilane exception concerns traffic meeting the bus from the opposite direction, not traffic overtaking it. Stop before reaching the bus.
Source: RCW46.61.370 (1), (3); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
A Washington road has three marked traffic lanes. A school bus facing you stops for children with red lights flashing. Under the school-bus stopping rule, which statement is correct?
Correct answer: Opposite-direction traffic need not stop for this bus
Washington provides an opposite-direction exception on highways with three or more marked traffic lanes. Stay alert to children and other hazards; this is not permission to drive unsafely.
Source: RCW46.61.370 (3); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
You meet a stopped school bus across a median that divides the highway into separate roadways. Its red lights flash while children unload. What does Washington's school-bus rule require of you?
Correct answer: No bus-related stop from the opposite roadway
The separate-roadway exception applies to a bus traveling in the opposite direction. It does not excuse drivers following the bus on its own roadway.
Source: RCW46.61.370 (2); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
A transit bus ahead signals as it pulls from its stop back into your traffic lane, traveling your direction. What should you do?
Correct answer: Yield so it can reenter the traffic flow
Washington requires you to yield to a same-direction transit vehicle that signals and reenters traffic. The transit driver must also use due care.
Source: RCW46.61.220 (1)–(2); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
On an ordinary road with two lanes in your direction, a cyclist rides in the right lane. The left lane is clear and safe to use. How should you pass?
Correct answer: Move fully into the left lane until safely clear
For this situation, Washington requires moving completely into a lane to the left when safe. Do not squeeze alongside within the cyclist's lane.
Source: RCW46.61.110 (2)(a)(i); ordinary road, not the shared-street exception; complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
An ordinary road has one lane each way and enough room for a safe pass within your lane. A cyclist is ahead. Which passing approach follows Washington's rule?
Correct answer: Slow to a safe passing speed and leave safe clearance
Reduce to a safe speed relative to the cyclist and pass at a safe distance—at least three feet where practicable. Stay clear until safely past.
Source: RCW46.61.110 (2)(a)(ii)(A); ordinary road; complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
You cannot safely fit beside a cyclist in your lane. Oncoming traffic prevents a safe move into the opposite lane. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait behind until a safe legal pass is possible
Insufficient room is not permission to squeeze past or enter an unsafe oncoming gap. Wait until the required safe passing space is available.
Source: RCW46.61.110 (2)(a)(ii)(B); no claim that a centerline crossing is always allowed; complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
A motorcycle rides near the left side of a wide traffic lane. May you drive your car alongside it in that same lane?
Correct answer: No; leave the rider full use of the lane
A motorcycle is entitled to full use of its lane. Its position near an edge does not make the remaining space a separate lane for your car.
Source: RCW46.61.608 (1); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
Rain begins while you are following a motorcycle. How should you adjust?
Correct answer: Leave more following room for a safe stop
Wet or slippery surfaces create special difficulties for riders. Extra space gives you more time if the rider changes speed or needs to stop.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF100; 4.5 Sharing with motorcycles — Following. ↗
A rider ahead shifts position within the lane near a patch of gravel. What is the sensible response?
Correct answer: Allow space for the rider to avoid the surface hazard
A pavement problem that barely affects your car may require a motorcycle to change speed or lane position. Anticipate the movement rather than crowding the rider.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF101; 4.5 Sharing with motorcycles — Road surface. ↗
A motorcycle ahead loses speed, but its brake light does not come on. What should you recognize?
Correct answer: The rider may be slowing by easing the throttle
A rider can reduce speed without operating the brakes, so a brake light is not your only cue. Watch the motorcycle's actual movement and preserve space.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF102; 4.5 Sharing with motorcycles — Lights. ↗
A motorcycle's turn signal remains on as it approaches your driveway. You are waiting to enter its road. What is safest?
Correct answer: Wait for its actual movement before entering its path
Some motorcycle signals do not cancel automatically. Do not rely on a flashing indicator alone to assume the rider will leave your path.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF102; 4.5 Sharing with motorcycles — Motorcyclists' lights. ↗
A large truck ahead blocks your view of traffic beyond it. What adjustment helps you see farther ahead?
Correct answer: Increase your following distance
Leaving more room behind a large vehicle improves your view of the roadway and gives you space to respond.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF98; 4.4 Sharing with large vehicles — Visibility. ↗
Your car has been traveling alongside a large truck for a while. What is the safer plan?
Correct answer: Avoid lingering there; move safely out of the blind zone
Large vehicles have substantial blind zones. Avoid spending unnecessary time alongside them where the driver may not see you.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF98; 4.4 Sharing with large vehicles — Blind zones. ↗
You have passed a large truck. Which cue does the Washington guide give before moving back into its lane?
Correct answer: Both of its headlights are clearly in your rearview mirror
Wait until both headlights are clearly visible before merging ahead, and leave enough space. Cutting in close takes away the truck's stopping room.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF99; 4.4 Sharing with large vehicles — Merging. ↗
A large truck needs extra room while turning at an intersection. You see an opening beside it. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait until its turn is complete before moving ahead
Large vehicles can need more than one lane to complete a turn. Do not pass while the driver is turning.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF99; 4.4 Sharing with large vehicles — Turning space. ↗
You approach a long, steep stretch of road. What should you be ready for around large trucks?
Correct answer: Slow large vehicles in the right lane
Heavy vehicles may travel slowly on steep upgrades or downgrades. Look ahead and adjust early instead of closing on them abruptly.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF99; 4.4 Sharing with large vehicles — Long, steep grades. ↗
A snowplow ahead throws snow into the air, reducing your view. Which response is safest?
Correct answer: Leave room and avoid driving into poor visibility
Snow-removal equipment can create a cloud that greatly reduces visibility. Following too closely makes that danger worse.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF100; Snowplows. ↗
A railroad warning signal is flashing for an approaching train. In Washington, how far from the nearest rail must you stop?
Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet
Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail when the crossing warning applies, and do not proceed until crossing is safe.
Source: RCW46.61.340 (1)(a); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
A train has passed and the crossing gate has just begun rising. May you drive underneath the moving gate?
Correct answer: No; do not drive under a gate while it is opening
Washington prohibits driving through, around or under a crossing barrier while it is closed, opening or closing. Wait for the warnings to end and a safe crossing.
Source: RCW46.61.340 (2); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
A crossing has no active flashing warning, but a train is clearly visible and dangerously close. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop and wait until a safe crossing is possible
A plainly visible train in hazardous proximity independently requires a stop. Inactive lights are not permission to cross in front of it.
Source: RCW46.61.340 (1)(c); complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
Traffic beyond a railroad crossing is backed up, leaving no space for your whole car on the other side. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait before the crossing until you can clear it
Do not stop on railroad tracks. Wait outside the crossing until there is enough room to get your vehicle completely clear.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF105; 4.7 Sharing the road with trains — Important safety reminders. ↗
From a safe location, you need to report a vehicle stuck at a railroad crossing. A blue-and-white emergency sign is present. What information is especially useful when calling its number?
Correct answer: The crossing ID printed on the sign
The Emergency Notification System sign provides the railroad contact number and crossing ID. Give the dispatcher that ID, your location and what is obstructing the track.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF106; 4.7 Sharing the road with trains — When to call for help. ↗
An authorized ambulance approaches immediately from behind with its siren and emergency lights operating. No police officer directs otherwise. What should you do?
Correct answer: Pull right, clear of intersections, and stop until it passes
Yield and stop as close as possible to the right edge, outside an intersection. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Source: RCW46.61.210 (1); audible and visual signals specified; complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
A police officer directs you to move forward to clear a route for an approaching emergency vehicle. What should you do?
Correct answer: Follow the officer's direction carefully
The emergency-vehicle yielding rule allows a police officer to direct a different movement. Follow that direction while watching for people and traffic.
Source: RCW46.61.210 (1), police-direction exception; complete current substantive section read September13,2026. ↗
You are preparing to turn into a driveway across a sidewalk. What should you check for as well as people walking?
Correct answer: Bicyclists approaching along the sidewalk or crossing
Look for bicyclists when turning into driveways or around corners. A bicycle may approach faster than a person walking.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF103; 4.6 Sharing with bicyclists — General guidance. ↗
You have parked beside a bicycle lane. Before opening your door into that side of the car, what should you do?
Correct answer: Check carefully for approaching bicyclists
Look for a bicyclist before opening a door. A door opened into a rider's path can cause a serious collision.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF104; 4.6 Sharing with bicyclists — Bike lanes. ↗
You will turn right at the next corner, and a bicyclist ahead is nearing the same intersection. What should you avoid?
Correct answer: Passing the cyclist just before cutting across their path
Do not pass a bicyclist just before a right turn. Let the cyclist clear the intersection instead of crossing closely in front.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF103; 4.6 Sharing with bicyclists — Passing a bicyclist. ↗
One train has passed, but the railroad crossing lights continue flashing. What should you do?
Correct answer: Keep waiting; another train may approach on another track
Keep obeying the crossing warnings. Trains can run on any track and approach from either direction; the first train passing does not prove the crossing is clear.
Source: Washington Driver Guide520-400(R/4/25), physical PDF105; 4.7 Sharing the road with trains — Do not disregard warning signals. ↗
