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. ↗
