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. ↗
