WA DOL Knowledge Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Default urban speed limit

In Washington, the speed limit on city and town streets is 25 mph unless signs post a different limit.

Default rural speed limit

On county roads outside cities, the default limit is 50 mph unless otherwise posted.

Right turn on red

Permitted after a complete stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits the turn.

Left turn on red

Allowed only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding.

Uncontrolled intersection rule

At an intersection with no signs or signals, yield to the vehicle on your right and to any vehicle already in the intersection.

Four-way stop order

The first vehicle to arrive proceeds first; if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.

Solid yellow center line

A solid yellow line on your side of the center means passing is prohibited in your direction.

Broken yellow center line

A broken yellow line on your side means you may pass when it is safe and the way ahead is clear.

Octagon sign shape

The eight-sided shape is used only for stop signs, making it recognizable from any direction.

Inverted triangle sign

The downward-pointing triangle shape is used only for yield signs.

Diamond sign shape

Diamond-shaped signs are yellow warning signs that alert drivers to hazards or changes ahead.

Pennant sign shape

The sideways triangle (pennant) marks the beginning of a no-passing zone on two-lane roads.

Orange sign color

Orange signs indicate construction, maintenance, or work zones and warn of changed conditions ahead.

Round yellow sign with RR

The circular yellow sign with an X and RR letters is the advance warning for a railroad crossing ahead.

Red circle with slash

A red circle with a diagonal slash across a symbol means the action shown is prohibited.

Three-second rule

Pick a fixed object ahead; when the vehicle in front passes it, you should not reach it for at least three seconds.

Basic speed rule

Drivers must travel at a speed reasonable and prudent for current conditions, even below the posted limit.

Child restraint requirement

In Washington, children under 8 must use an appropriate child restraint unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Legal impairment level

A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal; drivers under 21 are limited to 0.02 percent.

Headlight use hours

Headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise and whenever visibility is poor.

Skid recovery

Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to travel and ease off the accelerator; avoid hard braking.

Downhill parking rule

When parking facing downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb so the vehicle rolls into it.

Uphill parking with curb

When parking facing uphill next to a curb, turn the wheels away from the curb so the tire rests against it.

Bicycle passing clearance

When passing a bicyclist, Washington requires at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and the bicycle.

Motorcycle lane use

A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane; no other vehicle may share the lane beside it.

Truck No-Zone

Large trucks have blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and in front; if you cannot see the mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Wide right turn hazard

A large truck turning right may first swing left; never pass on the right because the trailer can swing into you.

Crosswalk right of way

Drivers must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk and remain stopped until the pedestrian clears their lane and the adjacent lane.

Freeway merging

Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of freeway traffic, and yield to vehicles already on the freeway.

Fog driving lights

Use low-beam headlights in fog, because high beams reflect off moisture and reduce visibility.

Work zone penalties

Speeding fines are doubled in work zones when workers are present, and flaggers' directions override signs and signals.

Emergency vehicle response

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes.