WA DOL Knowledge Test key terms

The legal priority to go first at an intersection or other meeting point. It is something a driver yields to others rather than something a driver takes, and it is usually decided by signs, signals, or rules.

To slow or stop and let other traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians go before you. A yield sign or a turning movement can require you to give up your turn to proceed.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and if two arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.

A solid white line painted across your lane at a stop sign or signal. You must stop before this line, and if there is no line, stop before the crosswalk or intersection edge.

The part of the roadway set aside for pedestrians to cross, marked with painted lines or left unmarked at intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

A circular intersection where traffic flows one direction around a center island. Entering drivers yield to traffic already circulating, and you do not stop inside the circle.

A lane that joins a highway or another road, giving you space to speed up and blend with traffic. You must yield to vehicles already on the main road while adjusting your speed to fit a gap.

A short lane on an on-ramp that lets you build speed to match highway traffic before merging. Use it to reach a safe speed rather than entering the highway slowly.

The lever-operated lights that show other drivers your plan to turn or change lanes. Signal at least 100 feet before a turn in Washington and cancel it after completing the move.

Moving your vehicle from one travel lane to another. Check mirrors, look over your shoulder for the blind spot, signal, and leave enough room before moving over.

The area beside and behind your vehicle that mirrors do not show. You must turn your head to check it before changing lanes, and you should avoid lingering in another driver's blind spot.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. Under normal conditions, stay at least three seconds behind; add more time in rain, at night, or when following large trucks.

A method for judging following distance. Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, then count seconds until you reach it; three or more seconds means a safe gap in good conditions.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle, leaving no room to stop if it brakes suddenly. If someone tailgates you, increase your own following distance and let them pass when safe.

The maximum legal speed for a road under good conditions. It is not a target: you must slow down for rain, fog, traffic, curves, or darkness to stay safe.

The requirement to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Driving faster than is safe for weather or traffic is illegal even under the limit.

A yellow speed sign, often with a curve or ramp warning, showing a recommended safe speed. It is a warning rather than a hard limit, but exceeding it can be unsafe.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign that alerts you to a hazard ahead, such as a curve, crossing, or narrowing road. Slow down and be ready to respond when you see one.

A sign that states a law or requirement, such as STOP, speed limits, or lane-use rules. Regulatory signs are usually white with black or red markings and must be obeyed.

A red octagonal sign requiring a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk. Come to a full halt, check for traffic and pedestrians, then proceed only when it is safe.

A sign that gives directions, distances, or destination information, such as highway markers and exit signs. Guide signs are typically green or blue and help you plan your route.

Painted lines and symbols on the road that guide or regulate traffic. Solid lines generally mean do not cross, while broken lines mean crossing is allowed when safe.

The line dividing traffic moving in opposite directions. A solid yellow line means no passing across it, while a broken yellow line allows passing when the way is clear and legal.

A stretch of road where passing is prohibited, marked by solid yellow lines or signs, often on hills or curves. Passing there is dangerous because you cannot see oncoming traffic.

Overtaking another vehicle traveling the same direction. Pass only where legal and safe, check for oncoming traffic, signal, and return to your lane without cutting off the other driver.

A person traveling on foot, including someone using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and use extra care near schools and bus stops.

An area near a school where lower speed limits apply during posted hours or when lights flash. Watch for children, crossing guards, and stopped school buses in these areas.

A vehicle that stops to load or unload children and displays flashing red lights and a stop arm. You must stop in both directions unless separated by a median barrier, and remain stopped until the lights stop.

The practice of driving safely alongside cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and large trucks. It means giving them space, respecting their right-of-way, and anticipating their limits.

A lane marked for cyclists, often with a bicycle symbol or solid line. Do not drive, park, or stop in it, and check for cyclists before turning across it.

A heavy commercial vehicle with long stopping distances and large blind spots, often called the No-Zone. Give trucks extra room, avoid cutting in front of them, and do not linger alongside.

The rule that by driving in Washington you agree to a breath or blood test if lawfully arrested for impaired driving. Refusing can lead to license suspension and other penalties.

Any condition that reduces your ability to drive safely, including alcohol, drugs, medication, fatigue, or illness. If you are impaired, do not drive; arrange another way home.

Blood alcohol concentration, the measure of alcohol in your bloodstream. In Washington, driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal, and lower limits apply to drivers under 21.

Driving while your attention is taken by something else, such as texting, eating, or adjusting a device. In Washington, holding a phone while driving is illegal, and distractions raise crash risk sharply.

When water on the road causes your tires to lose contact with the pavement and slide on a film of water. Slow down in heavy rain and avoid sudden braking or steering to keep control.

A loss of tire grip that makes the vehicle slide instead of following your steering. Ease off the gas, steer gently where you want to go, and avoid hard braking until grip returns.

A weather condition that sharply reduces how far you can see. Slow down, use low-beam headlights, increase following distance, and avoid stopping in the travel lane.

A place where tracks cross the road, marked by signs, signals, or gates. Slow down, look both ways, and never stop on the tracks; if gates lower, stop and wait.

A police, fire, or ambulance vehicle using lights or sirens. Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes, and if it is stopped on the road, move over a lane or slow down.

The rule requiring drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles when possible. If you cannot move over, slow down and pass with caution.

Setting your vehicle so it will not roll if the brakes fail. Turn wheels toward the curb facing downhill, away from the curb facing uphill, and set the parking brake.

A separate brake, usually a lever or pedal, that holds the vehicle when parked. Engage it whenever you park, especially on slopes, in addition to placing the transmission in Park or gear.

A road that carries traffic off a highway. Signal early, slow to the posted ramp speed after leaving the main lanes, and watch for a deceleration lane.