I85PREP
⌘ K
WA DOL Knowledge Test study materials
WA DOL Knowledge Test study resources

WA DOL Knowledge Test practice questions

One question at a time. Build your WA DOL Knowledge Test understanding.

First 50 of 199 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Rules of the road

In Washington, what is the default speed limit on a city or town street unless signs post something different?

  1. 35 mph
  2. 20 mph
  3. 25 mph Correct answer.
  4. 30 mph

Explanation

Washington sets a default 25 mph limit on city and town streets when no other speed is posted. Drivers must still slow below that when conditions like rain, fog, or heavy traffic require it.

Question 2Rules of the road

Unless otherwise posted, what is the default speed limit on a county road outside a city or town?

  1. 60 mph
  2. 55 mph
  3. 45 mph
  4. 50 mph Correct answer.

Explanation

Rural county roads in Washington default to 50 mph when no sign sets a different limit. Posted limits can raise or lower this depending on the road's design and surroundings.

Question 3Rules of the road

A school bus has stopped on a two-lane road with its red lights flashing and stop paddle extended. What must you do?

  1. Stop only if children are visible
  2. Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing Correct answer.
  3. Honk and proceed if no children are in sight
  4. Slow to 20 mph and continue past carefully

Explanation

When a school bus displays flashing red lights and its stop paddle, traffic in both directions must stop. You stay stopped until the red lights are turned off, regardless of whether you see children.

Question 4Rules of the road

On a divided highway with a median, when may you legally pass a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing on the opposite side?

  1. Only when the bus is more than 100 feet away
  2. Never, under any circumstances
  3. Only after slowing to 20 mph
  4. Only if the median is a physical barrier separating the directions Correct answer.

Explanation

Drivers traveling the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a physical median are not required to stop for a school bus on the other side. The median barrier is what creates the exception.

Question 5Rules of the road

You approach a steady red traffic light and want to turn right. What is required in Washington?

  1. Come to a complete stop, then turn when the way is clear unless a sign prohibits it Correct answer.
  2. Wait for a green arrow before turning
  3. Slow down and turn if no traffic is coming
  4. Stop only if a pedestrian is present

Explanation

A right turn on red is allowed after a full stop, yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, unless a sign prohibits the turn. The stop must be complete before you proceed.

Question 6Rules of the road

A flashing yellow arrow pointing left means:

  1. Oncoming traffic must stop for you
  2. Left turns are prohibited
  3. You must stop and wait for a green arrow
  4. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing yellow left arrow permits a left turn but requires you to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It is a permissive signal, not a protected one.

Question 7Rules of the road

You are driving and a pedestrian steps into a marked crosswalk at an intersection with no traffic signal. What must you do?

  1. Continue if you can pass before the pedestrian reaches your lane
  2. Sound your horn so the pedestrian waits
  3. Move to the adjacent lane and keep going
  4. Stop and yield the right of way to the pedestrian Correct answer.

Explanation

Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, whether or not it is marked at an intersection. Pedestrians in the crosswalk have the right of way.

Question 8Rules of the road

At an intersection with no signs or signals, two vehicles arrive at about the same time from different roads. Who goes first?

  1. Whichever vehicle is traveling faster
  2. The larger vehicle
  3. The vehicle on the right Correct answer.
  4. The vehicle on the left

Explanation

When two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at nearly the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. This right-of-way rule prevents collisions at intersections without controls.

Question 9Rules of the road

You are entering a roundabout. What is the correct procedure?

  1. Drive counterclockwise and exit from the left lane
  2. Stop inside the circle before exiting
  3. Enter first and make circulating traffic yield
  4. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and enter to the right Correct answer.

Explanation

Traffic already circulating in a roundabout has the right of way, so entering drivers yield and merge to the right. Once inside, you travel counterclockwise and exit to the right.

Question 10Rules of the road

When must you use your headlights in Washington?

  1. Only when it is raining hard
  2. From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever visibility is poor Correct answer.
  3. Only on rural roads without streetlights
  4. Only between midnight and dawn

Explanation

Headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise and whenever conditions like fog, rain, or smoke make it hard to see people or vehicles clearly.

Question 11Rules of the road

You are following another vehicle at night and your high beams would shine into the driver's mirrors. What should you do?

  1. Flash your high beams to signal a pass
  2. Switch to low beams Correct answer.
  3. Turn off all lights briefly
  4. Move closer so your lights illuminate the road

Explanation

High beams must be dimmed to low beams when following another vehicle closely enough that your lights would glare in their mirrors. The same applies when an oncoming vehicle approaches within about 500 feet.

Question 12Rules of the road

What is the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for a driver age 21 or older in Washington?

  1. 0.05 percent
  2. 0.08 percent Correct answer.
  3. 0.02 percent
  4. 0.10 percent

Explanation

The legal limit for adult drivers is 0.08 percent BAC. Drivers under 21 are held to a much lower threshold, and commercial drivers face a stricter limit as well.

Question 13Rules of the road

A driver under age 21 in Washington may be arrested for DUI at what BAC level?

  1. 0.05 percent
  2. 0.10 percent
  3. 0.02 percent Correct answer.
  4. 0.08 percent

Explanation

Washington enforces a 0.02 percent BAC threshold for drivers under 21, reflecting the zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking and driving. A lower threshold means even small amounts of alcohol can lead to arrest.

Question 14Rules of the road

You are driving on an interstate and an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches from behind. What should you do?

  1. Pull to the right and stop until it passes Correct answer.
  2. Stop immediately in your lane
  3. Speed up to reach the next exit
  4. Move to the left lane and continue

Explanation

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, you must yield by pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping until it passes. Blocking the lane or speeding up interferes with the emergency response.

Question 15Rules of the road

You are approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a two-lane road. What does Washington's Move Over law require?

  1. Move over a lane if possible, or slow down if you cannot Correct answer.
  2. Honk to warn the responders
  3. Stop completely until the vehicle leaves
  4. Maintain your speed and lane

Explanation

The Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency or work vehicles when safe, or slow down and proceed with caution if a lane change is not possible. This protects responders and workers on the roadside.

Question 16Rules of the road

How far before a turn must you signal in Washington?

  1. At least 50 feet
  2. At least 25 feet
  3. At least 100 feet Correct answer.
  4. At least 200 feet

Explanation

Drivers must signal at least 100 feet before turning. Signaling early gives other drivers and pedestrians time to react to your intended move.

Question 17Rules of the road

When changing lanes on a multi-lane highway, you should:

  1. Signal only after you begin moving
  2. Rely on your mirrors alone
  3. Accelerate sharply to fit into the gap
  4. Check mirrors, signal, check your blind spot, then move when clear Correct answer.

Explanation

A safe lane change requires checking mirrors, signaling your intent, and turning your head to check the blind spot before moving. Mirrors alone leave blind spots where a vehicle can hide.

Question 18Rules of the road

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means:

  1. You must not cross the line to pass Correct answer.
  2. You may cross to make a left turn into a driveway
  3. Passing is allowed when clear
  4. The road is one-way

Explanation

A solid yellow line on your side marks a no-passing zone, meaning you may not cross it to overtake another vehicle. You may still cross it to turn into a driveway or side road where permitted.

Question 19Rules of the road

You are driving on a road with two solid yellow lines, one on each side. What does this mean?

  1. The lines mark a bike lane
  2. Passing is allowed in both directions
  3. Passing is prohibited in both directions Correct answer.
  4. Only trucks may pass

Explanation

Double solid yellow lines mean neither direction may cross them to pass. The restriction protects drivers from head-on conflicts on curves, hills, and other limited-sight areas.

Question 20Rules of the road

When parking uphill on a street with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

  1. Away from the curb Correct answer.
  2. Straight ahead
  3. Toward the curb
  4. It does not matter if you set the brake

Explanation

When parking uphill with a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb so the vehicle rolls back into the curb if it moves. When parking downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb.

Question 21Rules of the road

How close may you legally park to a fire hydrant in Washington?

  1. 15 feet Correct answer.
  2. 10 feet
  3. 5 feet
  4. 20 feet

Explanation

Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is prohibited so firefighters can connect hoses without obstruction. The same distance rule helps keep the hydrant accessible in an emergency.

Question 22Rules of the road

A steady yellow traffic light means:

  1. You may proceed without caution
  2. Speed up to clear the intersection
  3. The light is about to turn red, so stop if you can do so safely Correct answer.
  4. Turn only if you are in the left lane

Explanation

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is changing to red. You should stop if you can do so safely rather than accelerating to beat the light.

Question 23Rules of the road

You are driving on a freeway and miss your exit. What should you do?

  1. Stop and back up along the shoulder
  2. Make a U-turn through the median
  3. Continue to the next exit and turn around Correct answer.
  4. Pull over and wait for a break in traffic

Explanation

If you miss an exit, continue to the next one and find a safe place to reverse direction. Backing up or making U-turns on a freeway is dangerous and illegal.

Question 24Rules of the road

You are on an on-ramp merging onto a freeway. Who has the right of way?

  1. Whichever vehicle is larger
  2. Traffic already on the freeway Correct answer.
  3. The vehicle that signals first
  4. You, because you are entering

Explanation

Vehicles already traveling on the freeway have the right of way, so merging drivers must adjust speed and find a safe gap. Entering traffic yields rather than forcing freeway traffic to move over.

Question 25Rules of the road

Under Washington's implied consent law, what happens if you refuse a breath or blood test after a lawful DUI arrest?

  1. Your license may be revoked or suspended Correct answer.
  2. You receive only a written warning
  3. Nothing, because testing is optional
  4. You must pay a small fine and keep driving

Explanation

By driving in Washington you consent to testing after a lawful arrest for DUI. Refusing can lead to license revocation or suspension and may be used against you in court.

Question 26Rules of the road

You approach an intersection where a traffic signal is dark because of a power outage. What should you do?

  1. Maintain your speed because the signal has no authority when dark
  2. Yield only to vehicles approaching from your left
  3. Stop and wait for the signal to be repaired before proceeding
  4. Slow down and proceed as if the intersection were controlled by stop signs Correct answer.

Explanation

When a signal is dark, Washington law treats the intersection like an all-way stop, so every driver must stop and then proceed in turn. Approach slowly, stop, and yield to traffic already in or entering the intersection.

Question 27Rules of the road

A school bus with red lights flashing is stopped on the opposite side of a two-lane road divided only by a painted center line. What must you do?

  1. Continue at the posted speed if no children are visible
  2. Stop only if the bus is on your side of the road
  3. Slow to 20 mph and pass carefully
  4. Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing Correct answer.

Explanation

On a two-lane road with only a painted line, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus showing red lights. You may proceed only after the red lights are turned off.

Question 28Rules of the road

You are driving on a divided highway with a median. A school bus on the opposite side of the median has its red lights flashing. What does Washington law require of you?

  1. Nothing beyond normal caution, because the median separates the directions of travel Correct answer.
  2. A reduction to 20 mph while passing the bus
  3. A stop only if the bus extends a stop sign into your lanes
  4. A complete stop until the red lights are turned off

Explanation

Drivers traveling the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a median are not required to stop for a school bus with red lights. Only traffic on the bus's side of the median must stop.

Question 29Rules of the road

A pedestrian using a white cane with a red tip is about to cross the street you are turning into. What should you do?

  1. Sound your horn to alert the pedestrian
  2. Proceed because turning traffic has priority
  3. Drive around the pedestrian if space allows
  4. Stop and give the pedestrian the right of way Correct answer.

Explanation

A white cane with a red tip indicates a person who is deaf-blind. You must stop and yield the right of way to any pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog.

Question 30Rules of the road

You want to make a right turn at a red light. What is required in Washington?

  1. Stop only if a vehicle is approaching from the left
  2. Slow down and turn if no traffic is coming
  3. Wait for a green light in all circumstances
  4. Come to a full stop, then turn when the way is clear unless a sign prohibits it Correct answer.

Explanation

A right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop, provided there is no sign forbidding it and you yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. The turn is not permitted where a sign prohibits it.

Question 31Rules of the road

You are stopped at a red light and want to turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street. What does Washington law allow?

  1. A left turn on red after a full stop if the way is clear and no sign prohibits it Correct answer.
  2. No left turn on red under any circumstances
  3. A left turn on red only after yielding to a green arrow
  4. A left turn on red only during daytime hours

Explanation

Washington permits a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping, if the way is clear and no sign prohibits it. This mirrors the right-turn-on-red rule for that specific situation.

Question 32Rules of the road

What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol indicate?

  1. A regulatory requirement you must obey immediately
  2. A warning about a road condition or hazard ahead Correct answer.
  3. A route marker for a state highway
  4. A service such as fuel or lodging ahead

Explanation

Yellow diamond signs are warning signs that alert drivers to hazards or changes in road conditions ahead. They tell you to slow down or prepare, not to obey a specific command.

Question 33Rules of the road

You see a sign with a black letter on an orange background in a work zone. What does it mean?

  1. It marks a permanent speed limit change
  2. It indicates a detour that has ended
  3. It gives information or a warning about construction or maintenance work Correct answer.
  4. It identifies a school zone

Explanation

Orange signs are used in work zones to warn of construction, maintenance, or workers near the roadway. They may also guide you through temporary lane changes.

Question 34Rules of the road

You are driving in the left lane of a multi-lane highway and faster traffic is approaching from behind. What should you do?

  1. Move to the right lane when it is safe to do so Correct answer.
  2. Brake to signal the other driver to slow down
  3. Stay in the left lane and hold your speed
  4. Speed up so the other driver cannot pass

Explanation

On multi-lane highways, the left lane is intended for passing and faster traffic. If a vehicle approaches from behind, move right when it is safe to let it pass.

Question 35Rules of the road

You are driving on a two-lane road and a vehicle behind you wants to pass. What should you do?

  1. Move to the left to block the passing lane
  2. Maintain your speed and keep to the right so the passing driver can see ahead Correct answer.
  3. Flash your high beams to warn oncoming traffic
  4. Speed up to make the pass shorter

Explanation

When being passed, hold a steady speed and stay to the right so the passing driver has room and a clear view. Speeding up or moving left increases the danger of the maneuver.

Question 36Rules of the road

A solid white line separates your lane from the lane to your right. What does this line mean?

  1. You must stop before crossing it
  2. Lane changes are permitted at any time
  3. Traffic to the right is moving in the opposite direction
  4. Lane changes are discouraged, and the line may be crossed only when necessary Correct answer.

Explanation

A solid white line marks the edge of a lane and discourages lane changes. You should cross it only when necessary, such as to avoid a hazard.

Question 37Rules of the road

What do broken yellow lines on a two-lane road indicate?

  1. The lane is reserved for turning traffic
  2. The road becomes one-way ahead
  3. Passing is prohibited for both directions
  4. Passing is permitted when it is safe and no other restriction applies Correct answer.

Explanation

A broken yellow line separates traffic moving in opposite directions and allows passing when it can be done safely. Other signs, markings, or limited sight distance may still prohibit passing.

Question 38Rules of the road

You are driving on a road with a broken yellow line on your side and a solid yellow line on the other side. What does this mean?

  1. You may not pass, but oncoming traffic may
  2. Both directions may pass freely
  3. No one may pass in either direction
  4. You may pass when safe, but traffic in the other direction may not Correct answer.

Explanation

When the broken line is on your side of the center line, passing is permitted for your direction when safe. The solid line on the other side means oncoming traffic may not pass.

Question 39Rules of the road

What is the default speed limit on a city or town street in Washington unless signs post something different?

  1. 35 mph
  2. 20 mph
  3. 30 mph
  4. 25 mph Correct answer.

Explanation

Washington sets a default speed limit of 25 mph on city and town streets unless posted otherwise. Always obey a posted limit when one is displayed.

Question 40Rules of the road

You are approaching a bridge or overpass where the roadway is narrower than usual. What is the safest action?

  1. Slow down and keep your vehicle centered in your lane Correct answer.
  2. Move toward the center line to give room on the right
  3. Maintain the posted speed and rely on other drivers to adjust
  4. Accelerate to clear the narrow section quickly

Explanation

Narrow bridges and overpasses leave less margin for error, so reduce speed and stay centered in your lane. A narrow bridge is often marked with a warning sign.

Question 41Rules of the road

You are driving in fog and your low-beam headlights are not enough to see. What should you do with your high beams?

  1. Turn on only the parking lights
  2. Alternate high and low beams continuously
  3. Keep them off, because high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility Correct answer.
  4. Turn them on to see farther ahead

Explanation

High beams reflect off fog, rain, or snow and create glare that makes it harder to see. Use low beams and slow down in reduced visibility.

Question 42Rules of the road

What must you do before backing out of a driveway onto a public road?

  1. Sound your horn and proceed without stopping
  2. Rely on your rearview mirror alone
  3. Stop before crossing the sidewalk and yield to pedestrians and traffic Correct answer.
  4. Back out quickly to avoid blocking the sidewalk

Explanation

A driver entering a roadway from a driveway must stop before crossing the sidewalk and yield to pedestrians and vehicles already on the road. Visibility behind the vehicle should be checked directly as well as with mirrors.

Question 43Rules of the road

You are driving and a large truck ahead signals a right turn but swings wide to the left. What should you do?

  1. Drive onto the shoulder to get around the truck
  2. Pass on the right while the truck is swinging left
  3. Assume the truck is changing lanes and pass on the left
  4. Stay back and do not try to pass on the right Correct answer.

Explanation

Large trucks often swing wide in the opposite direction to complete a turn because of their turning radius. Passing on the right can put you in the path of the trailer as it swings back.

Question 44Rules of the road

What is the proper way to share the road with a motorcycle?

  1. Share the lane if the motorcycle stays to one side
  2. Pass closely to reduce the time beside the motorcycle
  3. Allow the motorcycle a full lane width and do not share the lane Correct answer.
  4. Follow closely so the rider knows you are there

Explanation

A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane, and no other vehicle may share that lane alongside it. Give motorcycles extra following distance because they can stop quickly.

Question 45Rules of the road

A bicyclist is riding ahead of you in your lane and you want to pass. What is required?

  1. Sound your horn and pass closely
  2. Wait until the bicyclist leaves the roadway
  3. Pass at a safe distance and do not crowd the bicyclist Correct answer.
  4. Pass within the same lane without changing your position

Explanation

When passing a bicyclist, give a safe distance and do not crowd the rider. If you cannot pass safely, wait until it is clear to do so.

Question 46Rules of the road

You are driving on a road with a dedicated lane marked for buses. When may you use that lane?

  1. Only when making a turn that requires entering it, as signs allow Correct answer.
  2. Only during hours when buses are not running
  3. Whenever you are carrying passengers
  4. Whenever the general lanes are congested

Explanation

Bus-only lanes are reserved for transit vehicles, and general traffic may enter them only when a turn requires it and signs permit. Otherwise, stay out of the lane.

Question 47Rules of the road

What should you do when you see a pedestrian with a guide dog waiting at a corner to cross?

  1. Stop and yield the right of way to the pedestrian Correct answer.
  2. Proceed because the pedestrian has not stepped off the curb
  3. Speed up to clear the intersection first
  4. Honk to let the pedestrian know you are there

Explanation

Pedestrians who are blind or use guide dogs have the right of way, and you must stop and yield. Give them time to cross without pressure from your vehicle.

Question 48Rules of the road

You are driving at night on an unlit road and see a pedestrian walking along the edge of your lane ahead. What should you do?

  1. Slow down and give the pedestrian room as you pass Correct answer.
  2. Move toward the center line without slowing
  3. Flash your high beams and continue at the same speed
  4. Maintain your speed and stay in your lane

Explanation

Pedestrians on or near the roadway at night are hard to see, so reduce speed and leave room when passing. Be prepared to stop if the pedestrian moves into your path.

Question 49Rules of the road

A vehicle is stopped in the lane ahead of you waiting to make a left turn. What should you generally do?

  1. Pass on the left across the center line without checking
  2. Wait behind it until it completes the turn or a safe pass is possible Correct answer.
  3. Pass on the right shoulder
  4. Sound your horn until the driver turns

Explanation

A vehicle waiting to turn left is entitled to its position in the lane. Wait behind it, and pass only where it is legal and safe to do so.

Question 50Rules of the road

You are driving in the left lane of a road with three lanes in your direction. A vehicle is entering from a driveway on the right. Who should adjust?

  1. The entering vehicle must enter at full speed to merge
  2. Neither driver needs to adjust because the driveway has a stop line
  3. You should be prepared to change lanes or slow down to let the entering vehicle in Correct answer.
  4. The entering vehicle must always wait for a large gap

Explanation

Drivers already on the road have the right of way, but safe driving means anticipating entering vehicles and adjusting when needed. If traffic permits, changing lanes or slowing can prevent a conflict.