Washington DOL Permit Practice Test 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 of 25

   Your car goes into deep water and starts to sink. What should you do?

   • AStay buckled and wait for help
   • BUnbuckle and escape through a window
   • COpen a door right away
   • DTurn the engine off and on again
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Unbuckle and escape through a window

   Get out through a window. Opening a door can let water rush in and roll the car over.

2. Question 2 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • ATurn right at the next road
   • BThe divided highway ends
   • CKeep to the right of the island or obstacle ahead
   • DThe right lane ends
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Keep to the right of the island or obstacle ahead

   Pass on the right side of the traffic island, median or obstacle shown on the sign.

3. Question 3 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AHeavy vehicles must keep right
   • BThe lane is closed
   • COnly vehicles with two or more people may use this lane
   • DTrucks only
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Only vehicles with two or more people may use this lane

   HOV means high-occupancy vehicle. 2+ means at least two people, counting the driver.

4. Question 4 of 25

   You are entering a freeway from an on-ramp, as shown. What should you do in the acceleration lane?

   • AMerge right away without checking traffic
   • BDrive slowly so freeway drivers notice you
   • CSpeed up to match freeway traffic, then merge into a safe gap
   • DStop at the end of the ramp and wait for a big gap
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Speed up to match freeway traffic, then merge into a safe gap

   Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of traffic, check mirrors and your blind spot, signal, and merge into a gap.

5. Question 5 of 25

   You missed your exit on the freeway. What should you do?

   • AGo on to the next exit
   • BBack up on the shoulder
   • CStop and wait for a gap to back up
   • DMake a U-turn across the median
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Go on to the next exit

   If you miss your exit, stay on the freeway until the next exit. Never back up or turn around on a freeway.

6. Question 6 of 25

   Why should you avoid making a U-turn near the top of a hill or on a curve?

   • AIt wears out your tires
   • BYour turn signal will not work
   • CIt uses too much fuel
   • DOther drivers may not see you in time to stop
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Other drivers may not see you in time to stop

   U-turns are unsafe where other drivers cannot see your vehicle from far away, such as near hilltops and curves.

7. Question 7 of 25

   Car A is waiting to enter this roundabout. Car B is already in the roundabout. Which car has the right-of-way?

   • AWhichever car is larger
   • BWhichever car honks first
   • CCar B
   • DCar A
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Car B

   Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout, then enter when there is a safe gap.

8. Question 8 of 25

   When may you pass another vehicle on the right?

   • AWhen the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to pass safely
   • BWhen you can use the shoulder
   • CWhenever the vehicle ahead is slow
   • DOnly on a two-lane road
   Show answer

   Answer: A. When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to pass safely

   You may pass on the right only when it is safe, such as when the car ahead is turning left or on a road with two or more lanes your way. Never use the shoulder.

9. Question 9 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • ATraffic from another road will join your lane; be ready to let it in
   • BTwo lanes become three
   • CYour lane ends and you must exit
   • DA divided highway begins
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Traffic from another road will join your lane; be ready to let it in

   Traffic is merging from the side shown. Adjust your speed, or change lanes if it is safe, so vehicles can merge smoothly.

10. Question 10 of 25

    How far should you sit from the air bag in the steering wheel?

    • AAt least 3 feet
    • BAs close as you can
    • CAt least 10 inches
    • DAt least 2 inches
    Show answer

    Answer: C. At least 10 inches

    Sit at least 10 inches from the air bag cover, as long as you can still control the vehicle safely.

11. Question 11 of 25

    You are in a left-turn lane facing a flashing yellow arrow. What may you do?

    • ATurn left, because oncoming traffic must stop for you
    • BTurn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
    • CStay stopped until a green arrow appears
    • DGo straight only
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

    A flashing yellow arrow allows the turn, but you must first yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

12. Question 12 of 25

    How should you pass a bicyclist riding in the same direction?

    • AFollow closely until the rider moves aside
    • BHonk and pass close by
    • CPass on the right
    • DSlow down and pass on the left with plenty of space
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Slow down and pass on the left with plenty of space

    Pass a bicyclist on the left at a safe distance and reduce your speed as you pass.

13. Question 13 of 25

    Why should you never drive beside a motorcycle in the same lane?

    • AMotorcycles must ride on the shoulder
    • BA motorcyclist has the right to use the full width of the lane
    • CMotorcycles are always slower than cars
    • DIt is fine if the rider waves you by
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A motorcyclist has the right to use the full width of the lane

    A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane, just like a car. Sharing its lane is dangerous and not allowed.

14. Question 14 of 25

    Which numbered marking separates lanes going in the same direction and allows lane changes when it is safe?

    • AMarking 5
    • BMarking 6
    • CMarking 2
    • DMarking 1
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Marking 5

    A broken white line (marking 5) separates lanes moving the same way. You may change lanes across it when safe.

15. Question 15 of 25

    You reach this sign. You cannot see a train, but you hear a train horn. What should you do?

    • ADrive onto the tracks to get a better look
    • BStop before the tracks and wait until the train has passed
    • CHonk your horn and keep going
    • DCross quickly before the train arrives
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Stop before the tracks and wait until the train has passed

    Never try to beat a train. Trains cannot stop quickly. Stop before the tracks and cross only when you are sure it is safe.

16. Question 16 of 25

    You see this emblem on the back of a vehicle. What does it mean?

    • AThe vehicle moves much slower than normal traffic, like farm equipment
    • BThe vehicle carries hazardous materials
    • CIt is carrying a wide load
    • DIt is an emergency vehicle
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The vehicle moves much slower than normal traffic, like farm equipment

    You can come up on these vehicles very quickly. Slow down early and pass only when it is safe and legal.

17. Question 17 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AA passing lane is ahead
    • BTraffic ahead travels in both directions on the same road
    • CTwo lanes go your way
    • DA divided highway begins
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Traffic ahead travels in both directions on the same road

    You are leaving a one-way road or divided highway. Oncoming traffic will be beside you, so keep right.

18. Question 18 of 25

    What should you do when you see this sign?

    • ASlow down and watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk
    • BTurn off your headlights so deer are not blinded
    • CHonk your horn the whole time
    • DSwerve sharply if you see a deer
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Slow down and watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk

    Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. If one appears, brake firmly and stay in your lane rather than swerving.

19. Question 19 of 25

    Signs with this fluorescent yellow-green color are used for:

    • ASchools, pedestrians and bicycles
    • BGas, food and lodging
    • CRoad work zones
    • DRailroad crossings
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Schools, pedestrians and bicycles

    Fluorescent yellow-green is used for school, pedestrian and bicycle signs because it is easy to see.

20. Question 20 of 25

    The lights are flashing at a railroad crossing. Where should you stop?

    • ARight next to the rail
    • BAt least 15 feet but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail
    • CAt least 200 feet before the tracks
    • DOn the tracks, so you can see better
    Show answer

    Answer: B. At least 15 feet but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail

    Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, and wait until the train has passed and it is safe.

21. Question 21 of 25

    Which of these is distracted driving?

    • AScanning the road ahead
    • BEating or changing the music while driving
    • CKeeping both hands on the wheel
    • DChecking your mirrors
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Eating or changing the music while driving

    Any activity that takes your attention from driving is a distraction, including eating, talking and adjusting the stereo or GPS.

22. Question 22 of 25

    What does implied consent mean?

    • APolice may search your home at any time
    • BYou may refuse a chemical test with no penalty
    • CBy driving, you have agreed to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully asked by police
    • DYour passengers must also be tested
    Show answer

    Answer: C. By driving, you have agreed to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully asked by police

    Under implied consent laws, getting a license and driving means you agree to be tested when an officer lawfully asks.

23. Question 23 of 25

    A driver holds the left arm out the window, bent upward at the elbow. What does this hand signal mean?

    • AHazard ahead
    • BSlowing down or stopping
    • CRight turn
    • DLeft turn
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Right turn

    The left arm bent upward means a right turn.

24. Question 24 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • ATrucks must use this route
    • BOne-way street to the right
    • CThe road ahead turns right
    • DFollow this route because the usual road is closed
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Follow this route because the usual road is closed

    A detour takes you around a closed road. Follow the detour signs until you are back on your route.

25. Question 25 of 25

    As you get close to your exit from a roundabout, what should you do?

    • ATurn on your right turn signal and exit
    • BGo around once more to check traffic
    • CStop inside the roundabout before exiting
    • DTurn on your left turn signal and exit
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Turn on your right turn signal and exit

    Signal right as you approach your exit so others know you are leaving the roundabout.

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