Washington DMV practice test
54 practice questions written from the official handbook, Washington Driver Guide, 2025. The mock test asks 40 questions and needs 32 correct, like the real test.
Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV.
examprepare.help wrote this study aid. The Washington State Department of Licensing did not write or review it, and your real test may differ.
Practice shows the right answer and the handbook page after every question.The mock test asks 40 questions and needs 32 correct to pass.
The real Washington test
The Washington knowledge test is 40 questions and needs 32 correct answers to pass. A passing score is good for two years.
Rule source: Washington Department of Licensing, Do I need to take a test?.
Official handbook
Washington Driver Guide
Read the handbook (PDF, Washington State Department of Licensing) or the handbook page on the agency site.
We read this edition on 2026-10-05. Handbooks change. Check that your copy is the current one.
Key numbers from the handbook
| Rule | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| BAC at which an adult is under the influence in Washington | 0.08% or more | 38 |
| BAC at which a driver under 21 is under the influence in Washington | 0.02% or more | 38 |
| THC level that counts as an offence for an adult | 5.00 ng or more | 38 |
| Range of driving-privilege suspension for a DUI conviction | 90 days to 4 years | 38 |
| School zone speed limit in Washington | 20 mph | 140 |
| Top speed allowed in an emergency zone | 50 mph | 143 |
| When Washington law requires headlights | A half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise | 49 |
| Following gap the guide asks you to leave in front of your vehicle | At least twice the length of your vehicle | 159 |
| What you must do before turning right on red where there is a bicycle box | Stay behind the white line until the bicycle box is clear | 140 |
| Time the guide's counting exercise uses to measure a gap | 15 seconds | 161 |
| Insurance a Washington driver must carry | Liability insurance | 33 |
| Penalty for passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights | Fines are doubled | 95 |
Questions about the Washington test
How many questions are on the Washington DMV written test?
The real Washington knowledge test asks 40 questions. The Washington knowledge test is 40 questions and needs 32 correct answers to pass. A passing score is good for two years.
How many questions do I need to pass the Washington written test?
You need 32 of 40 correct (80%) to pass.
Are these the real DMV test questions?
No. examprepare.help wrote these 54 practice questions from the official handbook, Washington Driver Guide, 2025. They are not the real test questions. Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV. Check the Washington DMV website before you take the real test.
Which handbook are the questions from?
Washington Driver Guide, 2025, published by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Every answer cites the handbook section and page.
All 54 questions and answers
Read the bank before a mock test. Each answer names the handbook section and the printed page.
- 1.At what BAC is a Washington driver 21 or older under the influence?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 0.08% or more
The guide lists a BAC of 0.08% or more for adults 21 and over. Handbook: Alcohol and drug-related offenses, page 38.
- 2.At what BAC is a driver under 21 in trouble in Washington?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 0.02% or more
For minors under 21 the limit is a BAC of 0.02% or more. Handbook: Alcohol and drug-related offenses, page 38.
- 3.What THC level counts as an offence for an adult driver?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 5.00 ng or more
The table gives 5.00 ng or more for adults and above 0.00 ng for minors. Handbook: Alcohol and drug-related offenses, page 38.
- 4.What range of suspension can a DUI conviction cost you?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 90 days to 4 years
The guide lists suspension of 90 days to 4 years among the penalties. Handbook: Alcohol and drug-related offenses, page 38.
- 5.Which of these is NOT listed as a possible DUI penalty in Washington?
Alcohol and Drugs
- A free licence back
The guide's penalty list has an interlock, probation and treatment, but no free licence back. Handbook: Alcohol and drug-related offenses, page 38.
- 6.Under Washington's open container law, which is a traffic infraction?
Alcohol and Drugs
- Possessing an alcohol container that has been opened, has a broken seal or is partly consumed
Opened, broken-seal or partly consumed containers in a vehicle are infractions. Handbook: Open container law, page 38.
- 7.How long do alcohol- and drug-related offenses stay on your driving record?
Alcohol and Drugs
- For life
The guide says these offenses appear on your driving record for life. Handbook: Alcohol and drug-related offenses, page 38.
- 8.What does a speed limit sign mean?
Speed
- The maximum safe speed allowed or the minimum safe speed required
A speed limit sign gives the maximum safe speed allowed, or the minimum safe speed required. Handbook: COMMON SIGNS, page 114.
- 9.Can you be ticketed for driving too fast when you are under the posted limit?
Speed
- Yes, if the speed is unsafe for the conditions
Even under the posted limit you can be ticketed for travelling too fast for conditions. Handbook: COMMON SIGNS, page 114.
- 10.Which of these does the guide tell you to slow down for?
Speed
- Sharp curves or hills, slippery roads, areas with children and heavy traffic
The guide lists curves, slippery roads, pedestrians and children, congestion and residential areas. Handbook: 5.1 | Speed, page 158.
- 11.Why is arriving late better than not arriving at all?
Speed
- Speeding is a dangerous and unnecessary risk
The guide says arriving late is better than not arriving at all, because speeding is dangerous. Handbook: 5.1 | Speed, page 158.
- 12.Which is NOT listed as a danger of excessive speed?
Speed
- Better traction control
High speeds reduce vehicle and traction control rather than improving it. Handbook: 5.1 | Speed, page 157.
- 13.What is the school zone speed limit in Washington?
Speed
- 20 mph
The school zone speed limit is 20 mph because higher speeds raise the risk of fatal crashes. Handbook: 4.17 | Zones, page 140.
- 14.What must you do when you see a roadside response vehicle with flashing lights in an emergency zone?
Speed
- Move over into a farther lane or slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit
You must move over into a farther lane or slow to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. Handbook: 4.17 | Zones, page 143.
- 15.How much space should you leave in front of your vehicle?
Space and Time
- At least twice the length of your vehicle
The guide asks for a distance at least twice the length of your vehicle. Handbook: 5.2 | Space, page 159.
- 16.How does the guide's counting exercise measure a gap?
Space and Time
- Pick a marker you think is 15 seconds ahead and count until you reach it
Pick a marker such as a road sign or utility pole you think is 15 seconds ahead, then count until you reach it. Handbook: 5.4 | Time, page 161.
- 17.What is eye-lead time?
Space and Time
- Scanning far enough ahead to see, analyse and respond to a hazard
Eye-lead time gives you time to see, analyze and respond to hazards. Handbook: 5.4 | Time, page 161.
- 18.In a zipper merge you should:
Space and Time
- Merge in turns like a zipper coming together at a steady speed
Take turns merging with the vehicles from the ending lane, like the teeth of a zipper. Handbook: 5.3 | Merging, page 161.
- 19.What does a stop sign require?
Signs and Zones
- Stop at the line, crosswalk or corner and yield to traffic and pedestrians in all directions
A stop sign means you must stop at the line, crosswalk or corner and yield in all directions. Handbook: COMMON SIGNS, page 114.
- 20.What does a yield sign require?
Space and Time
- Slow down and allow traffic with the right-of-way to cross first
A yield sign means you must slow down and let traffic with the right-of-way go first. Handbook: COMMON SIGNS, page 114.
- 21.A school zone in Washington may be marked by:
Signs and Zones
- Signs, pavement markings and flashing lights
A school zone can be marked with signs, pavement markings and flashing lights. Handbook: 4.17 | Zones, page 140.
- 22.School bus lights are compared to traffic signals. What do red and yellow mean?
Signs and Zones
- Red means stop, yellow means caution or slow down
The guide says red means stop and yellow means caution or slow down. Handbook: 4.2 | Sharing with school buses, page 94.
- 23.When a school bus's red lights flash, which drivers must stop?
Signs and Zones
- All drivers travelling in the same direction as the bus, and drivers in every turn lane
All drivers in the same direction must stop, and drivers in all turn lanes must stop too. Handbook: 4.2 | Sharing with school buses, page 95.
- 24.Can you pass a school bus using a center turn lane?
Signs and Zones
- No, drivers in all turn lanes must stop
The guide says not to use a center turn lane to pass a school bus; drivers in all turn lanes must stop. Handbook: 4.2 | Sharing with school buses, page 95.
- 25.What is the penalty for passing a stopped school bus?
Signs and Zones
- Fines are doubled
The guide notes that fines are doubled for anyone who passes a stopped school bus. Handbook: 4.2 | Sharing with school buses, page 95.
- 26.When is a bicycle box a hazard?
Signs and Zones
- When you turn right on red
You cannot turn right on red near a bicycle box; stay behind the white line until it is clear. Handbook: 4.15 | Intersections, page 140.
- 27.What is a bicycle box for?
Signs and Zones
- Letting bicyclists cross first and enter the bike lane on the far side
When the light turns green bicyclists cross first and enter the bike lane on the other side. Handbook: 4.15 | Intersections, page 140.
- 28.What is a single yellow line on a road?
Signs and Zones
- A hazard line you should not cross to pass
A single yellow line warns of hazards ahead that you should not cross to pass. Handbook: Road markings, page 116.
- 29.What should you do in a work zone?
Signs and Zones
- Slow down and follow the posted work zone speed limit
Work zones have their own signs and lower limits you must follow. Handbook: 4.17 | Zones, page 142.
- 30.Which road users should you watch for most closely?
Sharing the Road
- People who cannot see you, people who are distracted, and people who may be confused
The guide tells you to look for people who cannot see you, are distracted, or may be confused. Handbook: 4.1 | Sharing the road, page 94.
- 31.What should you do if a service animal is working?
Sharing the Road
- Do not honk, and do not interfere with the animal
It is unlawful to interfere with a service animal, and honking could frighten it. Handbook: 4.1 | Sharing the road, page 94.
- 32.When should you move over one full lane?
Sharing the Road
- For roadside workers and others stopped in your lane
Move over when possible to create space for workers and others stopped along the road. Handbook: 4.17 | Zones, page 142.
- 33.When does Washington law require headlights?
Lights
- From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise
The guide quotes a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. Handbook: 2.5 | Headlights, page 49.
- 34.What simple habit does the guide suggest instead of watching the clock for headlights?
Lights
- Keep them on all the time, when it is dark, and in rain, snow, fog or smoke
The guide suggests headlights all the time, when it is dark, and in bad weather. Handbook: 2.5 | Headlights, page 49.
- 35.How can you warn a driver behind you that you are slowing down unexpectedly?
Lights
- Tap your brake pedal three or four times quickly
The guide's tip is to tap the brake pedal three or four times quickly to alert the driver behind. Handbook: 2.5 | Headlights, page 49.
- 36.Which beam should you use when a vehicle ahead is driving at night?
Lights
- Low beam
Dim beams are for driving in traffic when other drivers are around. Handbook: 2.5 | Headlights, page 49.
- 37.What is the best way to avoid hydroplaning?
Vehicle and Conditions
- Slow down when the road is wet
The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to slow down when the road is wet. Handbook: 5.6 | Hydroplaning, page 172.
- 38.What should you do if you hydroplane?
Vehicle and Conditions
- Take your foot off the accelerator, gently press the brakes and keep the wheel steady
Ease off the gas, press the brakes gently and keep the steering wheel steady. Handbook: 5.6 | Hydroplaning, page 172.
- 39.Why should you not forcefully stamp on the brakes if your car has no antilock brakes?
Vehicle and Conditions
- It could make you hydroplane more
Without antilock brakes, forcefully pressing the pedal could cause you to hydroplane more. Handbook: 5.6 | Hydroplaning, page 172.
- 40.What should you check on the vehicle before the road skills test?
Vehicle and Conditions
- Brake lights, signal lights and seat belts
The guide lists brake lights, signal lights and seat belts among the items that must work. Handbook: Road test, page 33.
- 41.What does a space cushion give you?
Vehicle and Conditions
- Room to take action if something is in your path
Space around your vehicle gives you room to act if a problem appears in your path. Handbook: 5.2 | Space, page 159.
- 42.What should you do after a crash?
Vehicle and Conditions
- Report it and call 911 when anyone is hurt
The guide covers reporting a crash and an injury, and calling 911. Handbook: 5.9 | Collisions, page 175.
- 43.How should a seat belt sit across your chest?
Occupant Protection
- Across the middle of your chest, snug across the shoulder and chest
The belt should go across the middle of your chest, with the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest. Handbook: 2.6 | Occupant protection, page 52.
- 44.Where should the lap belt sit?
Occupant Protection
- Snugly across the hips, below the stomach
The lap belt should restrain the hips snugly, below the stomach. Handbook: 2.6 | Occupant protection, page 52.
- 45.What must every person in a moving vehicle do?
Occupant Protection
- Wear a seat belt or be fastened into an approved child restraint
Everyone in a moving vehicle must wear a belt or be secured in an approved child restraint. Handbook: 2.6 | Occupant protection, page 52.
- 46.Which law does the guide cite for wearing a seat belt?
Occupant Protection
- RCW 46.61.687 and RCW 46.61.688
The guide cites RCW 46.61.687 and RCW 46.61.688 for seat belts and restraints. Handbook: 2.6 | Occupant protection, page 52.
- 47.What insurance must a Washington driver carry?
Licensing and Insurance
- Liability insurance
The guide asks for liability insurance showing the policy holder's name or the vehicle. Handbook: 2.3 | Insurance required, page 33.
- 48.How long does a new resident who is 18 or older have to get a Washington licence?
Licensing and Insurance
- 30 days
New residents 18 and older have 30 days to obtain a Washington driver licence. Handbook: New residents 18+ years old, page 19.
- 49.How long must a 16 or 17 year old hold an instruction permit before an intermediate licence?
Licensing and Insurance
- At least 6 months
Applicants 16 to 17 must hold the instruction permit for at least 6 months. Handbook: New residents: 16 to 17 years old, page 20.
- 50.How much classroom and behind-the-wheel training must another state's course cover to count for a Washington intermediate licence?
Licensing and Insurance
- 30 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel
Washington's minimum is 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Handbook: New residents: 16 to 17 years old, page 20.
- 51.Within how long must a driver training school enter your exam scores after you pass?
Licensing and Insurance
- 24 hours
The school has 24 hours to enter your scores once you have passed each exam. Handbook: Taking the exams, page 33.
- 52.Which of these is listed as driving without insurance?
Licensing and Insurance
- A driving record offence
Driving without insurance appears in the guide's list of driving record offences. Handbook: Driving record, page 36.
- 53.What must an intermediate licence driver do about a cell phone?
Licensing and Insurance
- Not use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving
Intermediate licence laws restrict cell phone use to no use while driving. Handbook: 1.13 | Driver training education, page 70.
- 54.Which of these is a distraction listed inside the vehicle?
Licensing and Insurance
- Cell phones, eating and adjusting the radio
The guide lists cell phones, eating and adjusting the radio as in-vehicle distractions. Handbook: 5.5 | Focus, page 84.