Washington DMV · Permit Test Prep
Washington DMV Practice Test 2026
Updated for 2026 · Sourced from the official Washington handbook
The Washington DOL knowledge test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam drawn from the official Washington State Driver Guide, covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe-driving practices. You need 80% (32 out of 40) to pass, and Washington does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test. Washington also runs a graduated licensing program for teens, plus a strict electronic-device (E-DUI) law that catches a lot of first-timers off guard. Work through the real, guide-sourced practice questions below, then download DMV Ace for 1,000+ more Washington-specific questions, progress tracking, and a full explanation on every answer.
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Topics covered on the Washington DMV written test
The 40 questions on the real Washington test are drawn from these chapters of the official Washington Driver Handbook.
Getting Your Washington Driver License
Graduated licensing for teens, permit requirements, driver training, identity documents, and fees.
Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings
Regulatory, warning, and guide signs; traffic lights, flashing signals, and pavement markings.
Rules of the Road
Right-of-way, intersections, roundabouts, turning, signaling, and keeping to the right.
Speed and Safe Driving
Posted and school-zone speed limits, stopping distances, mirror checks, and blind zones.
Sharing the Road
Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, large trucks, school buses, and emergency vehicles.
Driving Conditions
Night driving, rain, fog, slippery roads, and adjusting speed for reduced visibility.
Impaired and Distracted Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment, BAC limits, fatigue, and Washington's E-DUI electronic-device law.
Emergencies, Crashes, and Parking
Vehicle failures, what to do after a collision, hill and parallel parking, and no-parking zones.
Practice Questions
12 free Washington DMV practice questions
Real Washington-specific questions sourced from the official Washington Driver Handbook. Read each one, pick your answer, then check the explanation.
Question 1 · General Rules
When leaving your vehicle unattended in Washington, what must you do?
- ATurn off the engine only
- BSet the parking brake only
- CStop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key, and set the parking brake✓ Correct
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, when leaving your vehicle unattended you must stop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key, and set the parking brake.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 66 · Before You Go
Question 2 · Speed Limits
What is the school zone speed limit in Washington?
- A15 mph
- B20 mph✓ Correct
- C25 mph
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, the school zone speed limit is 20 mph because higher speeds increase the risk of fatal crashes near schools.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 140 · Zones
Question 3 · Right of Way
At an uncontrolled intersection in Washington, you should yield to:
- AThe vehicle on your left
- BThe faster vehicle
- CThe vehicle on your right✓ Correct
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, at an uncontrolled intersection you yield to the vehicle on your right when you arrive at the same time.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 129 · Uncontrolled Intersection
Question 4 · Traffic Signs & Signals
A steady yellow traffic light means you should:
- ASpeed up to clear the intersection
- BSlow down and prepare to stop✓ Correct
- CContinue at the same speed
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, a steady yellow light means the light is changing to red. Slow down and prepare to stop unless you are already in the intersection.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 111 · Traffic Light Signals
Question 5 · Highway Driving
If you miss your exit on the freeway, you should:
- AContinue to the next exit✓ Correct
- BBack up on the shoulder
- CMake a U-turn through the median
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, if you miss your exit, continue to the next one. It is illegal to back up on a shoulder or freeway.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 108 · General Driving Guidance
Question 6 · Weather & Visibility
What reduces your field of vision while driving at night?
- AThe color of the road surface
- BThe headlights of your own vehicle
- CDarkness limits how far you can see✓ Correct
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, at night your field of vision is reduced. Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance lit by your headlights.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 166 · Night Driving
Question 7 · DUI Laws
Alcohol impairs your driving by causing:
- AReduced reaction time, blurred vision, and poor judgment✓ Correct
- BOnly slower reaction time
- COnly blurred vision
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, alcohol causes blurry vision, reduced reaction times, difficulty understanding situations, and overconfidence.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 72 · Impaired Driving
Question 8 · Pedestrian Laws
When driving near a blind pedestrian using a guide dog or white cane, you should:
- ASlow down and yield the right-of-way✓ Correct
- BProceed at your normal speed
- CHonk to alert them
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, when you see a pedestrian with a white cane or service animal, slow down, yield, and do not honk because it may frighten them.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 94 · Sharing with People
Question 9 · Sharing the Road
Bicyclists in Washington may legally ride:
- AOn the roadway, shoulder, or in a bike lane✓ Correct
- BOnly in designated bike lanes
- COnly on sidewalks
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, bicyclists may ride on the roadway, on the shoulder, or in a designated bicycle lane.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 103 · Sharing with Bicyclists
Question 10 · Lane Changes & Passing
You should never pass another vehicle:
- AOn a curve or hill with limited visibility✓ Correct
- BWhen driving on a four-lane highway
- CWhen the road has a dashed yellow line
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, never pass where hazards exist, such as hills, curves, and intersections where vehicles could enter.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 116 · Signs
Question 11 · Parking Rules
You must not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- A15 feet✓ Correct
- B10 feet
- C25 feet
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, you must not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant to keep the area clear for emergency access.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 144 · Parking
Question 12 · Accidents & Emergencies
What should you do if you are involved in a crash with injuries?
- ACall 911 and stay at the scene✓ Correct
- BLeave the scene quickly
- CMove the injured immediately
Why: According to the Washington Driver Guide, if you are involved in a crash with injuries, call 911 and stay at the scene. Do not leave until law enforcement releases you.
Source: Washington Driver Handbook, page 175 · Collisions
988+ more Washington practice questions in the app
Download DMV Ace — FreeWashington-specific rules to know
A few traffic rules that are particular to Washington and frequently show up on the test.
Intermediate license night driving restriction
For drivers under 18 with an intermediate license, you cannot drive between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless you are with a licensed driver who is 25 or older. The restriction lifts after one year of safe driving.
Intermediate license passenger restriction
During the first 6 months, intermediate-license holders cannot carry passengers under 20 except immediate family. For the next 6 months, no more than 3 passengers under 20 who are not immediate family. The limit lifts after one year of safe driving.
E-DUI electronic-device law
Under Washington's 2017 Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (E-DUI) Act, you may not hold any electronic device — phone, tablet, or gaming device — while driving, even when stopped at a light, regardless of age.
Move Over, Slow Down law
When approaching a stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights, you must move over to a lane farther away when safe. If you cannot move over, slow to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit.
Driver training required to license before 18
Drivers under 18 must complete a state-approved driver-training course to get a license before their 18th birthday. Teens who skip the course cannot be licensed until they turn 18.
How to get your Washington driver's license
The knowledge test is one step in Washington's licensing process. Here's how the path typically works for a new driver.
Check the age and eligibility requirements
Eligibility in Washington: 15 with an approved driver-training course (15.5 if not enrolled in a course); drivers under 18 must complete driver training to be licensed before turning 18. Have your proof of identity, residency, and any required parental consent ready.
Study the official handbook
Read the Official Washington Driver Guide (dol.wa.gov) and practice with DMV Ace until you're consistently scoring above 80%.
Pass the knowledge test
The Washington written test has 40 questions, and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass. Permit/licensing fee: $35 for an instruction permit.
Build supervised driving experience
Hold your permit for the period Washington requires and log supervised driving hours with a licensed adult before you schedule the road test.
Pass the road test and get licensed
After you pass the behind-the-wheel road test, Washington issues your driver's license — often an intermediate/provisional license first for younger drivers.
Steps are a general guide — always confirm the current process with your local Washington DMV office.
How DMV Ace prepares you for the Washington test
1,000+ Washington-specific questions
Every question is sourced from the official Washington Driver Handbook — same wording style, same topic mix as the real test.
Explanations on every answer
Right or wrong, you see exactly why — with a handbook page citation so you can dig deeper.
Hard Questions module
A curated bank of the trickiest Washington questions — the ones most testers fail. Master these and you're ready.
Smart progress tracking
See exactly which topics you've mastered and which need work. A pass-readiness score tells you when you're truly ready for the Washington DMV.
FAQ
Washington DMV permit test — common questions
How many questions are on the Washington DOL knowledge test?
- The Washington knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass. Washington does not publish a time limit for the test.
What's the passing score for the Washington knowledge test?
- 80% — meaning you can miss no more than 8 of the 40 questions. The threshold is the same for first-time testers and retakes, and a passing score is good for two years.
What's the minimum age to get a permit in Washington?
- You can get an instruction permit at 15 if you are enrolled in an approved driver-training course, or at 15.5 if you are not. Drivers under 18 must complete driver training to be licensed before they turn 18.
Can I take the Washington knowledge test online?
- Teens taking an approved driver-training course complete the knowledge test as part of the course. Otherwise, you take the knowledge test in person at an approved testing location. Always check dol.wa.gov for current options.
How many times can I retake the Washington test if I fail?
- Washington lets you retake the knowledge test, though testing locations may charge a fee for each attempt and may require you to wait or rebook. Check with your testing location for retake rules and any waiting period.
How much does a Washington instruction permit cost?
- The instruction permit fee is $35. Knowledge-test fees may apply separately and vary by testing location, so confirm costs with the location where you test.
What is the E-DUI law in Washington?
- Under Washington's 2017 Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (E-DUI) Act, you may not hold any electronic device — including a phone, tablet, or gaming device — while driving, even while stopped at a light, regardless of age.
What are the night and passenger restrictions for teen drivers in Washington?
- Intermediate-license holders under 18 cannot drive between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older. For the first 6 months they cannot carry passengers under 20 except immediate family, and for the next 6 months no more than 3 such passengers. The restrictions lift after one year of safe driving.
Coming Soon
Washington motorcycle permit test prep
Studying for your motorcycle endorsement instead? Dedicated Washington motorcycle practice is coming to DMV Ace soon — meanwhile, the app already includes full motorcycle question banks for every state.
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