Washington permit test: conditions, zones, emergencies and crashes
School, work and emergency zones, night driving, curves, slippery roads and skids, vehicle failures, collisions and getting pulled over. 41 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key conditions, zones, emergencies and crashes rulesShow the rules
- Always reduce speed in a work zone, even with no workers present. (p. 141)
- At night, drive at a speed that lets you stop within the glow of your headlights, usually about 400 feet. (p. 166)
- Reduce your speed before entering a curve. (p. 168)
- Snowy roads require a larger following distance and a dramatically reduced speed. (p. 170)
- Overpasses and bridges can have icy spots even when the rest of the road doesn't. (p. 171)
- Hydroplaning happens when water builds up under the tires. (p. 172)
- Warn other road users by placing emergency flares 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle. (p. 173)
- If police don't make a report, state law gives you 4 days after the crash to send in a collision report form yourself. (p. 176)
- You are required to sign a ticket. (p. 182)
- Act on the ticket's instructions within 15 days, or your driving privilege can be suspended. (p. 182)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample conditions, zones, emergencies and crashes questions
1.You back into a parked car in a lot and can't find the owner. What must you do?
- ALeave a note with the date, time and your contact
- BWait 5 minutes, then leave if no one comes
- CDrive away, since the damage is minor
- DCall your own insurance company and leave
Show the answer
✓ A. Leave a note with the date, time and your contact
If you hit a parked vehicle, try to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note they will easily see with the date, time, and your contact information.
2.During a skid, which way should you steer?
- AThe opposite way the car is moving
- BBack and forth quickly
- CIn the same direction the car is moving
- DStraight, without moving the wheel
Show the answer
✓ C. In the same direction the car is moving
Steer in the same direction your vehicle is moving, then keep correcting until the tires regain traction.
3.An injured person is lying near a crashed car that is not on fire. Should you move them?
- AYes, move them to your car
- BYes, sit them up to help breathing
- CYes, if they ask for water
- DNo, unless they're in immediate danger
Show the answer
✓ D. No, unless they're in immediate danger
Don't move injured people unless they are in a burning vehicle or other immediate danger. Call 911 and keep them warm.
4.You see a sharp curve ahead. When should you slow down?
- ABefore you enter the curve
- BOnly if the road is wet
- CAs you exit the curve
- DIn the middle of the curve
Show the answer
✓ A. Before you enter the curve
Reduce your speed before entering a curve. Braking or speeding up suddenly inside the curve can make you lose control.