Washington permit test: lanes, merging and blind zones
Blind zones, HOV, reversible, reserved and toll lanes, merging and zipper merging. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key lanes, merging and blind zones rulesShow the rules
- Blind-zone alerts are helpful, but make a habit of using your own eyes to check for yourself. (p. 63)
- Stay out of other vehicles' blind zones. (p. 64)
- Large vehicles have big blind zones, sometimes called no zones. (p. 64)
- HOV lanes are marked with a diamond. (p. 134)
- Reversible lanes are usually marked by double-dashed white lines. (p. 135)
- Reserved lanes are for special uses shown by signs or markings. (p. 136)
- Zipper merging improves traffic flow by 60 percent and creates a predictable pattern that reduces collisions. (p. 160)
- Drivers already on the interstate have the right-of-way. (p. 160)
- Merge using all of the ramp's length plus your signal and mirrors, so you can find and fit into a safe gap. (p. 160)
- Trying to merge into a space that is too small is dangerous. (p. 160)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample lanes, merging and blind zones questions
1.How can you check your lane position using your car's hood?
- ALook at the hood only on curves
- BLine up the hood ornament with the center line
- CKeep the hood edge on the white line
- DLine up the center of the hood with the lane markings
Show the answer
✓ D. Line up the center of the hood with the lane markings
If the center of your hood is in line with the lane markings, you are about 3 to 6 inches from the edge of the lane.
2.You are merging onto an interstate from an on-ramp. Who has the right-of-way?
- ADrivers already on the interstate
- BYou, because you are merging
- CWhoever signals first
- DWhoever is in the larger vehicle
Show the answer
✓ A. Drivers already on the interstate
Drivers already on the interstate have the right-of-way. You may need to speed up or slow down to find a safe space.
3.By how much does the handbook say zipper merging improves traffic flow?
- A25 percent
- B90 percent
- C10 percent
- D60 percent
Show the answer
✓ D. 60 percent
Zipper merging improves traffic flow by 60 percent and creates a predictable pattern that reduces collisions.
4.Above a reversible express lane you see a red X. What does it mean?
- ATrucks only
- BYou can't use the lane
- CThe lane is changing direction
- DYou may use the lane
Show the answer
✓ B. You can't use the lane
Over a reversible lane, a green arrow means you can use it and a red X means you can't.