Washington permit test: safe driver habits
Seat belts, child seats and airbags, fatigue, aggressive driving and road rage, and Washington's distracted driving law. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
- The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face. (p. 52)
- Every person in a moving vehicle must wear a seat belt or be secured in an approved child restraint. (p. 52)
- Children up to age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat. (p. 53)
- Children ride in a car or booster seat until the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts fit properly, typically between ages 8 and 12. (p. 54)
- Get adequate sleep before a trip; most people need 7 to 9 hours to stay alert. (p. 76)
- When you are alone and getting drowsy, leave the road and nap for about 20 minutes; stopping to sleep is safer than pushing on. (p. 76)
- Plan to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips to stay alert. (p. 76)
- Aggressive driving behaviors include speeding, following too close, making unsafe lane changes, improper signaling, and ignoring traffic controls. (p. 77)
- Report in-progress road rage incidents immediately by calling 911, with details such as location, plate number and direction of travel. (p. 80)
- You cannot hold any electronic device while driving. (p. 85)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample safe driver habits questions
1.Which of these does the handbook list as an aggressive driving behavior?
- ADriving below the speed limit
- BLeaving extra space ahead
- CUsing your turn signal early
- DMaking unsafe lane changes
Show the answer
✓ D. Making unsafe lane changes
Aggressive driving behaviors include speeding, following too close, making unsafe lane changes, improper signaling, and ignoring traffic controls.
2.Why does the handbook say you must wear a seat belt even in a car with airbags?
- AAirbags only work if belts are fastened
- BBelts stop airbags from deploying
- CAirbags replace belts in front seats
- DUnbelted, an airbag can seriously injure you
Show the answer
✓ D. Unbelted, an airbag can seriously injure you
Airbags and seat belts work together. If you are not wearing your belt when an airbag deploys, you risk serious injury or death.
3.On a long trip, how often does the handbook suggest planning a stop?
- AAbout every 50 miles or 1 hour
- BAbout every 200 miles or 4 hours
- CAbout every 100 miles or 2 hours
- DOnly when you need fuel
Show the answer
✓ C. About every 100 miles or 2 hours
Plan to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips to stay alert.
4.Your adult friend rides in the back seat and says seat belts are only needed up front. What does Washington law say?
- ABelts are needed only on highways
- BBack-seat adults may ride unbelted
- CEvery person must wear a seat belt
- DOnly the driver must wear a belt
Show the answer
✓ C. Every person must wear a seat belt
Every person in a moving vehicle must wear a seat belt or be secured in an approved child restraint. It is illegal to drive or ride without one.