Washington permit test: sharing the road
People walking, school and transit buses, large vehicles and snowplows, motorcycles, bicyclists, trains, farm and emergency vehicles. 33 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- Wait until a pedestrian has cleared your lane and one additional lane before you go. (p. 93)
- When a school bus shows flashing red lights and its stop arm is out, drivers going its way have to stop and wait. (p. 95)
- On a two-lane road, all vehicles in both directions must stop when the bus's red lights flash and the stop sign extends. (p. 96)
- Large vehicles may need more than one lane to turn. (p. 99)
- Bicyclists in crosswalks are treated as pedestrians. (p. 103)
- Trains are so heavy that stopping can take as much as a mile, so they always have the right-of-way. (p. 105)
- Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail when signals flash, gates lower, a flagger signals, or a train is near. (p. 105)
- Leave at least one car length (or more) between your vehicle and light rail trains, and never stop on the tracks. (p. 106)
- Farm vehicles designed to go 25 mph or less display a triangle sign or emblem. (p. 106)
- Emergency vehicles with lights or sirens have the right-of-way. (p. 107)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.You stopped for a pedestrian crossing a four-lane street. When may you go?
- AAs soon as they step out of your lane
- BAs soon as they have looked at you
- CAfter they clear your lane and one more lane
- DWhen they reach the painted center line
Show the answer
✓ C. After they clear your lane and one more lane
Wait until a pedestrian has cleared your lane and one additional lane before you go.
2.A school bus ahead turns on flashing yellow lights. What do they mean?
- APass it quickly before it comes to a stop
- BNothing, since only the red lights matter
- CThe bus is about to turn at the next corner
- DCaution: slow down and be careful
Show the answer
✓ D. Caution: slow down and be careful
School bus lights work like traffic signals: yellow means caution or slow down, and red means stop.
3.You just passed a large truck and want to move back in front of it. When is it safe?
- AWhen both its headlights show in your rearview mirror
- BAfter you are one car length ahead of it
- CWhen the truck driver flashes the lights at you
- DAs soon as you have passed the truck's cab
Show the answer
✓ A. When both its headlights show in your rearview mirror
Before merging ahead of a large vehicle, wait until you can clearly see both of its headlights in your rearview mirror.
4.How much space should you leave between your car and a light rail train?
- ANo set space
- BAt least 1 foot
- CAt least 3 car lengths
- DAt least one car length
Show the answer
✓ D. At least one car length
Leave at least one car length (or more) between your vehicle and light rail trains, and never stop on the tracks.