Washington permit test: speed, space and following time
Speed limits, adjusting for conditions, space around your vehicle and counting seconds of following distance. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key speed, space and following time rulesShow the rules
- Seat belts protect you in a crash, but they work less well at higher speeds. (p. 157)
- Speed limits show the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions. (p. 158)
- Washington law requires speeds that are safe for current road conditions. (p. 158)
- Slow down for conditions such as narrow bridges and tunnels, sharp curves, slippery roads, residential areas, and places with pedestrians. (p. 158)
- When near other vehicles, leave a distance at least twice the length of your vehicle between you and the vehicle ahead. (p. 159)
- Eye-lead time means scanning far ahead. (p. 161)
- Judging gaps is hard at first. (p. 162)
- When turning into traffic, you need enough time both to complete the turn and to reach the speed of the traffic you are joining. (p. 163)
- Your brain can only focus on one thing at a time, so give driving your full attention. (p. 163)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed, space and following time questions
1.You are waiting to turn left across oncoming traffic and aren't sure you have enough time. What does the handbook advise?
- ATurn as soon as one car passes
- BGive yourself too much time, not too little
- CGo quickly before the gap closes
- DLet the oncoming cars slow for you
Show the answer
✓ B. Give yourself too much time, not too little
Judging gaps is hard at first. It's better to give yourself too much time than not enough, and approaching traffic has the right-of-way.
2.Two lanes are merging into one in a work zone. How does the handbook say traffic should merge?
- AMerge as early as possible
- BThe left lane always goes first
- CTrucks merge before cars
- DTake turns, like a zipper
Show the answer
✓ D. Take turns, like a zipper
Merge by taking turns: one car from one lane, then one from the other, the way a zipper's teeth fit together.
3.In the count-seconds practice exercise, how far ahead should the marker you pick be?
- AAbout 60 seconds ahead
- BAbout 3 seconds ahead
- CAbout 1 mile ahead
- DAbout 15 seconds ahead
Show the answer
✓ D. About 15 seconds ahead
Pick a marker, such as a sign or pole, that you think is 15 seconds ahead, then count until you reach it to practice judging distance.
4.According to the handbook, how many things can your brain truly focus on at one time?
- AAs many as you practice
- BTwo things
- CThree things
- DOne thing
Show the answer
✓ D. One thing
Your brain can only focus on one thing at a time, so give driving your full attention.