Washington permit test: vehicle maintenance and loads
Tires, glass, headlights, brake lights, turn and hand signals, hazard lights and securing your load. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key vehicle maintenance and loads rulesShow the rules
- Completely clear snow, ice, or frost from all windows before you drive so you can see in every direction. (p. 48)
- Worn tires can slip and slide, especially on wet roads. (p. 48)
- Look for the Tire and Loading Information label on the edge of the driver's door, or check the owner's manual. (p. 48)
- Running lights are dimmer than headlights and leave your taillights off, so drivers behind you may not see your car. (p. 49)
- Washington law requires headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. (p. 49)
- Switch back to regular headlights when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and within 300 feet when behind another vehicle. (p. 50)
- Brake lights are red and must be clearly visible from 100 feet away. (p. 50)
- Sit with your chest 10 inches or more from the wheel so the airbag has room to open. (p. 51)
- For a left turn, put your left arm out the window and point your fingers straight out to the left. (p. 51)
- Driving with an unsecured load is against the law. (p. 151)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample vehicle maintenance and loads questions
1.You are hauling furniture in an open pickup bed. What does Washington law require?
- AOnly a red flag on the end
- BOnly covering it with a tarp
- CNothing if you drive slowly
- DSecure the load so nothing can fall
Show the answer
✓ D. Secure the load so nothing can fall
Driving with an unsecured load is against the law. Tie everything down with rope, netting, or straps so nothing slides or falls.
2.You are using high beams on a dark rural road. A car comes toward you. Within what distance must you switch to low beams?
- A300 feet
- B500 feet
- C100 feet
- D1,000 feet
Show the answer
✓ B. 500 feet
Switch back to regular headlights when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and within 300 feet when behind another vehicle.
3.You are using high beams and come up behind another car going the same way. When must you dim them?
- AOnly if the driver flashes you
- BWithin 100 feet of the car
- CWithin 300 feet of the car
- DWithin 500 feet of the car
Show the answer
✓ C. Within 300 feet of the car
When you are behind another vehicle, switch from high beams to regular headlights within 300 feet.
4.It is getting dark and your car's daytime running lights are on. Why should you still turn on your headlights?
- ARunning lights drain the battery
- BRunning lights don't turn on your taillights
- CRunning lights are illegal at dusk
- DRunning lights blind oncoming drivers
Show the answer
✓ B. Running lights don't turn on your taillights
Running lights are dimmer than headlights and leave your taillights off, so drivers behind you may not see your car.