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Am I Ready for the Washington Permit Test?
12-question diagnostic · 4 easy, 4 medium, 4 hard · Updated July 12, 2026
Twelve questions, deliberately mixed: four easy, four medium, four of the hardest in our verified Washington bank. The real test needs 80% — but a diagnostic this short needs a margin, so read your result like this: 11+ of 12, you're ready to book; 9–10, you're close — drill the 25 hardest first; below that, work the full test ladder before test day.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. For a driver 21 or older, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above which you are considered driving under the influence is:
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Correct answer: 0.08
A driver 21 or older is legally under the influence at a BAC of 0.08 or higher. Even below that level, you can be charged if alcohol affects your ability to drive safely.
2. At night, you should drive at a speed that lets you:
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Correct answer: Stop within the distance lit by your headlights
Drive slowly enough at night to stop within the glow of your headlights — usually about 400 feet. If you cannot stop within the area you can see, you are overdriving your headlights.
3. Every Washington driver license, permit and ID card is issued with:
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Correct answer: An assigned Washington number, often beginning with the letters WDL
All Washington licenses, permits and ID cards carry an assigned Washington number that is specific to you. It often starts with the letters WDL.
4. The speed limit in a Washington school zone is:
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Correct answer: 20 mph
The school zone speed limit is 20 mph, because higher speeds sharply increase the risk of a fatal crash. Signs may clarify when the 20 mph limit applies.
5. For a driver under 21, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is against the law is:
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Correct answer: 0.02 or higher
Because it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink, the limit for underage drivers is much lower — a BAC of 0.02 or higher violates the law.
6. You stop at the stop line but a building blocks your view of the cross street. You should:
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Correct answer: Edge forward slowly until you can see, letting crossing drivers see the front of your vehicle
If your view is blocked after stopping at the line, edge forward slowly until you can see. This also lets crossing drivers see the front of your vehicle and gives them a chance to slow down and warn you if needed.
7. Your liability insurance must cover at least how much for the bodily injury or death of one person in a collision?
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Correct answer: $25,000
Washington requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for the injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $10,000 for damage to the property of others.
8. After a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk in front of you, you may proceed once they have:
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Correct answer: Cleared your lane and one additional lane
Wait until a pedestrian has cleared your lane and one additional lane before proceeding. If they use a wheelchair, cane, or service animal, wait until they have completely crossed.
9. Your liability insurance must cover at least how much for damage to the property of others in one collision?
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Correct answer: $10,000
The minimum property-damage coverage is $10,000 for any one collision. This pays for damage you cause to other people’s property, such as their vehicle or a fence.
10. A person can be charged with a DUI-type offense for being impaired while:
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Correct answer: In physical control of a vehicle, even if it is parked and not moving
Being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence is a crime, even if the vehicle is parked. Sitting impaired behind the wheel is enough.
11. You should NOT make a U-turn:
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Correct answer: On a curve or when approaching the crest of a hill
You must have clear visibility in all directions before making a U-turn. For that reason, do not make a U-turn on a curve or when approaching the crest of a hill.
12. Your tire tread should never be less than:
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Correct answer: 2/32 of an inch
Tire tread should never be less than 2/32 of an inch. Worn tires can cause slipping and sliding, especially on wet roads.
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