Washington DMV Cheat Sheet

Correct answer: In the trunk, or in an area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers

An open alcohol container must be kept in the trunk or an area not normally occupied by people. The law specifically states a glove or utility compartment does not count as out of reach.

Correct answer: The most common impairment involved in fatal crashes

Polydrug use — mixing alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs — can produce effects greater than any one drug alone. It is the most common impairment involved in fatal crashes.

Correct answer: Face fines, jail time, and have their vehicle impounded

Penalties for street racing and unauthorized demonstrations are severe. Guilty participants — including those who help or instigate — can face fines, jail time, and vehicle impoundment.

Correct answer: About 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle

Warn other drivers by placing emergency flares 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle. Also turn on your emergency flashers and, if possible, raise the hood.

Correct answer: Leave a note with the date, time, and your contact information

If a collision involves a parked vehicle, try to locate the owner. If you cannot, leave a note where they will easily see it, including the date and time of the collision and your contact information.

Correct answer: Jump clear with both feet together, then shuffle away without touching the vehicle

If you must exit, jump clear so you never touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together, then shuffle at least 35 feet away to avoid electric shock.

Correct answer: It has no minimum age requirement, but it does not replace the instruction permit or waive first-license requirements

Agricultural permits allow drivers under 18 to drive within a specific area for farm work, and there is no minimum age. But an agricultural permit is not a substitute for an instruction permit — you still must get a permit and meet all requirements for your first license.

Correct answer: Not allowed at all, even hands-free — you may only use your phone to report an emergency

Intermediate license laws restrict the use of cell phones and wireless communication devices while driving, even with hands-free technology. You can only use your phone to report an emergency.

Correct answer: They are automatically lifted — you do not need to get a new license right away

You do not need to get a new license when you turn 18 — intermediate driver license restrictions are automatically lifted. You can wait until you renew to get an updated physical copy of your license.

Correct answer: Need to retake the skills and knowledge tests

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license is 8 or more years expired, you will need to retake the skills and knowledge tests.

Correct answer: Away from the curb, until the back of the front tire touches it

On a hill with a tall curb, facing uphill, turn your wheels away from the curb until the back of the front tire rests against it. If the vehicle rolls, it settles backward into the curb.

Correct answer: You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road, or enter a paved road from an unpaved road

At an uncontrolled intersection you must yield when you enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road, when you enter a paved road from an unpaved road, or when you plan to turn left and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction.

Correct answer: Drive through and exit the roundabout, then pull over, as you would at any other intersection

Drive through the roundabout and pull over if an emergency vehicle approaches, just as you would at any other intersection — do not stop inside the circle.

Correct answer: Let the bicyclists cross the intersection first, and you may not turn right on red near a bicycle box

At a bicycle box, when the light turns green the bicyclists cross first. You cannot turn right on red near a bicycle box, and you must stay behind the white line until the box is clear.

Correct answer: The vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt fits properly — typically around 4’9” tall

Children age 4 and older ride in a car or booster seat until the lap and shoulder belt fits properly — usually once they reach about 4’9” tall, typically between ages 8 and 12.

Correct answer: Workers are present

Motorists must yield to construction personnel, vehicles with flashing yellow lights, and equipment in a work zone. Fines double for offenses committed while driving in construction areas when workers are present.

Correct answer: Run a red light, fail to stop at a railroad crossing signal, or speed in a school zone

Automated traffic safety cameras record images if you fail to stop at a steady red light, fail to stop at a railroad crossing signal, or exceed the speed limit in a school zone. Tickets are mailed to the vehicle owner.

Correct answer: You cannot enter the street from that direction

A square sign with a white horizontal line inside a circle means you cannot enter the street from that direction.

Correct answer: You are not allowed to pass in either direction

Double solid yellow centerlines show the middle of a two-way road, and you are not allowed to pass, in either direction, on roads with double yellow lines.

Correct answer: The dashed line is on your side of the road and it is safe

With a solid yellow and a dashed yellow line, you are not allowed to pass when the solid line is on your side. If the dashed line is on your side, you may pass when it is safe.

Correct answer: Do not need to stop for the flashing red lights

Drivers traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop for a school bus if there are three or more lanes and the lanes are separated by a median or barrier. On a two-lane road, all vehicles must stop.

Correct answer: 450 feet

It takes a loaded truck with properly adjusted brakes, traveling at 55 mph, about 450 feet to stop. Never cut in front of a large vehicle without leaving plenty of space.

Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail

Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail when the signal is flashing, the gate is down, or a train is approaching. Never drive around a lowered gate.

Correct answer: At least 3 feet

As you pass an agricultural vehicle, leave at least 3 feet between the widest part of your vehicle and the farm equipment. Move over one full lane where there are two lanes in the same direction.

Correct answer: Plan, communicate, check, execute, and evaluate your move safely

When merging, give yourself enough space so you can safely apply your hazard-management routine — plan, communicate, check, execute, and evaluate.