Washington Permit Practice Test 3
20 new questions · no repeats from Test 1 or 2 · Updated July 12, 2026
The third full set of 20 — no repeats from Tests 1 or 2 — rounding out every topic the real exam draws from. The real Washington exam is 40 questions at 80% to pass — that 80% bar ties Washington with 35 other states at #7 strictest of the 50 states.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. 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.
2. During winter months, you can improve your vehicle’s traction by:
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Correct answer: Adding chains to your tires or switching to studded tires
In winter you can improve traction by adding chains or changing to studded tires, and you must use snow tires or chains where required. Snowy roads also call for a larger following distance and much lower speed.
3. A 16- or 17-year-old moving to Washington with a license from another state must:
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Correct answer: Apply for a Washington Intermediate Driver License; DOL verifies their driver education and that they held a permit at least 6 months
A new resident under 18 must apply for a Washington Intermediate Driver License. DOL must approve their out-of-state driver education and verify they held their instruction permit for at least 6 months.
4. When driving through a work zone, you should reduce your speed:
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Correct answer: Always, even if no workers are present
Always reduce your speed in a work zone, even if there are no workers. Narrower lanes and rough pavement create hazards on their own. Observe posted work-zone signs until you see the End Road Work sign.
5. At a mid-block crosswalk (a marked crosswalk in the middle of a block), drivers must:
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Correct answer: Stop to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross, whether or not there is a stop sign
Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in a marked crosswalk. Drivers should stop to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross, regardless of whether the crosswalk has a stop sign.
6. License plates on a vehicle registered in Washington must be:
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Correct answer: Clearly displayed on both the front and the rear
License plates must be clearly displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle, and they must be kept clean and easy to read.
7. A bicyclist riding in a crosswalk is legally treated as:
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Correct answer: A pedestrian
Bicyclists in crosswalks are considered pedestrians. You must yield to them in both marked and unmarked crosswalks and intersections.
8. A flashing yellow traffic light has the same meaning as:
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Correct answer: A yield sign — treat the intersection as uncontrolled and proceed when you have the right-of-way
A flashing yellow light has the same meaning as a yield sign. Treat the intersection as an uncontrolled intersection and proceed when you have the right-of-way.
9. As your speed increases, your stopping distance:
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Correct answer: Becomes longer, increasing the risk of a collision if you must brake suddenly
Higher speeds create longer stopping distances. It takes longer to stop a vehicle at higher speeds, which increases the risk of a collision if you need to brake suddenly.
10. 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.
11. The safest plan if you know you will be drinking is to:
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Correct answer: Arrange for a sober driver ahead of time
Plan for a sober driver. Do not drive after consuming any impairing substance, and do not ride with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.
12. When approaching a curve, you should reduce your speed:
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Correct answer: Before you enter the curve
Slow down before entering the curve to help maintain traction. Keep a steady speed through the curve and avoid braking or accelerating suddenly, which can upset the vehicle’s balance.
13. When you go to a driver licensing office to get an instruction permit or license, you must:
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Correct answer: Bring original copies of the documents that prove your identity
To get an instruction permit, driver license or ID card, you must provide documentation that proves your identity, and you should bring the original copies of all necessary documents with you to the office.
14. In a work zone, you should also:
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Correct answer: Increase your following distance and be prepared to stop
Increase your following distance, watch the traffic around you, and be prepared to stop. Eliminate distractions by turning down music and pausing conversations, and use extreme caution at night.
15. When you plan to turn and a bicyclist is behind you, you should:
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Correct answer: Check behind you and yield to the bicyclist before making your turn
Check behind you for bicyclists and yield to them before turning — bicyclists might be moving toward you faster than you realize.
16. A decorative license plate frame is allowed only if it:
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Correct answer: Does not cover or obstruct the letters, numbers, or tabs
You can use a license plate frame, but it cannot cover or obstruct the plate’s letters, numbers, or tabs. The plate must stay easy to read.
17. A bicycle lane in Washington is typically painted:
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Correct answer: Green
Bicycle lanes are typically painted green, marked with solid white lines and a bicycle symbol. Drive in a bike lane only when turning or crossing it to park near the curb.
18. A green arrow at an intersection tells you that:
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Correct answer: You may go in the direction of the arrow with the right-of-way, and there should be no oncoming or crossing traffic
A green arrow gives you the right-of-way to travel in the direction of the arrow. There should be no oncoming vehicles, crossing traffic, or pedestrians while the arrow is green.
19. Some roads post a minimum speed limit. This means you must:
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Correct answer: Travel at least that fast so you are not a hazard to other drivers
Some roads have minimum speed limits. You are required to travel at least this fast so you are not a hazard to other drivers.
20. Before turning across a crosswalk, you should check the street you are turning onto to be sure:
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Correct answer: No vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists are in or approaching your path
After signaling and finding a safe gap, check the street you are turning onto to make sure no vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists are in or approaching your path.
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