Ace Your WA Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know for 2025
The first official step to getting behind the wheel in Washington is passing the DOL Knowledge Test. This 40-question, multiple-choice exam is designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of the state's traffic laws and safety rules before you start practicing. To pass, you must answer at least 32 questions correctly, which is an 80% score.
All questions are taken directly from the Washington Driver Guide. To help you study and build your confidence, we’ve put together a list of 15 practice questions that cover the types of topics you are guaranteed to see on the real test.
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A driver with an Intermediate Driver License is not allowed to drive between what hours for the first year? a) 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. b) 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. c) 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. d) There is no curfew.
Answer: c) 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Explanation: Washington's Graduated Driver License (GDL) law imposes a curfew on intermediate license holders for the first year, between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver over 25.
2. For the first six months of having an Intermediate Driver License, how many non-family passengers under 20 are you allowed to have in the car? a) Zero b) One c) Three d) Unlimited, as long as they have seatbelts.
Answer: a) Zero. Explanation: This is a critical GDL safety rule to minimize distractions for new drivers. For the first six months, you may not transport any passengers under 20 unless they are members of your immediate family.
3. A flashing yellow light at an intersection means you must: a) Stop completely and wait for a green light. b) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe. c) Slow down and proceed with caution. d) The light is about to turn red.
Answer: c) Slow down and proceed with caution. Explanation: A flashing yellow light is a warning. It means you should slow down, be aware of your surroundings, and proceed through the intersection with caution, yielding to pedestrians and other traffic.
4. When parking your vehicle facing uphill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: c) Away from the curb. Explanation: Turning your wheels away from the curb (to the left) ensures that if your vehicle's brakes were to fail, it would roll backward and the front tire would catch the curb, stopping the car. Remember the phrase "Up, Up, and Away."
5. This road sign (an octagon shape) always means: a) Yield. b) Stop. c) Warning. d) No Passing.
Answer: b) Stop. Explanation: The octagon shape is used exclusively for stop signs to ensure they are instantly recognizable, even from a distance or if covered in snow.
6. To be eligible for an Intermediate Driver License in Washington, a teen must have held their instruction permit for at least: a) 3 months. b) 6 months. c) 9 months. d) 1 year.
Answer: b) 6 months. Explanation: A teen driver must hold their instruction permit for a minimum of six months and meet all other requirements before they can apply for an intermediate license.
7. In Washington, you can be arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of: a) 0.08% or more. b) 0.05% or more. c) 0.04% or more. d) 0.02% or more.
Answer: a) 0.08% or more. Explanation: For drivers 21 and over, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. For drivers under 21, Washington has a "Zero Tolerance" policy, meaning a BAC of 0.02% or higher is illegal.
8. A solid yellow line on your side of the road means: a) You may pass if the way is clear. b) You are in a passing zone. c) You may not pass. d) The road is ending.
Answer: c) You may not pass. Explanation: A solid yellow line on your side of the center line marks a no-passing zone. You must stay in your lane until the line becomes dashed or the zone ends.
9. In Washington, how many feet must you park from a fire hydrant? a) 5 feet b) 10 feet c) 15 feet d) 20 feet
Answer: c) 15 feet. Explanation: The Washington Driver Guide specifies that you may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
10. What is the minimum age to apply for an instruction permit in Washington (if enrolled in driver's ed)? a) 14 b) 15 c) 15 and a half d) 16
Answer: b) 15. Explanation: A person must be at least 15 years old and enrolled in a driver education course to apply for an Instruction Permit in Washington.
11. This road sign (a diamond shape) is used for what purpose? a) To state a law or regulation. b) To warn of existing or potential hazards. c) To provide guidance and information. d) To indicate motorist services.
Answer: b) To warn of existing or potential hazards. Explanation: Diamond-shaped signs are used as warning signs. They alert drivers to things like sharp curves, intersections, slippery roads, or other conditions that require special attention.
12. To get an Intermediate Driver License, a teen driver must have a parent certify the completion of how many hours of supervised practice? a) 30 hours, with 5 at night. b) 40 hours, with 10 at night. c) 50 hours, with 10 at night. d) 60 hours, with 15 at night.
Answer: c) 50 hours, with 10 at night. Explanation: The GDL program requires 50 hours of certified behind-the-wheel practice, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, before a teen can take the road test for their intermediate license.
13. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with its lights and siren on, you must: a) Continue at the same speed. b) Stop immediately in your lane. c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. d) Speed up to get out of the way.
Answer: c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. Explanation: You must yield the right-of-way by pulling as far to the right as is safe and coming to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
14. Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on state highways in Washington? a) 50 mph b) 55 mph c) 60 mph d) 70 mph
Answer: c) 60 mph. Explanation: The maximum speed limit on state highways is 60 mph, unless a different speed is posted. The limit is 25 mph on city/town streets and 50 mph on county roads.
15. Washington's "Distracted Driving Law" prohibits drivers from: a) Talking on a cell phone, even with a hands-free device. b) Holding a personal electronic device in their hand while driving. c) Watching a video while driving. d) All of the above.
Answer: d) All of the above. Explanation: Washington has one of the strictest distracted driving laws. It is illegal to hold a phone or other electronic device while driving, stopped in traffic, or at a stop light. A single touch to activate a hands-free device is permitted, but watching videos is strictly forbidden.
How to Study: The absolute best way to prepare is to thoroughly read the Washington Driver Guide. Use these practice questions to test your knowledge on the key concepts. Good luck!
