Washington Driver's Handbook Summary (2026): Key Rules by Section

The 5 handbook sections the Washington knowledge test draws from, summarized in our own words. Each rule links to its page in the official handbook.

1. Section 1: Licenses · 5 key rules
   Residency, the instruction permit, the intermediate license for teens, exams, renewal, losing your privileges, DUI and the open container law.
2. Section 2: Vehicles · 4 key rules
   Title and registration, insurance, vehicle technology, maintenance, lights and signals, seat belts and child seats, steering and braking.
3. Section 3: Drivers · 4 key rules
   Health and vision, impaired and drowsy driving, aggressive driving and road rage, decisions, distracted driving and scanning.
4. Section 4: Roads · 8 key rules
   Sharing the road, school buses, trains, emergency vehicles, traffic laws, signals, signs, intersections and roundabouts, road markings, zones and parking.
5. Section 5: Risks · 5 key rules
   Hazard awareness, speed, space, merging, night driving, curves, slippery roads, skids, vehicle failures, collisions and traffic stops.