Washington Permit Practice Test: Lanes, Turns and Passing (2026)

Question 1 of 20

How far ahead should you signal before turning or changing lanes?

1. 100 feet
2. 10 feet
3. 500 feet

Question 2 of 20

Which lane must you turn into at an intersection?

1. Any lane
2. The lane closest to the direction you came from
3. The farthest lane

Question 3 of 20

With two turn lanes, how should you turn?

1. Drift to the outside lane
2. Use whichever is open
3. Stay in your original lane through the turn

Question 4 of 20

Are U-turns allowed in Washington?

1. Generally yes, unless a sign prohibits them
2. Never
3. Only on freeways

Question 5 of 20

Where should you never make a U-turn?

1. On a straight road with clear view
2. On a curve or near the crest of a hill
3. At a legal intersection

Question 6 of 20

What speeds are roundabouts designed for?

1. 35 to 45 mph
2. 5 mph
3. 15 to 25 mph

Question 7 of 20

In a multi-lane roundabout, when may you change lanes?

1. Don't: stay in your lane until you exit
2. Anytime
3. Halfway around

Question 8 of 20

Which way do you travel in a roundabout?

1. Clockwise
2. Counterclockwise, after yielding on entry
3. Either way

Question 9 of 20

In a two-lane roundabout, why keep back from trucks?

1. They are faster
2. They must stop
3. They need lots of space and may use both lanes

Question 10 of 20

How far may you travel in a shared center left-turn lane?

1. No more than 300 feet
2. Half a mile
3. Any distance

Question 11 of 20

You enter a turn lane and change your mind. What must you do?

1. Go straight
2. Complete the turn
3. Back up

Question 12 of 20

May motorcycles use HOV lanes?

1. No
2. Only at night
3. Yes

Question 13 of 20

May you use a carpool lane just to pass?

1. No, carpool lanes are not passing lanes
2. Yes
3. Only on weekends

Question 14 of 20

You miss your freeway exit. May you back up on the shoulder?

1. Yes, slowly
2. No, it's illegal
3. Yes, with flashers

Question 15 of 20

May you pass using the road shoulder?

1. Yes, if clear
2. Yes, on the right
3. No, unless directed by officials or signs

Question 16 of 20

Merging onto an interstate, who has the right-of-way?

1. Drivers already on the interstate
2. You, on the ramp
3. Whoever is larger

Question 17 of 20

By how much can zipper merging improve traffic flow?

1. 5 percent
2. 60 percent
3. It makes it worse

Question 18 of 20

At a lane closure, how do you zipper merge?

1. Merge as early as possible and block the other lane
2. Speed up to cut in
3. Use both lanes to the merge point, then take turns

Question 19 of 20

In a diverging diamond interchange, what about oncoming traffic when turning left onto the freeway?

1. The design removes that conflict
2. You must yield to it
3. You must stop first

Question 20 of 20

Is cutting in a ferry line legal?

1. Yes
2. No, it is a traffic offense
3. Only for locals