Washington Permit Practice Test: Your Car, Signals and Headlights (2026)

Question 1 of 20

Where must license plates be displayed in Washington?

1. Only on the rear
2. Only on the front
3. On the front and rear

Question 2 of 20

What is the minimum tire tread depth?

1. 2/32 of an inch
2. 1/2 inch
3. There is no minimum

Question 3 of 20

When does Washington law require headlights?

1. Only after midnight
2. From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise
3. Only in rain

Question 4 of 20

Why aren't daytime running lights enough at dusk?

1. They are too bright
2. They are illegal
3. They are dimmer and don't turn on your taillights

Question 5 of 20

Within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you switch off high beams?

1. 500 feet
2. 100 feet
3. 1,000 feet

Question 6 of 20

Following another vehicle, within what distance must you dim your high beams?

1. 50 feet
2. 300 feet
3. 1,000 feet

Question 7 of 20

From how far must brake lights be clearly visible?

1. 10 feet
2. 1 mile
3. 100 feet

Question 8 of 20

What is the hand signal for a right turn?

1. Left arm out, bent with fingers pointing up
2. Left arm straight out
3. Left arm pointing down

Question 9 of 20

What is the hand signal for stopping or slowing?

1. Left arm up
2. Left arm out with fingers pointing to the ground
3. Right arm out

Question 10 of 20

How far should your chest be from the steering wheel?

1. 2 inches
2. 3 feet
3. At least 10 inches

Question 11 of 20

Where should your headrest be?

1. Even with your ears
2. At your neck
3. Removed

Question 12 of 20

Who must wear a seat belt in Washington?

1. Only the driver
2. Every person in a moving vehicle
3. Only front passengers

Question 13 of 20

Until what age must children ride in a rear-facing car seat?

1. 1
2. 4
3. 2

Question 14 of 20

Children 4 and older ride in a booster until when?

1. Until the seat belt fits properly, typically between 8 and 12
2. Until 5
3. Until 16

Question 15 of 20

Children under what age should never ride in the front seat?

1. 8
2. 13
3. 16

Question 16 of 20

For hand-to-hand steering, where should your hands be?

1. At 12 and 6
2. Both at 12
3. At 9 and 3 or 10 and 2

Question 17 of 20

When is one hand at the 12 o'clock position recommended?

1. Only when backing up
2. On freeways
3. In turns

Question 18 of 20

What does an antilock braking system (ABS) do?

1. Shortens stopping distance by half
2. Lets you keep steering control; it does not shorten stopping distance
3. Prevents all crashes

Question 19 of 20

You must slow where the driver behind may not expect it. What can you do?

1. Flash your high beams
2. Honk
3. Tap the brake pedal three or four times quickly

Question 20 of 20

What should you do with snow or frost on your windows before driving?

1. Clear it completely from all windows
2. Clear only a small spot
3. Use the wipers while driving