WA DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield WA DMV facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Who must supervise a teen driving with a Washington instruction permit? → A licensed driver age 21 or older with at least 5 years of driving experience
2. If fog becomes so thick you can barely see, what is the safest action? → Pull completely off the road, stop, and turn on hazard lights
3. In Washington, who has the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection? → The vehicle that arrives first; if simultaneous, the vehicle on the right
4. Where does ice tend to form first when temperatures drop? → On bridges and overpasses
5. What extra registration fee applies to electric vehicles in Washington? → An annual electric vehicle fee that helps replace lost gas tax revenue
6. You want to park near a marked fire lane at a shopping center. You should: → Never stop or park in the fire lane, even briefly
7. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, what should you do first? → Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard
8. Which condition may lead the Department of Licensing to require a medical evaluation or retest of a Washington driver? → A reported medical condition that impairs safe driving
9. How long must a Washington teen hold an instruction permit before applying for an intermediate driver license? → At least 6 months
10. Which of the following can a Washington driver do entirely online through the Department of Licensing? → Renew an eligible standard license
11. Which of the following is a legal parking location in Washington? → A marked parking space along the curb on a two-way street
12. What must a driver usually do to reinstate a suspended Washington license? → Meet all requirements and pay a reinstatement fee
13. A Washington resident stores a car that will not be driven all year. What option can help avoid paying full registration while it is off the road? → Let the registration expire and renew before driving it again
14. What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on ice? → Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming the brakes
15. Which statement about parking in a bus zone is correct? → Private vehicles may not stop or park in a marked bus zone
16. A 16-year-old with an intermediate license is driving alone at 2 a.m. to their job. Which statement is true? → They may be exempt if driving for employment purposes as allowed by law
17. How many hours of supervised driving practice are required before a teen can get an intermediate license in Washington? → 50 hours, including 10 at night
18. What documentation is typically required to obtain a new driver’s license in Washington State? → Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency
19. What is the correct procedure for driving through standing water? → Slow down, drive through steadily, and test brakes afterward
20. Which document type allows Washington drivers to board domestic flights under federal REAL ID rules? → An enhanced driver license (EDL)
21. What is the Smith System's first principle of defensive driving? → Aim high in steering — look far down the road, not just at the vehicle ahead
22. Under Washington's implied consent law, what does having a driver license mean you have agreed to? → Taking a breath or blood test if arrested for DUI
23. What is the minimum age to apply for a standard driver’s license in Washington State? → 16
24. When leaving a parallel parking space, you should: → Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and yield to approaching traffic
25. When is a paved road usually most slippery during rain? → During the first 10 to 15 minutes of rainfall
26. Which family members do NOT count against the intermediate license passenger limit? → Immediate family members such as siblings
27. During winter driving, why should you keep your gas tank at least half full? → It prevents fuel-line freeze and provides fuel if you become stranded
28. A permit holder practices driving with a licensed friend who got their own license 2 years ago. Is this legal in Washington? → No, because the supervisor must have at least 5 years of licensed driving experience
29. Which areas of a shaded, tree-lined road stay icy longest after a freeze? → Shaded spots that receive little sunlight
30. Parking your vehicle within an intersection is: → Always illegal