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. How far in advance should new residents obtain a Washington driver license after moving to the state? → Within 30 days of becoming a resident
2. Whom does liability insurance pay when you cause a crash? → The other people you injure or whose property you damage
3. Presenting a fake or invalid insurance card to a police officer in Washington is: → A misdemeanor criminal offense
4. You are merging onto a freeway and a large truck is in the right lane. What should you keep in mind? → Trucks cannot stop or slow as quickly as cars, so do not merge closely in front of them
5. Which of the following affects how quickly alcohol impairs a driver? → Body weight, food eaten, and how fast the drinks were consumed
6. Which state agency handles driver licensing services in Washington State? → The Department of Licensing (DOL)
7. 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
8. 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
9. In Washington, who has the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection? → The vehicle that arrives first; if simultaneous, the vehicle on the right
10. Which coverage pays if your parked car is damaged by hail, theft, or a fallen tree? → Comprehensive coverage
11. You are driving on I-5 and notice a driver behind you tailgating aggressively. What is the best defensive response? → Slow down gradually or change lanes to let them pass
12. What is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 in Washington? → 0.02
13. Where does ice tend to form first when temperatures drop? → On bridges and overpasses
14. What extra registration fee applies to electric vehicles in Washington? → An annual electric vehicle fee that helps replace lost gas tax revenue
15. 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
16. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, what should you do first? → Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking hard
17. A blue rectangular sign on Washington highways most commonly provides information about: → Motorist services such as food, gas, and lodging
18. What is the minimum bodily injury liability coverage per person required for drivers in Washington State? → $25,000
19. If your insurance policy is canceled and you keep driving, what should you do to stay legal in Washington? → Obtain new coverage or another approved form of financial responsibility before driving
20. You are driving behind a motorcycle in your lane. How much following distance should you allow compared to following a car? → More distance, because motorcycles can stop quickly and are harder to see
21. A motorcyclist ahead is riding in the left portion of their lane. What is the most likely reason? → To increase visibility to oncoming and following drivers and discourage lane sharing
22. 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
23. How long must a Washington teen hold an instruction permit before applying for an intermediate driver license? → At least 6 months
24. Which of the following can a Washington driver do entirely online through the Department of Licensing? → Renew an eligible standard license
25. Which of the following is a legal parking location in Washington? → A marked parking space along the curb on a two-way street
26. Under Washington's dangerously distracted driving law, eating or grooming that interferes with safe driving results in what? → A $99 secondary offense fine added when stopped for another violation
27. What should a driver do if the nearest driver licensing office has no available appointments for weeks? → Check availability at other nearby offices or complete the service online if eligible
28. What must a driver usually do to reinstate a suspended Washington license? → Meet all requirements and pay a reinstatement fee
29. 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
30. 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