Washington State Knowledge Test Safe Driving Practices 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended following distance for normal driving conditions in Washington?
- 1-second rule
- 2-second rule
- 3-second rule (Correct answer)
- 4-second rule
Correct answer: 3-second rule
Washington recommends a minimum 3-second following distance in normal conditions, and more in adverse conditions.
Question 2: When driving in fog in Washington, you should use:
- High-beam headlights for better visibility
- Low-beam headlights or fog lights (Correct answer)
- Hazard lights only
- No lights so oncoming drivers are not blinded
Correct answer: Low-beam headlights or fog lights
Low-beam headlights or fog lights should be used in fog because high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility further.
Question 3: In Washington, when is it legal to pass on the right?
- Never — passing on the right is always illegal
- When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to pass safely (Correct answer)
- Whenever traffic permits
- Only on roads with three or more lanes
Correct answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to pass safely
Passing on the right is permitted in Washington when the vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn and there is a clear lane to the right.
Question 4: What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane in Washington?
- Brake hard to slow down quickly
- Steer sharply to regain traction
- Ease off the gas and steer gently straight (Correct answer)
- Accelerate to power through the water
Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer gently straight
If you hydroplane, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go until traction is restored; do not brake hard.
Question 5: Before changing lanes on a Washington highway, you should:
- Signal, check mirrors, and check blind spots (Correct answer)
- Signal and accelerate into the gap
- Check mirrors only and signal while moving
- Honk to alert nearby drivers
Correct answer: Signal, check mirrors, and check blind spots
Before any lane change, signal your intent, check your mirrors, and check your blind spots by glancing over your shoulder.
Question 6: When parking on a downhill grade with a curb in Washington, your front wheels should be turned:
- Straight ahead
- Toward the curb (right) (Correct answer)
- Away from the curb (left)
- Either direction is acceptable
Correct answer: Toward the curb (right)
On a downhill grade with a curb, turn your front wheels toward the curb so if the vehicle rolls, the curb will stop it.
Washington State Knowledge Test Safe Driving Practices 1
What is the recommended following distance for normal driving conditions in Washington?