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State guides · Washington

Washington DMV written test guide

Everything you need to know about the written test in Washington, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.

AgencyWashington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
Official handbookWashington Driver Guide ↗
Questions40
To pass32 of 40 correct
Test in Spanish?Yes

🗣️ 12 languages; check that your testing location offers yours. WA DOL

Taken at approved driver training schools/testing locations; score valid 2 years. From Nov 1 2026, first-time applicants under 25 must also pass a free online work zone/first responder course.

Washington rules you need to know

Washington test FAQ

How many questions are on the Washington written test?

The written test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct to pass.

Can I take the Washington driver's test in Spanish?

Yes. Washington offers the written test in Spanish.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Washington?

You can get a permit at 15 if enrolled in driver training, or at 15 and a half without it.

What documents do I need for a permit in Washington?

It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before you go.

Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →

11 Washington practice questions

  1. 1. In Washington, you see a tow truck with flashing lights on the roadside. What must you do?

    1. Move over a lane or slow to at least 10 mph below the limit
    2. Come to a full stop
    3. Keep going if no police are present
    4. Honk to warn them
    Show answer

    Answer: Move over a lane or slow to at least 10 mph below the limit

    It is an emergency zone: move into a farther lane or slow down at least 10 mph below the posted limit.

    Official source ↗

  2. 2. What is the school zone speed limit in Washington?

    1. 20 mph
    2. 15 mph
    3. 30 mph
    4. 25 mph
    Show answer

    Answer: 20 mph

    The school zone limit is 20 mph because higher speeds raise the risk of fatal crashes.

    Official source ↗

  3. 3. In Washington, what is the farthest you should travel in a shared center left-turn lane?

    1. 100 feet
    2. As far as you need
    3. 500 feet
    4. 300 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 300 feet

    Center turn lanes are for turning, never passing; don't travel more than 300 feet in one.

    Official source ↗

  4. 4. When railroad crossing lights are flashing, how far from the nearest rail must you stop?

    1. Exactly 100 feet
    2. Between 5 and 10 feet
    3. On the tracks
    4. Between 15 and 50 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet

    Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail. A train can take up to a mile to stop.

    Official source ↗

  5. 5. With a Washington intermediate license, what is banned during the first 6 months?

    1. Passengers under 20, except family, and driving from 1 to 5 a.m.
    2. Driving with your parents
    3. Daytime driving
    4. Driving on highways
    Show answer

    Answer: Passengers under 20, except family, and driving from 1 to 5 a.m.

    First 6 months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family, and no driving from 1 to 5 a.m. unless with a parent, guardian, or licensed driver 25 or older.

    Official source ↗

  6. 6. A school bus stops with red lights on the other side of a 4-lane divided road. What do you do?

    1. Stop completely
    2. Proceed with caution; you need not stop
    3. Stop only if you see children
    4. Move into the center lane
    Show answer

    Answer: Proceed with caution; you need not stop

    Oncoming traffic need not stop with three or more lanes or a median; traffic behind the bus must always stop.

    Official source ↗

  7. 7. In Washington, what level of active THC in the blood is DUI for drivers 21 and older?

    1. There is no cannabis limit
    2. Any amount
    3. 10 nanograms per milliliter
    4. 5 nanograms per milliliter or more
    Show answer

    Answer: 5 nanograms per milliliter or more

    For drivers 21 and older, 5 nanograms per milliliter or more is DUI. Under 21, any amount above zero.

    Official source ↗

  8. 8. Which of these parking spots is illegal in Washington?

    1. 20 feet from a fire hydrant
    2. 4 feet from a driveway
    3. 40 feet from a stop sign
    4. 60 feet from a railroad crossing
    Show answer

    Answer: 4 feet from a driveway

    You can't park within 5 feet of a driveway, alley or private road.

    Official source ↗

  9. 9. In Washington, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?

    1. 30 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 25 feet
    4. 15 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 15 feet

    Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

    Official source ↗

  10. 10. In Washington, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?

    1. 20 feet
    2. 25 feet
    3. 30 feet
    4. 50 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 20 feet

    Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk.

    Official source ↗

  11. 11. In Washington, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?

    1. 200 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 100 feet
    4. 300 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 100 feet

    Signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.

    Official source ↗

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Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.