Free Washington DOL Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 4 2026
This Practice Test 4 is modeled on the Department of Licensing (DOL) written knowledge exam, which has 40 questions; to pass you need 32 of 40 correct (80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DOL tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
Using a handheld cell phone while driving is:
What's on the Washington Practice Test 4
The real Washington knowledge test has 40 questions, and to pass you need 32 of 40 correct (80%). Practice Test 4 is a 25-question set drawn from 49 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Safe driving 11
- Traffic laws 7
- Right of way 5
- Emergencies 3
- Parking 2
- Alcohol & drugs 2
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Speed limits 1
49 questions in the pool, 8 of them written specifically for Washington. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. For drivers 21 and older, what THC blood level is the DUI threshold in Washington?
- A. Any detectable THC
- B. 2 nanograms per mL
- C. 5 nanograms per mL (correct)
- D. 10 nanograms per mL
Why: Drivers 21 and older face DUI at 5 nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood. For drivers under 21, any amount above zero counts.
Source: official Washington driver handbook, PDF p.37, 1.15 Maintaining your license - DUI, THC concentration
2. A pedestrian without a cane or service animal is crossing in front of you. Before you move ahead, they should have cleared:
- A. Only the crosswalk lines
- B. The center line of the road
- C. Half of your lane
- D. Your lane and one more lane (correct)
Why: Wait until the pedestrian has cleared your lane plus one more lane. If they use a wheelchair, cane, or service animal, wait until they have fully crossed.
Source: official Washington driver handbook, PDF p.93, 4.1 Sharing with people
3. Worn or bald tires are dangerous primarily because they:
- A. Wear out the brakes faster than normal
- B. Reduce traction and raise the risk of skidding (correct)
- C. Only matter on snow and ice, not on wet pavement
- D. Cause the car to pull hard to one side
Why: Bald or worn tires have little tread to grip the road or channel away water. This dramatically increases stopping distance and the risk of hydroplaning and skidding, especially in wet conditions.
4. Your regular brakes have failed and pumping did not help. How should you use the parking (emergency) brake?
- A. Apply it slowly and gradually (correct)
- B. Pull it on as hard as you can
- C. Only after the car has stopped
- D. Apply it and release it rapidly
Why: Setting the parking brake too hard or too fast can lock the wheels and throw the car into a skid. Apply it slowly while you steer to a safe place.
5. What should you do before opening your car door after parking on a street?
- A. Open it slowly so others can see it move
- B. Check mirrors and look for traffic and cyclists (correct)
- C. Check only the side mirror, then open
- D. Open it fully so passing drivers will steer around
Why: Before opening your door into traffic, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for approaching vehicles and cyclists. 'Dooring' a passing cyclist is dangerous and illegal in many states.
6. When driving at night, you should:
- A. Keep your daytime speed and following distance
- B. Slow down and leave more following distance (correct)
- C. Look straight at oncoming headlights to judge them
- D. Use parking lights so you do not dazzle others
Why: At night your visibility is reduced, so reduce speed and increase following distance. Do not overdrive your headlights - be able to stop within the distance you can see. Avoid staring at oncoming lights; glance to the right edge of your lane.
More Washington facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Washington permit practice test page.
Washington DOL Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 40
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 32 of 40 correct (80%)
- Minimum age
- 15½ years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Licensing
More Washington Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Washington Practice Test 4 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DOL exam.