Free Washington DOL Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 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.
A yellow sign showing a person walking indicates:
What's on the Washington Practice Test 1
The real Washington knowledge test has 40 questions, and to pass you need 32 of 40 correct (80%). Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 14
- Safe driving 5
- Right of way 4
- Alcohol & drugs 3
- Parking 3
- Speed limits 2
- Emergencies 2
53 questions in the pool, 11 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. In Washington, you may not park within how many feet of a railroad crossing?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 50 feet (correct)
- C. 25 feet
- D. 100 feet
Why: Parking is banned on railroad tracks and within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Do not confuse this with the 15-50 foot stopping zone for a flashing signal.
Source: official Washington driver handbook, PDF p.144, 4.18 Parking - General parking rules
2. At an intersection with no signs or signals, you are pulling onto a paved road from a gravel road. Who must yield?
- A. The driver on the paved road
- B. You, since you are on gravel (correct)
- C. Whoever is driving faster
- D. The driver on your left
Why: At an uncontrolled intersection, a driver entering a paved road from an unpaved road must yield. The same goes for entering a state highway from a secondary road.
Source: official Washington driver handbook, PDF p.129, 4.15 Other intersections - Uncontrolled intersection
3. When driving in heavy rain, you should:
- A. Use high-beam headlights to see better
- B. Use low beams and leave more following distance (correct)
- C. Turn on hazard lights and drive at normal speed
- D. Use cruise control to keep a steady, safe speed
Why: In rain, use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off rain), reduce speed, and increase following distance to at least 4-6 seconds. High beams can reduce visibility in rain.
4. At a 4-way stop sign, two cars arrive at exactly the same time. Who goes first?
- A. The car going straight
- B. The car on the right (correct)
- C. The car on the left
- D. The car that signals first
Why: When two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop simultaneously, the driver on the LEFT must yield to the driver on the RIGHT. This is the standard right-of-way rule.
5. What does this sign prohibit?
- A. Left turns at this location
- B. U-turns at this location (correct)
- C. Right turns at this location
- D. Lane changes at this location
Why: This sign prohibits making a U-turn at this location. The red circle and slash over the U-turn arrow means the maneuver is not allowed here.
6. What must you do when you see this sign?
- A. Slow down and go if no one is coming
- B. Stop fully, then go when it is safe (correct)
- C. Stop only if cross traffic is coming
- D. Stop, then go ahead of cross traffic
Why: This is a STOP sign (red octagon). You must come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before the intersection, then proceed only when it is safe.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2B.04; Table 2A-1 (Octagon* = Stop)
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 1 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.