Washington DMV Sign Test 3

4.8 out of 5 (583 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Washington asks new drivers to know more than what a red octagon means, although, yes, please know what a Stop sign is saying. The road sign questions on the official Washington State DOL knowledge test are mixed into a 40-question, multiple-choice exam based on the Washington State Driver Guide. You need 32 correct answers to pass, which gives you a little breathing room, but not enough to treat signs, markings, and signals like background decoration. They count. This WA DOL practice test gives you a focused way to work through the signs, symbols, colors, shapes, and pavement markings Washington expects drivers to understand. And the shape matters. So does the color. So does the little symbol that seems obvious for half a second and then, somehow, becomes less obvious when three answer choices are sitting underneath it. An octagon means stop. A triangle means yield. Orange points you toward work zone warnings. Yellow is usually trying to get your attention before something changes ahead. Regulatory signs, warning signs, service signs, destination signs, school zone signs, railroad crossings, pedestrian crossings, merge signs, wrong way signs, and do not enter signs all belong in the same mental folder: recognize fast, respond correctly. The real Washington knowledge test is not a separate road-sign-only exam. Washington does not publish a special passing score just for signs; sign questions are part of the broader permit test content, along with traffic laws, intersections, lane use, speed, stopping, right-of-way, impaired driving, distracted driving, and sharing the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, and large vehicles. So this Washington road signs practice test works best as a concentrated study piece inside your larger Washington knowledge test practice.  There is also the licensing side, because the DOL process does not end with clicking the right answers. Washington applicants need to prove identity, provide a Social Security number if they have one, have a photo taken, and pay the required fees. Teen drivers may also need driver training completion on file and parent or guardian authorization. That part tends to feel distant until test day gets close, and then suddenly it is not distant at all. Use this Washington driving signs test to sharpen recognition, clean up shaky areas, and make the road sign questions feel familiar before you take the real test.
FREE DMV Practice Test App
Study for your Washington permit test or driver’s license with the NextDoorDriving app. 700+ DMV questions and answers, 100% free!
Download on the App Store

Sample Washington Permit Test Questions

Question 1

Under Washington law, what must you do before making a permitted right turn at a steady red signal?

  1. A. Stop and remain stopped for conflicting vehicles and pedestrians
  2. B. Continue without stopping if the roadway appears clear
  3. C. Move into the left lane before turning
  4. D. Slow down without making a complete stop

Correct answer: A. – Stop and remain stopped for conflicting vehicles and pedestrians

A right turn at a steady circular red or red arrow is permitted after stopping unless a posted sign prohibits it. The driver must remain stopped to allow vehicles lawfully within or approaching the intersection to complete their movements. The driver must also remain stopped for pedestrians lawfully within the intersection.

Source: RCW 46.61.055(3)(a), (c) – Traffic control signal legend

Question 2

When a protected green left-turn arrow changes to a circular green light, you:

  1. A. May still turn left, but must yield to oncoming traffic that presents an immediate hazard and to pedestrians
  2. B. Must proceed straight and may no longer turn
  3. C. Retain a protected right-of-way for the left turn
  4. D. Must stop and wait for another green arrow

Correct answer: A. – May still turn left, but must yield to oncoming traffic that presents an immediate hazard and to pedestrians

A green arrow permits movement in the arrow’s direction and provides a protected turn phase. When it changes to a circular green, a left turn remains permitted unless a sign prohibits it. The left-turning driver must yield to approaching traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard and must stop for pedestrians lawfully within the intersection.

Source: RCW 46.61.055(1)(a)–(b) – Traffic control signal legend, RCW 46.61.185(1) – Vehicle turning left—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine, Washington State Driver Guide — Ch. 4, § 4.11, “Green Arrow”

Question 3

A yellow warning sign shows a left-curving arrow above a “25 MPH” plaque. What does it mean?

This sign means:
  1. A. Left curve ahead; maintain at least 25 mph
  2. B. Right curve ahead; maintain at least 25 mph
  3. C. Right curve ahead; 25 mph is the recommended speed
  4. D. Left curve ahead; 25 mph is the recommended speed

Correct answer: D. – Left curve ahead; 25 mph is the recommended speed

The warning sign identifies a curve to the left, and the plaque gives a recommended speed of 25 mph. It is not a minimum-speed requirement. Washington law also requires an appropriately reduced speed around curves and whenever weather, traffic, or highway conditions create a special hazard.

Source: RCW 46.61.400(1), (3) – Basic rule and maximum limits., Washington State Driver Guide — § 4.12, “Other traffic signs”, Washington State Driver Guide — § 5.6, “Curves”

Question 4

At a Washington intersection, what does a green left arrow authorize you to do?

A green arrow pointing to the left on a traffic light means you may:
  1. A. Turn left or continue straight regardless of other signals
  2. B. Turn left only after making a complete stop
  3. C. Turn left after allowing lawful traffic and pedestrians still in the intersection to clear
  4. D. Turn left without checking the intersection because all conflicts are impossible

Correct answer: C. – Turn left after allowing lawful traffic and pedestrians still in the intersection to clear

A driver facing a green arrow may enter the intersection to make the movement shown by the arrow. Vehicles already lawfully within the intersection must be allowed to finish their movements, and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection must also be allowed to cross. A green arrow never authorizes an unsafe turn.

Source: RCW 46.61.055(1)(b) – Traffic control signal legend.

Question 5

Which traffic signal requires a complete stop before you may proceed?

  1. A. A flashing red light
  2. B. A steady yellow light
  3. C. A yellow arrow
  4. D. A flashing yellow light

Correct answer: A. – A flashing red light

A flashing red signal requires you to stop at the marked stop line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection if neither is present. After stopping, the rules that apply at a stop sign govern when you may proceed. A flashing yellow signal instead permits cautious movement.

Source: RCW 46.61.065(1) – Flashing signals.

Question 6

In Washington, what should you understand from a yellow-painted curb?

  1. A. It may mark a loading zone or another restriction, so check posted conditions
  2. B. It is unrestricted parking for buses
  3. C. It is reserved exclusively for emergency vehicles
  4. D. It always marks accessible parking

Correct answer: A. – It may mark a loading zone or another restriction, so check posted conditions

The state driver guide says a yellow or red curb may indicate a loading zone or some other parking restriction. A yellow curb does not by itself authorize unrestricted loading, stopping, or parking. Look for signs stating who may use the area and any applicable time limit or restriction.

Source: Washington State Driver Guide — § 4.18, “Signs or painted curbs”

More Washington DOL Knowledge Practice Tests