Washington permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 56 Washington numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
12 questions a round from the 40 number questions in our Washington bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.
Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.
Numbers flashcards
40 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
Alcohol & drugs
For a driver 21 or older in Washington, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is considered a DUI?
0.08% or higher
A BAC of 0.08% or more is a DUI for drivers 21 and older. You can still be impaired, and arrested, below that level, so the only safe choice is not to drink and drive.
Fines, points & penalties
What is Washington's minimum liability insurance for injury or death of one person in a collision?
$25,000
Washington requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for one person's injury or death, $50,000 for two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage.
Speed limits
What is the speed limit in a Washington school zone?
20 mph
The school zone speed limit is 20 mph because higher speeds increase the risk of fatal crashes.
Every Washington number, by topic
Official test facts and Washington laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
- Alcohol & drugs 8
- Fines, points & penalties 6
- Speed limits 11
- Distances & following gaps 9
- Parking & curb colors 5
- Ages, permits & the test 9
- Time limits & deadlines 4
- Seat belts, lights & equipment 4
Alcohol & drugs
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | app.leg.wa.govQuotean alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood made under RCW 46.61.506 |
| 0.02% | BAC limit for underage drivers | app.leg.wa.govQuoteAn alcohol concentration of at least 0.02 but less than the concentration specified in RCW 46.61.502 |
| 0.04% | BAC limit in a commercial vehicle | app.leg.wa.govQuoteDriving a commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration in the person's system is 0.04 or more or any measurable amount of THC concentration |
| one year · seven years | Drunk driving (DUI)License revoked or denied for one year for a first refusal within seven years | app.leg.wa.govQuoteFor a first refusal within seven years, where there has not been a previous incident within seven years that resulted in administrative action under this section, revocation or denial for one year |
| two years · age 21 | Drunk driving (DUI)Two years (or until age 21 if longer) for a second refusal or a refusal after a prior incident | app.leg.wa.govQuoteFor a second or subsequent refusal within seven years, or for a first refusal where there has been one or more previous incidents within seven years that have resulted in administrative action under this section, revocation or denial for two years or until the person reaches age twenty-one, whichever is longer. |
| 0.08% | For a driver 21 or older in Washington, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is considered a DUI?Answer: 0.08% or higher | Washington Driver Guide, page 37QuoteFor drivers age 21 and older, having a BAC of .08% or higher is considered a DUI |
| 0.02% | A 19-year-old driver is tested after a traffic stop. At what BAC does this driver face DUI-type consequences?Answer: 0.02% | Washington Driver Guide, page 37QuoteDrivers under age 21 have the same potential consequences for having a BAC of 0.02%. |
| one year | A driver with no prior incidents refuses a breath or blood test after a DUI arrest in Washington. What happens to their driving privilege?Answer: Revoked for one year | Washington State Department of Licensing websiteQuoteFor a first refusal within seven years, where there has not been a previous incident within seven years that resulted in administrative action under this section, revocation or denial for one year |
Fines, points & penalties
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mph · 50 mph · 60 mph | Move Over lawIf moving over is unsafe: slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit, or to no more than 50 mph where the posted limit is over 60 mph | app.leg.wa.govQuoteIf changing lanes or moving away would be unsafe, proceed with due caution and continue to reduce the speed of the vehicle to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit, except for when the posted speed limit exceeds 60 miles per hour or more, then reduce the speed of the vehicle to no more than 50 miles per hour. |
| 60-day | Move Over lawEndangering workers is a gross misdemeanor with a 60-day suspension | app.leg.wa.govQuoteIf changing lanes or moving away would be unsafe, proceed with due caution and continue to reduce the speed of the vehicle to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit, except for when the posted speed limit exceeds 60 miles per hour or more, then reduce the speed of the vehicle to no more than 50 miles per hour. |
| 200 feet | Move Over lawWashington's emergency zone is the 200 feet before and after a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck, roadside assistance vehicle, police car or flashing work vehicle | app.leg.wa.govQuoteAn emergency or work zone is defined as the adjacent lanes of the roadway 200 feet before and after |
| $25,000 | What is Washington's minimum liability insurance for injury or death of one person in a collision?Answer: $25,000 | Washington Driver Guide, page 43Quote$25,000 or more, payable for the bodily injury or death of one person in a collision |
| $10,000 | What minimum amount must Washington liability insurance pay for damage to other people's property in one collision?Answer: $10,000 | Washington Driver Guide, page 43Quote$10,000 or more, payable for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one collision |
| 15 days | You receive a traffic ticket. Within how many days must you follow the instructions on the back to avoid a suspension?Answer: 15 days | Washington Driver Guide, page 182QuoteYou need to follow the instructions on the back of the ticket within 15 days to avoid having your driving privileges suspended. |
Speed limits
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mph | Speed limits: Business & residence districts25 mph on city and town streets | app.leg.wa.govQuote(a) Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets; (b) Fifty miles per hour on county roads; (c) Sixty miles per hour on state highways. |
| 50 mph | Speed limits: Rural highways50 mph on county roads | app.leg.wa.govQuote(a) Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets; (b) Fifty miles per hour on county roads; (c) Sixty miles per hour on state highways. |
| 60 mph | Speed limits: Rural highways60 mph on state highways | app.leg.wa.govQuote(a) Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets; (b) Fifty miles per hour on county roads; (c) Sixty miles per hour on state highways. |
| 20 mph | Speed limits20 mph in posted school and playground zones | app.leg.wa.govQuote(a) Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets; (b) Fifty miles per hour on county roads; (c) Sixty miles per hour on state highways. |
| 75 mph | Speed limitsThe state may post up to 75 mph where it is safe | app.leg.wa.govQuotethe secretary may increase the maximum speed limit on any highway or portion thereof to not more than seventy-five miles per hour |
| 20 mph | What is the speed limit in a Washington school zone?Answer: 20 mph | Washington Driver Guide, page 140QuoteThe school zone speed limit is 20 mph because higher speeds increase the risk of fatal crashes. |
| 25 mph | Driving on ocean beaches is allowed in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. What is the speed limit there?Answer: 25 mph | Washington Driver Guide, page 152QuoteThe beach is considered a state highway, so all driving laws apply. The speed limit is 25 mph |
| 15 to 25 mph | Roundabouts are designed for what range of speeds?Answer: 15 to 25 mph | Washington Driver Guide, page 127QuoteRoundabouts are designed for speeds between 15 and 25 mph. |
| 25 mph | What does an orange triangle emblem on the back of a farm vehicle tell you?Answer: It is designed to go 25 mph or less | Washington Driver Guide, page 106QuoteAgricultural and farm vehicles designed to go 25 mph or less will have a triangle sign or emblem on the back. |
| 10 mph | You approach a tow truck with flashing lights stopped on the shoulder, and you cannot move over a lane. What does Washington law require?Answer: Slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit | Washington Driver Guide, page 143QuoteSlow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. Never drive faster than 50 mph in an emergency zone. |
| 60 mph | You are driving on a Washington state highway where no speed limit is posted. Under state law, what is the maximum speed?Answer: 60 mph | Washington State Department of Licensing websiteQuote(a) Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets; (b) Fifty miles per hour on county roads; (c) Sixty miles per hour on state highways. |
Distances & following gaps
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 300 feet | You enter a shared center left-turn lane to turn left. What is the farthest you should travel in it?Answer: 300 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 134QuoteThese lanes must not be used for passing. You shouldn't travel farther than 300 feet in a center lane. |
| 100 feet | How far before a turn should you turn on your signal?Answer: At least 100 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 50QuoteSignal 100 feet before you make your move. |
| 3 feet | When passing a bicyclist, how much space must you leave between the rider and the widest part of your vehicle?Answer: At least 3 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 103QuoteLeave at least 3 feet between the bicyclist and the widest part of your vehicle. |
| 450 feet | How far does it take a loaded truck with properly adjusted brakes, traveling at 55 mph, to come to a complete stop?Answer: 450 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 98QuoteIt takes a loaded truck with properly adjusted brakes, traveling at 55 mph, 450 feet to come to a complete stop. |
| 200 feet | According to Washington's Move Over, Slow Down law poster in the Driver Guide, how far before and after an emergency scene should you move over?Answer: 200 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 3QuoteMove over 200 feet before and after the scene. |
| 15 and 50 feet | When you must stop at a railroad crossing, how far from the nearest rail should you stop?Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 105QuoteStop between 15 and 50 feet away from the nearest rail of a crossing when: |
| 500 feet | You are using high beams on a dark road. When must you switch to low beams for an oncoming vehicle?Answer: When it is within 500 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 50Quote500 feet in front of an oncoming vehicle. |
| 200 to 300 feet | Your car breaks down on the road. Where should you place emergency flares?Answer: 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle | Washington Driver Guide, page 173QuoteWarn other road users by placing emergency flares 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle. |
| 35 feet | Your car is touching a power line and a fire starts, so you must get out. How far should you shuffle away?Answer: 35 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 178QuoteTo avoid electric shock, shuffle 35 feet away to safety. |
Parking & curb colors
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Red curb | What do red stripes or a red-painted curb usually mark?Answer: A fire lane where you may not park or stop | Washington Driver Guide, page 138QuoteFire lanes are usually marked with red stripes or a red curb. Don't park or stop in fire lanes. |
| 15 feet | In Washington, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?Answer: No closer than 15 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 144QuoteWithin 15 feet of a fire hydrant. |
| 30 feet | How far must you park from a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal?Answer: At least 30 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 143QuoteWithin 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign. |
| 75 feet | You want to park on the side of the street opposite a fire station driveway. How far away must you be?Answer: At least 75 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 143QuoteWithin 75 feet of a fire station driveway on the opposite side of the street. |
| 50 feet | How close to a railroad crossing may you park?Answer: No closer than 50 feet | Washington Driver Guide, page 144QuoteWithin 50 feet of a railroad crossing. |
Ages, permits & the test
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Questions on the test | dol.wa.govQuoteYou'll need to pay a fee to take the test that varies by location ... 32 out of 40 ... A passing score is good for 2 years. |
| 32 of 40 | Correct answers to pass | dol.wa.govQuoteYou'll need to pay a fee to take the test that varies by location ... 32 out of 40 ... A passing score is good for 2 years. |
| $35 | Fee | dol.wa.govQuotePay your $35 permit fee. |
| 6 months | To get a driver license at 16 or 17, how long must you have held your instruction permit?Answer: At least 6 months | Washington Driver Guide, page 26QuoteHave your instruction permit for at least 6 months. |
| 40 hours · 10 hours | How much supervised practice driving must a 16- or 17-year-old complete before getting a Washington license?Answer: 40 hours in daylight and 10 hours at night | Washington Driver Guide, page 26QuoteComplete at least 40 hours of day driving and 10 hours of night driving with a licensed driver who has 3 or more years of experience. |
| 30 hours · 6 hours | A traffic safety course taken in another state must meet Washington's minimum. What is that minimum?Answer: 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel | Washington Driver Guide, page 26Quotemeets Washington's minimum requirement (30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction). |
| under 20 | During the first 6 months of an intermediate license, which passengers may ride with you?Answer: No one under 20 except immediate family | Washington Driver Guide, page 28QuoteNo passengers under age 20 except immediate family members |
| 6 months · age 18 | An intermediate license holder gets a second traffic violation. What happens?Answer: License suspended for 6 months or until age 18, whichever comes first | Washington Driver Guide, page 29QuoteLicense is suspended for 6 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. |
| 30 days | You are 25 and just moved to Washington with a valid license from another state. How long do you have to get a Washington license?Answer: 30 days | Washington Driver Guide, page 20QuoteNew residents who are licensed in another state have 30 days to obtain a Washington State driver license. |
Time limits & deadlines
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20-minute | You are driving alone on a long trip and start to feel very tired. What does the guide recommend?Answer: Pull off the road and take a 20-minute nap | Washington Driver Guide, page 76QuoteIf you're traveling alone and start to feel tired, pull off the road and take a 20-minute nap. |
| 5 days | You sell your car to another person. Within how many days must you file a Vehicle Report of Sale?Answer: 5 days | Washington Driver Guide, page 42QuoteIf you sell, trade, gift, or dispose of your vehicle, file a Vehicle Report of Sale form within 5 days. |
| 10 days | You move to a new address in Washington. How soon must you update it with DOL?Answer: Within 10 days | Washington Driver Guide, page 39QuoteIf your address changes, update your information in License Express within 10 days of the change. |
| 4 days | You are in a crash in Washington in which another driver is injured, and no law enforcement officer files a report. Within how many days must you file a written collision report?Answer: 4 days | Washington Driver Guide, page 176QuoteFile a collision report form, within 4 days of a crash, if a law enforcement officer doesn't do this for you. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| under 16 | Seat beltsThe driver is responsible for every passenger under 16 (belt or approved child restraint) | app.leg.wa.govQuoteEvery person sixteen years of age or older operating or riding in a motor vehicle shall wear the safety belt assembly in a properly adjusted and securely fastened manner. |
| Age 2 | Up to what age must a child ride in a rear-facing car seat in Washington?Answer: Age 2 | Washington Driver Guide, page 53QuoteChildren up to age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat. |
| 10 inches | How far should your chest be from the steering wheel to leave room for the airbag?Answer: At least 10 inches | Washington Driver Guide, page 51QuoteYour chest should be at least 10 inches from the steering wheel to leave space for the airbag. |
| half hour · half hour | When does Washington law require your headlights to be on?Answer: From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise | Washington Driver Guide, page 49QuoteWashington law says you need to have your headlights on a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. |
Memory tips
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Washington permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 56 of them for Washington, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the Washington Driver Guide, Washington statutes or DOL pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.
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