Washington permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 5 questions.
Under Washington's distracted driving law, what may a fully licensed adult NOT do while driving?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
Under Washington's distracted driving law, what may a fully licensed adult NOT do while driving?
- A Use a hands-free phone
- B Listen to the car radio
- C Hold a phone or other electronic device
- D Use a dash-mounted GPS by voice command
Show answer
C. Hold a phone or other electronic device
Washington law bans holding any electronic device while driving, including phones, tablets and gaming devices, for every driver regardless of age or experience. Hands-free use is allowed but can still pull your attention off the road.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, page 85
You have an instruction permit. May you use a hands-free phone while driving?
- A No, permit and intermediate drivers cannot use one even hands-free
- B Yes, hands-free use is allowed for everyone
- C Yes, if your supervisor says it's okay
- D Only for short calls under one minute
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A. No, permit and intermediate drivers cannot use one even hands-free
Permit and intermediate drivers cannot use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving, even hands-free. The only exceptions are reporting illegal activity, calling for emergency help, or preventing injury to a person or property.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, page 70
You are a fully licensed adult driver. Which of these is against the law while driving in Washington?
- A Using a hands-free device in one ear
- B Talking with a passenger
- C Wearing noise-canceling headphones
- D Listening to music on the car speakers
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C. Wearing noise-canceling headphones
It is illegal to drive while wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones or headsets that broadcast sound or cancel noise. You need to hear horns, sirens and screeching tires.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, page 70
You already have one distracted driving ticket. What can happen to the fine if you get another?
- A It stays the same
- B It is cut in half
- C It becomes a warning
- D It can be doubled
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D. It can be doubled
An officer can ticket you for violating the distracted driving law, and fines after your first violation can be doubled. Putting the phone away is the simplest way to avoid both the risk and the fine.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, page 86