Washington permit test: lanes, passing & merging
Lane choice, changing lanes, blind spots, passing rules and merging. 4 questions.
On a road with several lanes going your way, which lane should you normally use?
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Sample lanes, passing & merging questions
On a road with several lanes going your way, which lane should you normally use?
- A The left lane, because it is fastest
- B The carpool lane, if it is moving
- C Any lane, as long as you match the speed limit
- D The right lane, using the left lane to pass
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D. The right lane, using the left lane to pass
Keep right except to pass. When there are multiple lanes in the same direction, drive in the right lane and use the left lane to pass slower traffic, still within the speed limit.
A lane is closed ahead in slow, heavy traffic. What does Washington's zipper merge technique ask you to do?
- A Merge as early as possible and leave the closing lane empty
- B Speed up to get ahead of other drivers
- C Stop in the closing lane until the lane is empty
- D Use both lanes until the merge area, then take turns
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D. Use both lanes until the merge area, then take turns
To zipper merge, stay in your lane until the designated merge area, then alternate with vehicles from the other lane like the teeth of a zipper. It improves traffic flow and reduces sudden lane changes.
View diagram
You want to change lanes. Besides checking your mirrors, what should you do?
- A Rely on your blind-spot warning light
- B Look over your shoulder while keeping the wheel straight
- C Turn the wheel slightly while you look back
- D Check only your rearview mirror
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B. Look over your shoulder while keeping the wheel straight
Blind zones can hide a car, motorcycle or bicycle completely. Move your head and body to check them, keeping the steering wheel straight, and don't rely only on blind-spot technology.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, page 63
You are passing a large truck and want to move back in front of it. When is it safe to merge?
- A When you can see both of its headlights in your rearview mirror
- B As soon as your rear bumper passes its cab
- C When the truck driver flashes the lights
- D When you can see its side mirror
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A. When you can see both of its headlights in your rearview mirror
Before merging in front of a large vehicle, wait until you can clearly see both of its headlights in your rearview mirror. Trucks need a long distance to stop.
Source: Washington Driver Guide, page 99