Speed Limits & Following Distance — Washington
Washington DMV practice test: 450 free practice questions (Based on the official driver handbook). Official test format: 40 Q, pass 32. Speed Limits & Following Distance: 28 questions.
Posted speed limits, school and construction zones, stopping and following distance.
This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.
| Topic / Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Topic | Speed Limits & Following Distance |
| License test | Washington Car learner's permit test |
| Topic questions | 28 (6% of 450 total) |
| Review status | This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines. |
Official handbook
dol.wa.gov ✓ Verified from official source
Questions (28)
1. If a crossing guard is directing traffic in a school zone, you must:
- Follow the directions given by the crossing guard. ✓
- Copy what surrounding traffic is doing, despite the crossing guard's instructions.
- Assume the guard is not supposed to be directing traffic.
- Follow rules that would be in place if no children were present.
Answer: A. Follow the directions given by the crossing guard.
2. Braking distance is affected by:
- The speed your vehicle is traveling.
- The condition of your brakes and tires.
- The condition of the pavement.
- All of the above. ✓
Answer: D. All of the above.
3. When driving on roads that may be slippery:
- Always drive at the maximum speed limit.
- Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed.
- Reduce your following distance.
- Do not make any sudden changes in speed or direction. ✓
Answer: D. Do not make any sudden changes in speed or direction.
4. The maximum speed limit on streets in cities and towns, unless otherwise posted, is :
- 15 mph.
- 25 mph. ✓
- 30 mph.
- 40 mph.
Answer: B. 25 mph.
5. The best way to deal with tailgaters is to:
- Speed up to increase the distance between you and the tailgater.
- Slam on your brakes to get the other driver to back off.
- Change lanes or gradually slow down to encourage them to pass. ✓
- Ignore them.
Answer: C. Change lanes or gradually slow down to encourage them to pass.
6. You are driving when it begins to rain. You should:
- Drive faster than surrounding traffic.
- Drive at the maximum posted speed limit.
- Slow down. ✓
- Drive closely behind the vehicle in front of you.
Answer: C. Slow down.
7. What can you do to avoid the need to make emergency stops while driving in traffic?
- Honk your horn to make others aware of your presence.
- Look ahead and maintain a safe following distance. ✓
- Drive in the right lane only.
- Drive more slowly than the flow of traffic.
Answer: B. Look ahead and maintain a safe following distance.
8. When driving at high speeds, always allow enough room to safely stop in emergencies by staying at least:
- One second behind the vehicle in front of you.
- Four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. ✓
- Two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
- Ten seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
Answer: B. Four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
9. Work zone signs mean:
- It is summer.
- You must immediately stop and back up.
- Less than ideal conditions are present for driving. ✓
- You should drive faster to get out of the work zone.
Answer: C. Less than ideal conditions are present for driving.
10. Allow a larger space cushion than usual when stopping:
- On an incline. ✓
- At an intersection.
- At a stop sign.
- At a toll plaza.
Answer: A. On an incline.
Source
Last checked: 2026-10-17 · Verified from official source
Updated: · Based on the official driver handbook