Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation — Washington
Washington DMV practice test: 450 free practice questions (Based on the official driver handbook). Official test format: 40 Q, pass 32. Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation: 31 questions.
Brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, seat belts, child seats and basic vehicle control.
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 | Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation |
| License test | Washington Car learner's permit test |
| Topic questions | 31 (7% 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 (31)
1. The Child Restraint Law requires children who are under the age of eight and less than ____ in height to be seated in an approved safety restraint system.
- 5 feet, 5 inches
- 5 feet
- 4 feet, 11 inches
- 4 feet, 9 inches ✓
Answer: D. 4 feet, 9 inches
2. Which of the following best ensures your safety and the safety of those around you when you are backing your vehicle?
- Honk your horn right before shifting into reverse.
- Check behind the vehicle before you get into the driver's seat. ✓
- Check your rearview mirrors to see what is behind you.
- Turn up the car radio before backing up to get the attention of anyone who may be around you.
Answer: B. Check behind the vehicle before you get into the driver's seat.
3. Don’t follow other cars too closely because:
- You may not see the road between the cars.
- You may not have time to stop if the vehicle in front of you slows or stops suddenly. ✓
- You may not see the vehicle's turn signals.
- You may not see the other vehicle’s brake lights.
Answer: B. You may not have time to stop if the vehicle in front of you slows or stops suddenly.
4. If an oncoming driver is heading toward you in your lane, you should:
- Blow your horn, steer right, and accelerate.
- Blow your horn, steer left, and brake.
- Blow your horn, steer right, and brake. ✓
- Stay in the center of your lane, blow your horn, and brake.
Answer: C. Blow your horn, steer right, and brake.
5. A leaky exhaust system in your vehicle is dangerous because it can cause:
- A loss of hearing.
- Pollution.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning. ✓
- Poor engine performance.
Answer: C. Carbon monoxide poisoning.
6. If you need to slow down while driving on a slippery road, the first thing you should do is:
- Firmly apply your brakes.
- Take your foot off the gas pedal. ✓
- Apply your parking brake.
- Pump your brakes.
Answer: B. Take your foot off the gas pedal.
7. You are driving when your power steering stops working. You should:
- Honk your horn and turn off the ignition.
- Turn on your hazard lights and brace yourself.
- Work hard to steer, reduce your speed, drive to a safe area, and stop. ✓
- Slam on your brakes.
Answer: C. Work hard to steer, reduce your speed, drive to a safe area, and stop.
8. You are driving on a busy street and your vehicle’s accelerator sticks open. You should:
- Blow your horn.
- Slam on your brakes.
- Turn on your four-way flashers.
- Turn off your ignition, taking care not to engage the steering wheel locking mechanism. ✓
Answer: D. Turn off your ignition, taking care not to engage the steering wheel locking mechanism.
9. If you have a tire blowout while driving, you should:
- Hold the steering wheel tightly and brake lightly. ✓
- Step on the accelerator.
- Turn quickly off the road.
- Hit the brakes and stop as quickly as possible.
Answer: A. Hold the steering wheel tightly and brake lightly.
10. Who is required by law to wear a seat belt while in a moving vehicle?
- All occupants ✓
- Only the driver
- Only occupants under the age of 18
- No one
Answer: A. All occupants
Source
Last checked: 2026-10-17 · Verified from official source
Updated: · Based on the official driver handbook