Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

12 sample Parking & Stopping questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How close to a railroad crossing does Washington prohibit parking?

   Correct answer: Within 50 feet

   Do not park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Parking closer could block sightlines or the path near the tracks.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Parking Rules (4.18)

2. 2. What is the purpose of the "Dutch Reach" method when opening your car door?

   Correct answer: It makes you turn so you can see approaching bicyclists

   Opening the door with the hand farthest from it forces your body to turn, helping you spot approaching bicyclists and preventing the door from swinging open too fast.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Parking Rules (4.18)

3. 3. When you park at a curb, no more than how far from the curb may your vehicle be?

   Correct answer: No more than 12 inches

   When parked at a curb, your tires should sit within a foot of it. Leaving a wider gap can block traffic and violates the rules.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Parking Rules (4.18)

4. 4. You are parking facing downhill next to a curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?

   Correct answer: Toward the curb

   Facing downhill, turn your wheels toward the curb. If the vehicle rolls, the front tire catches the curb and stops it from rolling into traffic.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Parking on a Hill (4.18)

5. 5. What must you keep clear next to a reserved disabled parking space?

   Correct answer: The striped access aisle

   The striped access aisle beside a disabled parking space must be kept clear. Blocking it, or parking in the space without a placard, can bring a fine.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Reserved Disabled Parking (4.18)

6. 6. When may you legally park at an electric vehicle charging station?

   Correct answer: Only when your vehicle is connected to the charger

   It is illegal to park at an EV charging station unless your vehicle is actually connected to the charging equipment.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Electric Vehicle Charging Station Parking (4.18)

7. 7. What does a white-painted curb generally indicate about parking?

   Correct answer: Only brief stops are allowed

   A white curb means only short stops are permitted, such as dropping off a passenger. Yellow or red curbs signal loading zones or other restrictions.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Parking Rules (4.18)

8. 8. What should you always do when you park, especially on a hill?

   Correct answer: Set the parking brake

   Always set your parking brake, and especially so on a hill. Turning your wheels toward the curb or road edge adds security if the brake fails.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Parking on a Hill (4.18)

9. 9. How close to a fire hydrant may you legally park in Washington?

   Correct answer: No closer than 15 feet

   Parking is not allowed inside a 15-foot zone around a fire hydrant. Keeping that space open lets firefighters reach it in an emergency.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Parking Rules (4.18)

10. 10. How close to a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal are you prohibited from parking?

    Correct answer: Within 30 feet

    Parking is prohibited inside 30 feet of a signal or a stop or yield sign, so the device and oncoming traffic stay visible.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Parking Rules (4.18)

11. 11. Why should a disabled parking placard not hang from your rearview mirror while you drive?

    Correct answer: It blocks your view of the road

    A placard hanging from the mirror while driving obstructs your view. Remove it before driving and only display it while parked.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Reserved Disabled Parking (4.18)

12. 12. Which of the following is a place you are not allowed to park in Washington?

    Correct answer: On a crosswalk or sidewalk

    You may not park on a crosswalk, sidewalk, or bicycle lane, in an intersection, on railroad tracks, or on a bridge, among other restricted spots.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — General Parking Rules (4.18)