Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. What nighttime driving restriction applies to an intermediate license holder?

   Correct answer: No driving in the pre-dawn hours of 1 to 5 a.m. unless a qualified adult rides along

   A driver holding an intermediate license is barred from the road in the pre-dawn hours from 1 to 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or a licensed adult who is 25 or older rides along.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Intermediate Driver License (1.8)

2. 2. During the first 6 months with an intermediate license, what is the passenger restriction?

   Correct answer: No passengers under 20 except immediate family

   During the opening 6 months, a driver with an intermediate license cannot carry riders below age 20 unless they are close family.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Intermediate Driver License (1.8)

3. 3. After you pass the Driving Knowledge Exam, how long do you have to complete the skills exam before the score may expire?

   Correct answer: 2 years

   The result from your knowledge test stays good for two years. Delay the skills test past that window and you might be required to sit the knowledge test again.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Instruction Permit (1.8)

4. 4. How long is a Washington instruction permit valid?

   Correct answer: 1 year

   An instruction permit stays good for one year and may be renewed for a fee. Separately, your knowledge test result remains valid over a two-year span.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Instruction Permit (1.8)

5. 5. A new resident age 18 or older who is licensed in another state has how long to get a Washington driver license?

   Correct answer: 30 days

   New residents 18 and older have 30 days to obtain a Washington driver license. If their out-of-state license is expired, they must pass both exams.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — New Residents (1.5)

6. 6. What are the cell phone rules for a driver with an instruction permit or intermediate license?

   Correct answer: No device use while driving, even hands-free, except to report an emergency

   Permit and intermediate license holders may not use a cell phone or any mobile device while driving, even hands-free. The phone may be used only to report an emergency.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Intermediate Driver License (1.8)

7. 7. If your Washington license has been expired for 8 or more years, what must you do to renew?

   Correct answer: Retake both the knowledge and skills exams

   A license expired 8 or more years requires you to retake both the knowledge and skills exams before you can be relicensed.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Expired License (1.15)

8. 8. After receiving a traffic ticket, within how many days must you follow the instructions on the back to avoid a license suspension?

   Correct answer: Within 15 days

   To keep your driving privileges from being suspended, act on the directions printed on the ticket's reverse side within 15 days.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Getting a Ticket (5.10)

9. 9. After buying a used vehicle, within how many days must the purchaser take the signed title to a licensing office and transfer ownership to avoid penalty fees?

   Correct answer: 15 days

   The purchaser must transfer ownership by bringing the signed title to a licensing office within 15 days to avoid penalty fees.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Report of Sale (2.1)

10. 10. What happens to fines for traffic offenses committed in a construction area when workers are present?

    Correct answer: They are doubled

    When crews are on site, penalties for violations in a construction area are doubled, reflecting the extra risk to road workers.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Work Zone Signs (4.12)

11. 11. What is the least liability coverage Washington requires to protect one person who is injured or killed in a crash?

    Correct answer: $25,000

    The state sets a floor of $25,000 for one person hurt or killed, together with $50,000 when two or more are, and $10,000 for property damage.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Insurance Required (2.3)

12. 12. After you sell, gift, or dispose of a vehicle in Washington, within how many days must you file a report of sale?

    Correct answer: Within 5 days

    You must file a vehicle Report of Sale within 5 days. Remove the plates and pay the fee; note that a report of sale does not itself transfer ownership.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Report of Sale (2.1)