Driving Test:
What to expect
The driving test measures your ability to drive legally and safely. An examiner rides with you to
evaluate your driving. They won't try to confuse, trick, or ask you to do anything illegal.
What will I be tested on?
You'll be tested on:
• Starting your vehicle.
• Leaving the curb, do you signal and wait until it's safe to re-enter traffic?
• Controlling the vehicle, do you:
o Use the gas pedal, brake, steering wheel, and other controls correctly?
o Change your speed to suit the:
• Number and speed of other vehicles and pedestrians.
• Road and weather conditions.
• Construction.
• Amount of light.
• Distance you can see ahead?
• Driving in traffic, do you:
o Use the proper lane?
o Signal to change lanes?
o Change lanes carefully?
o Follow other vehicles at a safe distance?
o Turn your head and look back before changing lanes?
o Signal the proper distance before turning?
• Obeying traffic signals and signs, do you:
o Turn into the proper lane without cutting the lane or going wide into the improper
lane?
• Driving through blind or crowded intersections, do you:
o Scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles?
o Yield and take the right-of-way correctly?
• Stopping
o Do you stop smoothly and at the right spot?
o Can you stop quickly and safely in an emergency?
• Backing up
o Do you look over your right shoulder?
o Can you back in a straight line?
o Do you have complete control of your car?
• Judging distance, do you stay a safe distance away from:
o Other cars when following or passing, or
o People walking or riding on the roadway?
• Respecting the rights of others
o Are you courteous to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists?
DRIVING TEST – WHAT TO EXPECT (R-01-2022) 1 | P age
Driving Test:
What to expect
o Do you pay full attention to the driving task?
• Performing specific maneuvers, can you successfully complete all the following?
o Arms signals for right/left turns and slow or stop. (You may use arm signals
during the test.)
o A brake reaction test/emergency stop – We’ll direct you to put your foot on the
gas pedal and step on the brake as fast as possible when told to stop.
o Parking on a hill – We’ll direct you to park your vehicle as if you were going to
leave it unattended.
o Parallel parking – We’ll direct you to back into a parking space, either between:
• Four poles.
• Two vehicles.
• Or one vehicle with an imaginary vehicle parked about 1 ½ car lengths to
the rear.
• You can’t use parking assist features during the parallel parking
maneuver.
o Simulating backing out of driveway or alley into traffic using a corner –We’ll
direct you to back your vehicle around a corner to the right. You’ll need to stay as
close to the edge of the street as you can, and safely continue backing in a
straight line until directed to stop. You may not use a back-up camera during the
simulated backing maneuver.
These videos may help you
You can find them in the Department of Licensing YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/user/WALicensing
• Drive Test #1: Pre-test
• Drive Test #2: Backing maneuver
• Drive Test #3: Parallel parking
• Drive Test #4: Lane changing and turning
Be prepared
Study the Washington Driver Guide, and, above all, practice. Remember, you need to practice
with a licensed driver.
You should be comfortable driving in all traffic situations. Know the rules of the road and obey
them. Test in a vehicle you are familiar with.
Like most people, you might be a little nervous about taking the test. If you have practiced and
remember the driving tips listed here and in the Driver Guide, you have a good chance of
passing on the first try.
Drive safely and good luck!
DRIVING TEST – WHAT TO EXPECT (R-01-2022) 2 | P age
