Washington State Driver Guide Lecture Notes

Department of Licensing Website

• Visit dol.wa.gov for resources and services.

Warning Signs and Roadway Alerts

• Common road warning signs include:
  • Winding Road
  • Divided Highway Begins/Ends
  • Cross Road
  • Merging Traffic
  • Lane Ends
  • Slippery When Wet
  • Hill
  • Two-Way Traffic
  • School and Pedestrian Crossing
  • Railroad Crossing
  • Deer Crossing
  • No Passing Zone
• Color can be fluorescent green or yellow.

Driving Record Abstract

• Includes information about license applications, infractions, violations, collisions, etc.
• Access your record online or request a certified copy at dol.wa.gov.

Insurance Requirements

• Drivers must have liability insurance.
• Government, moped, and common/contract carrier vehicles exempt.

Updates and Changes

REAL ID

• Effective May 7, 2025.
• Standard licenses not valid for flights or federal facilities.
• Enhanced licenses (EDL) are REAL ID compliant.

Child Restraint

• Infants under two must use rear-facing seats.
• Under four: forward-facing if outgrowing rear-facing limits.
• Booster seats required until 4'9" or proper seatbelt fit.

Special Situations

• Extra caution needed: work zones, emergency vehicles, oversized loads.
• Traffic fines can double in work zones.

Rules of the Road

• Traffic control devices: signals, roundabouts, law enforcement directions.
• Move Over law for emergency vehicles.
• No passing in designated zones or when signaled.

Licensing Services

• Manage licenses, vehicles, and records online.
• License eXpress provides secure and consolidated service access.

Online Services

• License renewals, address changes, records purchase, etc.
• Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.

Before You Drive

• Safety checks: adjust seats, mirrors, seatbelts, child restraints.
• Understand risks from the driver, vehicle, and environment.

Safe Driving Tips

• Drive within speed limits and adjust for conditions.
• Avoid distractions; use hands-free devices only if necessary.
• Follow safe scanning techniques to anticipate road conditions.

Alcohol and Drug Impairment

• Alcohol and drugs (including prescription and OTC) impair driving.
• Legal consequences: fines, license suspension, legal actions.

Emergency Procedures

• Handling brake failures, tire blowouts, power failures, etc.
• Use of emergency signals and safe stopping techniques.

Collisions

• Move vehicles from the road if possible and notify emergency services.
• Exchange and report necessary information to authorities.

Vehicle Licensing

• Registration required within 30 days of residency.
• Bring ID, proof of ownership, and prepare for possible fees.

Additional Notes

• Be aware of special vehicle laws (e.g., electric vehicles, large vehicles).
• Safety for bicyclists and motorcyclists: follow shared road rules and maintain safe distances.
• Maintain awareness of environmental and personal conditions affecting driving capability.