Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

12 sample Right-of-Way questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. As you enter or leave a Washington roundabout, whom must you stop for in the crosswalks?

   Correct answer: Pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalks

   You must stop for pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalks both when entering and when exiting a roundabout.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Roundabouts (4.15)

2. 2. Who is required to yield to trains at a railroad crossing?

   Correct answer: All drivers must yield; trains always have priority

   A train is always given priority at a crossing. Because of its enormous weight it cannot stop quickly, so you must yield and never attempt to beat it across.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Sharing the Road with Trains (4.7)

3. 3. At a four-way stop, a driver who is turning left must do what relative to oncoming traffic?

   Correct answer: Yield to vehicles going straight or turning right

   A vehicle turning left must yield to vehicles going straight or turning right. Left-turning drivers give up the right-of-way to those crossing straight through.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Four-way stop (4.13)

4. 4. How should a driver treat pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks in Washington?

   Correct answer: Yield to them at both marked and unmarked crossings

   At intersections and crosswalks, people on foot and on bikes are given priority, marked lines or not. Always let pedestrians go before you proceed.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Sharing with People (4.1)

5. 5. When you are stopped at a green light and want to turn left, who has the right-of-way?

   Correct answer: Approaching oncoming traffic has priority

   On a solid green, oncoming traffic going straight has the right-of-way. Wait for a safe break in oncoming vehicles before completing your left turn.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Traffic Light Signals, Solid Green (4.11)

6. 6. At an uncontrolled intersection with no signs, when must you yield the right-of-way?

   Correct answer: When a vehicle is already in the intersection or you turn left across oncoming traffic

   Even with no signs, normal right-of-way rules apply. You must yield if a vehicle is already there, if you enter a highway from a secondary road, if you come from an unpaved road, or if you turn left with oncoming traffic.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Uncontrolled Intersection (4.15)

7. 7. At a two-way stop, how do the right-of-way rules apply to a turning vehicle and one going straight?

   Correct answer: The turning vehicle yields to the one going straight

   At a two-way stop, a driver making a turn gives way to any vehicle continuing straight ahead. The through driver holds priority.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Two-way stop (4.13)

8. 8. When you approach a roundabout, whom do you yield to before entering the circle?

   Correct answer: Traffic already traveling in the roundabout

   Glance to your left and let any vehicles already circling go first, since traffic inside the circle keeps priority. Enter only when a safe gap opens up.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Roundabouts (4.15)

9. 9. A transit bus ahead of you has signaled and is easing back into your lane from a stop. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Yield and let the bus merge back in

   You must yield to a transit vehicle traveling in your direction that has signaled and is reentering the roadway from a stop.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Sharing with Transit Buses (4.3)

10. 10. When a traffic signal is completely dark and not working, how should you treat the intersection?

    Correct answer: As a four-way stop, yielding to traffic on your right

    Treat a dead signal as though it were a four-way stop. Halt completely, give way to whoever is on your right, and continue only when the path is clear.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Broken Lights or Signals (4.10)

11. 11. After a pedestrian crosses your lane, when may you generally proceed?

    Correct answer: Once they have cleared your lane and one additional lane

    Wait until the pedestrian has cleared your lane and one more lane. If they use a wheelchair, cane, guide dog, or service animal, wait until they have fully crossed.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Sharing with People (4.1)

12. 12. Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at about the same moment. Who has the right-of-way?

    Correct answer: The vehicle on the right has the right-of-way

    When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at roughly the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Four-way stop (4.13)