Roadwise States Washington Driving lessons Maintenance and setting up the driver's seat Washington driving lesson · Vehicle Equipment
Maintenance and setting up the driver's seat A 3-minute lesson from the Washington course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Vehicle Equipment
Checkpoint questions 5
Source pages 47, 48, 49, 51 A small problem can quickly become a bigger, more expensive, more dangerous one. Pay attention to warning lights, check tires and glass, and set up your seat so you can see, reach, and survive an airbag deployment.
Know the rule
Keeping your vehicle safe to drive is your responsibility. Follow the owner's manual for routine maintenance and take action if an indicator light comes on.
Handbook p. 47 ↗ Know the rule
Worn tires can cause slipping and sliding, especially on wet roads. Low tire pressure affects handling and speed.
Handbook p. 48 ↗ Know the rule
Find the correct tire pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's side door edge or in the owner's manual.
Handbook p. 48 ↗ Keep your glass clear: Clean the windshield and windows inside and out Keep window washer fluid full Completely clear snow, ice, or frost from all windows before driving Don't hang things from the mirror or clutter windows with decals Replace wipers as the manufacturer recommends Handbook p. 48 ↗ Know the rule
Stopping or slowing where the driver behind might not expect it? Tap your brake pedal three or four times quickly to alert them.
Handbook p. 49 ↗ Set up the driver's seat: See clearly out the windshield and easily reach the pedals Sit comfortably straight with your chest at least 10 inches from the steering wheel Grip the wheel with a gentle bend in your elbow Set the headrest even with your ears to protect against whiplash Handbook p. 51 ↗ 10 inches Minimum space between your chest and the steering wheel, to leave room for the airbag
Handbook p. 51 ↗ Know the rule
Whenever you drive after someone else has been driving, readjust the seat, wheel, and mirrors.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ Put it into practice
It's a frosty morning and you're late. Scraping a small peephole isn't enough: completely clear the frost from all windows before you pull out.
A useful reminder Headrest at ear level, chest 10 inches back, tread no less than 2/32 inch.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Your chest should be at least 10 inches from the steering wheel to leave space for the airbag. True False Answer: True
Adjust your seat so your chest is at least 10 inches from the wheel, leaving room for the airbag.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ Where should the headrest sit relative to your ears to protect against whiplash? Even with your ears Well above your head At shoulder height It doesn't matter for whiplash protection Answer: Even with your ears
Adjust the headrest so it's even with your ears to protect against whiplash.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ What is the minimum tire tread depth the Washington driver guide allows? 4/32 of an inch 1/32 of an inch 2/32 of an inch 6/32 of an inch Answer: 2/32 of an inch
The guide says tire tread shouldn't be less than 2/32 of an inch; worn tires slip, especially on wet roads.
Handbook p. 48 ↗ Where can you find the proper inflation pressure for your tires? The maximum rating on the tire sidewall Your vehicle registration The label on the driver's side door edge The inside of the gas cap Answer: The label on the driver's side door edge
Proper pressure is on the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's side door edge or in the owner's manual.
Handbook p. 48 ↗ You must slow down where the driver behind you might not expect it. What does the guide suggest? Tap the brake pedal 3 or 4 times quickly Flash your headlights twice Turn on your hazards and brake hard Honk twice before braking Answer: Tap the brake pedal 3 or 4 times quickly
Tapping the brake pedal three or four times quickly flashes your brake lights to alert the driver behind you.
Handbook p. 49 ↗ Previous lesson Know your vehicle and its safety technology Next lesson Lights, turn signals, and hand signals More in Vehicle Equipment About the source Roadwise’s Washington course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 47, 48, 49, 51. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Washington’s DOL. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.