Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

At what distance should you turn on your turn signal before making a turn?

1. At least 50 feet before the turn

2. At least 100 feet before the turn

3. At least 200 feet before the turn

4. Just as you start turning

The correct answer is: At least 100 feet before the turn

Turning on your turn signal at least 100 feet before making a turn is the best practice because it provides adequate notification to other road users about your intention to turn. This distance allows other drivers and pedestrians to anticipate your actions and adjust their movements accordingly, helping to enhance overall road safety. It also gives sufficient time for vehicles behind you to respond, which can be particularly important on busy roads where sudden movements can lead to collisions. In urban areas or high-traffic situations, signaling at this distance also helps maintain traffic flow by clearly indicating your intentions to change direction well in advance, thus promoting better communication on the road. Following this guideline is part of defensive driving and helps to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to accidents.