Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

When should headlights be used?

1. Only at night

2. During bad weather and from sunset to sunrise

3. Only when other cars have their headlights on

4. Throughout the day regardless of conditions

The correct answer is: During bad weather and from sunset to sunrise

Headlights should be used during bad weather and from sunset to sunrise. This guideline is crucial for ensuring safety while driving. During bad weather conditions such as rain, fog, snow, or heavy overcast, visibility can be significantly reduced, making it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and pedestrians. By turning on headlights, drivers not only improve their visibility but also make their vehicles more visible to others on the road, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, the requirement to use headlights from sunset to sunrise is based on the natural decrease in light that occurs at these times. Roads can become very dark, and using headlights during these hours is essential for safe navigation. It helps to illuminate the roadway and identify potential hazards ahead. Using headlights only at night or only when other cars have their headlights on does not take into account the variability in visibility that can happen at any time of day or in different driving conditions. Therefore, it is imperative to turn on headlights during adverse weather or low-light conditions to ensure the best possible safety for all road users.