Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Test

If you experience vehicle trouble and need to stop, what is the first step you should take?

1. Turn on your hazard lights

2. Exit the vehicle immediately

3. Call for roadside assistance

4. Find a mechanic nearby

The correct answer is: Turn on your hazard lights

When you experience vehicle trouble and need to stop, the first step you should take is to turn on your hazard lights. This action alerts other drivers that your vehicle is not operating normally and signals them to approach with caution. It helps to increase your safety by making your presence more visible, especially if you're stopped in a potentially dangerous location, such as on the side of the road. Once your hazard lights are on, you can then safely assess the situation and take further actions such as exiting the vehicle, calling for assistance, or finding a mechanic, depending on the specifics of the trouble you are experiencing. Each of those subsequent steps is important, but activating your hazard lights is crucial for ensuring safety first.