Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

12 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. A flashing yellow traffic signal light (not an arrow) means:

   Correct answer: Proceed with caution; you do not need to stop

   This flashing signal is telling you to slow down and stay alert as you continue through; unlike a flashing red light, a full stop is not required.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights

2. 2. A broken white line between two lanes of traffic means:

   Correct answer: Lanes go the same way; you may change lanes when safe

   A broken white line separates lanes going in the same direction. You may change lanes across it when it is safe.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

3. 3. A flashing red traffic signal means you should:

   Correct answer: Stop, then go when it is safe

   A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: come to a complete stop, then proceed when it is safe.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights

4. 4. A steady green arrow pointing left at a traffic signal means:

   Correct answer: You may turn in the arrow's direction; oncoming traffic is stopped

   A green left arrow is a protected turn: you may turn in the arrow's direction because oncoming traffic is being held by a red light. Still watch for pedestrians and finish the turn before the arrow ends.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights

5. 5. A flashing yellow left-turn arrow tells you that you may:

   Correct answer: Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic

   A flashing yellow arrow means the left turn is not protected. You may turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and proceeding with caution.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights

6. 6. Double solid white lines separating a regular lane from a carpool (HOV) lane mean you should:

   Correct answer: Never cross them; wait for a broken white line section

   Crossing that double white barrier is not permitted; hold your lane until the marking becomes a single broken line, which signals a legal spot to merge into or out of the carpool lane.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

7. 7. A row of solid white triangles painted across a lane, pointing toward approaching traffic, is called a:

   Correct answer: Yield line

   This is a yield line. It marks the point where an approaching vehicle must yield or stop, with the triangles pointing toward the traffic that must yield.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

8. 8. You approach an intersection where the traffic signals are completely dark and not working. You should:

   Correct answer: Treat it as an all-way (four-way) stop

   When signal lights are dark or not functioning, treat the intersection as an all-way (four-way) stop. Stop, then proceed in turn using the normal right-of-way rules.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights

9. 9. A center lane bordered by a solid yellow line on the outside and a broken yellow line on the inside is meant to be used for:

   Correct answer: Left turns, shared by traffic from both directions

   This is a two-way left-turn lane. Drivers from both directions may enter it only to prepare for and make a left turn; it is never used for passing or through travel.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings / Turn Lanes

10. 10. A broken (dashed) yellow center line means:

    Correct answer: You may pass when it is safe

    A broken yellow line means you may pass or cross it when it is safe to do so. The two-way road carries traffic in opposite directions.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

11. 11. A steady yellow traffic light means:

    Correct answer: The light is about to turn red; stop if you safely can

    A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely; do not try to 'beat' the light.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights

12. 12. Two solid yellow lines painted down the center of a road mean:

    Correct answer: Do not pass; cross only to turn left

    Double solid yellow lines mean neither direction may pass. You may cross them only to turn left into or out of a driveway or private road.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings