California Car / Permit practice
California Car / Permit: Signals & Pavement Markings practice test
How to read traffic signals, lane lines, and pavement markings — including yellow and white lines, arrows, and flashing lights.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
13 questions · pass with 10 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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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.
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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. 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.
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.
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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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