Road Signs

Study questions with answers

12 sample Road Signs questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. An orange triangular emblem on the back of a vehicle tells other drivers what?

   Correct answer: The vehicle travels slowly and may be passed only when safe

   The orange slow-moving-vehicle emblem warns that the vehicle ahead moves well below normal speed. Slow down and pass only when it is legal and safe.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Other Special Signs (Slow-Moving Vehicle)

2. 2. A round yellow sign showing a black X with the letters 'RR' means what?

   Correct answer: A railroad track crosses the road ahead

   The round yellow 'RR' sign is an advance warning that a railroad crossing is ahead. Slow down, look, listen, and be ready to stop.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Railroad Crossings

3. 3. Seeing a 'Wrong Way' sign on a ramp tells a driver what?

   Correct answer: The vehicle is heading against the legal flow of traffic

   A 'Wrong Way' sign appears just past a 'Do Not Enter' sign to warn that you are traveling opposite to the correct direction. Stop and turn around safely.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Regulatory Signs (Wrong Way)

4. 4. A red sign shaped like an eight-sided octagon requires a driver to do what?

   Correct answer: Make a full stop before the limit line or intersection

   The only sign shaped as an octagon is the STOP sign. You must halt completely at the stop line, or before the crosswalk or intersection if none is marked.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Roadway Signs (Shapes of Signs)

5. 5. A blue highway sign is generally used to point out what?

   Correct answer: Motorist services such as gas, food, or lodging

   Blue guide signs direct drivers to services available along the road, including fuel, food, and lodging.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Colors of Signs

6. 6. A five-sided (pentagon) sign with black symbols usually marks what?

   Correct answer: A school zone or school crossing

   The five-sided sign indicates a school zone or crossing. Watch for children and be ready to slow or stop.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Colors of Signs (School)

7. 7. A yellow pennant-shaped sign mounted at the left edge of a two-way road tells a driver what?

   Correct answer: The beginning of a zone where passing is not permitted

   The three-sided pennant sign on the left marks the start of a no-passing zone, matching the no-passing pavement lines.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Colors of Signs (No Passing Zone)

8. 8. Fluorescent yellow-green signs are most often used to warn drivers about what?

   Correct answer: Pedestrian, bicycle, and school crossing areas

   Yellow-green is used for warning signs at pedestrian crossings, bicycle crossings, playgrounds, and school zones.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Colors of Signs

9. 9. When a traffic sign is colored orange, it is warning you about what?

   Correct answer: A construction or maintenance work area

   Orange is reserved for construction and maintenance zones. Expect workers, equipment, and changed traffic patterns, and reduce your speed.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Colors of Signs

10. 10. A pink-colored traffic sign is used to alert drivers to what?

    Correct answer: An unplanned traffic incident such as a crash or disaster

    Pink signs mark traffic-incident areas, warning of hazards from crashes, natural disasters, or other unplanned events.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Regulatory Signs (Colors, Pink)

11. 11. Green is the standard color used for which category of road sign?

    Correct answer: Guide signs that show directions and distances

    Green signs are guide signs. They tell you where you are, which direction to travel, and how far to your destination.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Colors of Signs

12. 12. What does a downward-pointing triangle sign colored red and white tell you to do?

    Correct answer: Give the right of way and slow or stop if needed

    A three-sided triangular red-and-white sign is a YIELD sign. Reduce speed, let other traffic and pedestrians go first, and stop only if necessary.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Regulatory Signs (Yield)