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. Two solid yellow lines down the middle of a road allow a driver to do what?

   Correct answer: Cross only to turn left into or out of a driveway, alley, or street

   Double solid yellow lines mark opposing traffic. Cross them only when turning left to reach or leave a driveway, alley, private road, or street.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Pavement Markings (Yellow Center Lines)

2. 2. A red 'X' displayed above a lane on a highway means what?

   Correct answer: You must never drive in that lane

   A red X over a lane means the lane is closed to you; do not drive in it.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals (Lane Signals)

3. 3. A flashing yellow traffic light tells a driver to do what?

   Correct answer: Move ahead carefully with caution

   A flashing yellow light means slow down and enter the intersection with caution, watching for other traffic.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals (Flashing Yellow)

4. 4. A broken (dashed) yellow center line between opposing lanes indicates what?

   Correct answer: Passing is allowed when it is safe

   A broken yellow line separates traffic moving in opposite directions and shows that passing is permitted when clear.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Pavement Markings (Yellow Center Lines)

5. 5. What does a flashing red traffic light require a driver to do?

   Correct answer: Stop, yield to any traffic or pedestrians, then go when safe

   A flashing red signal is handled like a stop sign: come to a full stop, give the right of way, and proceed only when it is safe.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals (Flashing Red)

6. 6. A steady yellow traffic light is a signal that what is about to happen?

   Correct answer: The light is changing from green to red

   A steady yellow warns that the signal is about to turn red. Do not enter the intersection once the light shows red.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals (Yellow Light)

7. 7. If a traffic signal is completely dark and not working, how should you treat the intersection?

   Correct answer: Treat it as an all-way stop

   When signals are out, stop as though every approach has a stop sign, then yield appropriately before entering.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals

8. 8. A steady (constantly lit) red arrow at an intersection means what?

   Correct answer: Do not make that movement until a green arrow appears

   A steady red arrow prohibits the indicated movement until a green arrow shows, though a right turn or a one-way-to-one-way left turn may still be allowed after stopping.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals (Red Arrow)

9. 9. A solid white line along the right side of the pavement marks what?

   Correct answer: The right edge of the roadway

   Solid white edge lines show the right-hand edge of the road. Solid yellow edge lines mark the left edge of a divided road.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Pavement Markings (Edge Lines)

10. 10. A solid white line painted across your lane at an intersection shows what?

    Correct answer: The point where you must stop for a signal or stop sign

    The white stop line marks where your vehicle must halt for a red light or stop sign; stop before any part of the car crosses it.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Pavement Markings (White Stop Line)

11. 11. A broken white line between two lanes tells a driver what?

    Correct answer: The lanes go the same way and you may change lanes when safe

    Broken white lines divide lanes traveling in the same direction; you may cross them to change lanes or turn when it is safe.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Pavement Markings (White Lane Lines)

12. 12. When a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line run side by side, when may you pass?

    Correct answer: Only when the dashed line sits on your half of the centerline

    You may pass only when the dashed line is nearest your lane; a solid line on your side means no passing.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Pavement Markings (Yellow No Passing Lines)