Illinois Car / Permit practice
Illinois 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
14 questions · pass with 11 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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)
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Every Illinois question is written from the official Illinois driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free