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. You arrive at an intersection where the traffic signals are completely dark and not working. How should you proceed?

   Correct answer: Treat the intersection as an all-way stop

   A signal that is dark or not operating should be handled as a four-way stop, with each driver stopping and taking turns.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

2. 2. A steady green arrow pointing left at a traffic signal means what?

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

   A green arrow gives a protected turn. Opposing traffic is held by a red light, so you may proceed when the way is clear.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

3. 3. When a sign or signal requires you to stop, where must your vehicle come to a halt?

   Correct answer: Before reaching the stop line or crosswalk if one is present

   You must stop before the marked stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no stop line, and before entering the intersection if neither is marked.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

4. 4. At an intersection a traffic signal is showing a flashing red light. How must you treat it?

   Correct answer: Handle it the same as a stop sign - stop, then go when clear

   A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop and proceed only when the way is clear.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

5. 5. A steady yellow traffic light appears as you approach an intersection. What is it telling you?

   Correct answer: The light is about to turn red, so stop if you can do so safely

   A steady yellow warns the signal is changing to red. Stop unless you are already in the intersection or too close to stop safely.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

6. 6. White lines used to divide lanes on a roadway tell you what about the traffic they separate?

   Correct answer: It is traveling in the same direction as you

   White lines separate lanes of traffic that are all moving in the same direction.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

7. 7. Yellow lines painted down the middle of a roadway indicate what?

   Correct answer: Traffic on the far side of the line moves in the opposite direction

   Yellow center lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

8. 8. A flashing yellow left-turn arrow gives a driver what instruction?

   Correct answer: You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

   A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn in the arrow's direction but only after yielding to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

9. 9. A steady red arrow displayed at a signal requires you to do what?

   Correct answer: Stop and wait; you may not make that turn yet

   A red arrow means stop. You must wait for a green or flashing yellow arrow before making that movement.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

10. 10. A steadily flashing yellow traffic light at an intersection means what?

    Correct answer: Slow down and move ahead with caution

    A flashing yellow light tells you to slow down, stay alert, and proceed carefully through the intersection.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

11. 11. A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a dashed yellow line is meant for what use?

    Correct answer: Making left turns from either direction of travel

    This shared center lane is for vehicles from both directions to make left turns; it is not a through-travel lane.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 3 - Rules of the Road

12. 12. When two solid yellow lines mark the center of the road, what are you permitted to do?

    Correct answer: Never cross them to pass another vehicle

    Double solid yellow lines mean passing is prohibited; you should never cross them to pass.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals