Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. On a two-lane road a school bus stops with its red lights flashing and stop arm out. What must approaching and following drivers do?

   Correct answer: Stop before reaching the bus in both directions

   On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop when a bus displays flashing red lights and its stop arm.

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

2. 2. Under Missouri's electronic communication law, what is a driver prohibited from doing while the vehicle is moving?

   Correct answer: Physically holding a cellphone or reading and sending text messages

   The law bars holding a phone, texting, and watching video while driving; hands-free calls, voice-to-text, and mounted navigation are allowed.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 16 - Distracted Driving and Electronic Communication Devices

3. 3. When no signs or lane markings control your turn, which lane should you turn from and into?

   Correct answer: From the lane nearest your intended direction, into the nearest lane

   Turn from the lane closest to the direction you want to go and into the lane closest to the one you came from, crossing the fewest lanes.

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

4. 4. Passing another vehicle on the right is permitted only under certain conditions. Which is one of them?

   Correct answer: When the vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn

   You may pass on the right when the vehicle ahead is turning left, on a one-way street, or where the road is wide enough for multiple lanes each direction, but never on the shoulder.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 2 - Passing

5. 5. On a highway with two or more lanes in your direction, which lane should you normally use?

   Correct answer: The right lane, except when passing or preparing to turn left

   Keep to the right and use the left lanes only to pass slower traffic, allow others to merge, or set up a legal left turn.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 6 - Highway Driving

6. 6. A police officer is directing traffic and signals you to stop, even though your light is green. What must you do?

   Correct answer: Obey the officer and stop

   You must obey a traffic officer's directions at all times, even when they conflict with traffic signals or signs.

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

7. 7. A center two-way left-turn lane may be entered to prepare for a left turn, but how far may you travel in it?

   Correct answer: No more than 500 feet

   You may not use the two-way left-turn lane as a regular travel lane; a vehicle may not travel in it for more than 500 feet.

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

8. 8. At a railroad crossing where the red lights are flashing or the gate is down, where must you stop?

   Correct answer: Within 15 to 50 feet before the tracks

   You must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the tracks when lights flash or the gate lowers, and never drive around a lowered gate.

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

9. 9. At a red light where no sign prohibits it, when may you make a right turn?

   Correct answer: After a full stop, if the way is clear of traffic and pedestrians

   You may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop and yielding, unless a 'No Right Turn On Red' sign is posted.

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

10. 10. In which situation are you NOT required to stop for a school bus loading or unloading children?

    Correct answer: When you are going the opposite way on a divided highway with a median

    You need not stop if you are traveling the opposite direction on a highway separated by a median or with four or more lanes.

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

11. 11. Where is it illegal to make a U-turn?

    Correct answer: At an intersection controlled by a traffic signal or where a 'No U-Turn' sign is posted

    Never make a U-turn where a 'No U-Turn' sign is posted, at a signal-controlled intersection, or near a hill or curve where you cannot be seen.

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

12. 12. How far before a turn should you activate your turn signal?

    Correct answer: At least 100 feet ahead of the turn

    Signal at least 100 feet before turning so other drivers have time to react.

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