New York Car / Permit practice
New York 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
10 questions · pass with 8 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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10 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. A broken (dashed) white line separates two lanes of traffic. What does it tell you?
Correct answer: You may change lanes when it is safe to do so
A dashed white line separates lanes moving in the same direction and means you may change lanes when it is safe. A solid white line means you should stay in your lane.
2. A steady (not flashing) yellow traffic light means:
Correct answer: The light is about to turn red — stop if you can do so safely
A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely; if you are already too close to stop, clear the intersection with care. Never speed up to beat the red.
3. You reach an intersection where the traffic lights are dark and plainly not working. What does state law require?
Correct answer: Treat the intersection as though a stop sign controlled it
When signals fail or are switched off, the law tells you to halt exactly as you would at a stop sign, then move through using the ordinary right-of-way rules. A traffic officer directing that intersection overrides the signals entirely.
4. What should you do at a traffic signal that is flashing red?
Correct answer: Come to a full stop, then go when it is safe
A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, and proceed only when the way is clear.
5. An overhead lane-control signal shows a steady yellow X above the lane you are using. What should you do?
Correct answer: Move out of that lane as soon as you can do it safely
Lane-use lights hang above the roadway and control which lanes are open at a given hour. A steady yellow X warns that your lane is closing, so merge out of it as soon as a safe gap appears. A red X bans the lane outright, a flashing yellow X reserves it for left turns, and a green arrow means it is open.
6. What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?
Correct answer: Slow down and proceed with caution
A flashing yellow light means caution: slow down, look for cross traffic and pedestrians, and proceed carefully. You do not have to stop, but be ready to.
7. A large white diamond is painted in the surface of a highway lane. What does that marking tell you?
Correct answer: The lane is set aside for buses, car pools, bicycles or similar vehicles
A diamond painted on the pavement marks a restricted lane. Buses, high-occupancy vehicles such as car pools and van pools, bicycles and other approved traffic may use it. Everyone else must stay out during the hours the posted signs name.
8. What do two solid yellow lines painted down the center of a road mean?
Correct answer: Passing is not allowed in either direction
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic and mean no passing for drivers on either side. Do not cross them to pass; you may cross only to turn into a driveway or street where allowed.
9. Down the center of a two-way road you see a solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line. What does this tell the driver on the solid-line side?
Correct answer: Passing is not allowed from the solid-line side
When a solid and a broken yellow line run side by side, drivers on the side with the broken line may pass when it is safe, but drivers on the side with the solid line may not pass. Cross only to turn where permitted.
10. A red arrow is lit above your turning lane. What does it require of you?
Correct answer: You must wait until the arrow goes out and a green signal appears
A red arrow forbids movement in the direction it points, and unlike a round red signal it never permits a turn after stopping. Hold your position until the arrow goes dark and a green signal or arrow releases you.
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