Road Signs

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. What is the meaning of a downward-pointing triangular sign bordered in red and white?

   Correct answer: Give the right of way, stopping if necessary

   The inverted triangle is a yield sign. Slow down, give the right of way to traffic on the intersecting street, and stop if you must to let it pass.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Regulatory Signs

2. 2. Rectangular signs that are black-and-white or red-and-white generally serve to:

   Correct answer: State speed limits and other rules you must obey

   These regulatory signs state the traffic laws that apply, such as a posted speed limit or a NO U-TURN restriction. Ignoring them is both unsafe and illegal.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Regulatory Signs

3. 3. Signs with a blue background and white lettering usually point out:

   Correct answer: Nearby services such as a hospital or telephone

   Blue-and-white signs mark nearby services such as a hospital, a Highway Patrol station, or a telephone.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Guide/Informational Signs

4. 4. A sign shaped like an eight-sided octagon with a red background tells you to do what?

   Correct answer: Come to a full stop before proceeding

   Only stop signs use the red octagon shape. You must come to a full stop and not move again until the way is clear.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Regulatory Signs

5. 5. When a diamond-shaped warning sign appears in orange rather than yellow, it warns of:

   Correct answer: A construction or maintenance work area

   Black lettering on an orange background is reserved for construction and maintenance zones. Drive with extra care and be ready for workers, equipment, or changed traffic patterns.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Warning Signs

6. 6. Green rectangular signs along a highway are used mainly to:

   Correct answer: Provide directions and distances

   Guide signs, often green, give directions and distances. If you are unsure of your route, pull safely onto the shoulder to read them rather than stopping in the road.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Guide/Informational Signs

7. 7. A yellow, pennant-shaped sign posted on the left side of the road marks:

   Correct answer: The beginning of a no-passing zone

   The pennant points to the start of a no-passing zone and reinforces the rectangular DO NOT PASS sign. A solid yellow line will be in your lane.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Warning Signs

8. 8. A diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background is generally meant to:

   Correct answer: Alert you to a possible hazard or change ahead

   Yellow diamonds are caution or warning signs. They tell you about a condition ahead, such as a curve, crossing, or narrowing road, so you can slow and drive with extra care.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Warning Signs

9. 9. On numbered highways, routes carrying odd numbers generally run in which direction?

   Correct answer: North and south

   Highways carrying odd numbers usually run north to south, while even-numbered routes usually run east to west.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Guide/Informational Signs

10. 10. How is a U.S. highway route number displayed on its marker?

    Correct answer: Inside a shield shape

    U.S. highway markers use a shield shape. North Carolina routes use a diamond, and secondary road signs are rectangular.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Guide/Informational Signs

11. 11. A round yellow sign showing a large X with the letters RR gives advance warning of:

    Correct answer: A railroad crossing ahead

    This round warning sign means a railroad crossing is coming up. Slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop for a train.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Warning Signs

12. 12. Why might a STOP AHEAD warning sign be posted before an intersection?

    Correct answer: Because the stop sign may be hidden by a curve or objects

    This caution sign is placed early when a curve or objects would otherwise hide the stop sign from view, giving you time to prepare.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Warning Signs