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. If a traffic light is completely dark because of a power failure, you should treat the intersection as though it is controlled by:

   Correct answer: A stop sign on every approach

   A signal that has gone dark should be handled as an all-way stop, unless an officer is directing traffic or another control device is working.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Traffic Signals

2. 2. A broken (dashed) yellow center line on a two-lane road means:

   Correct answer: Passing with care is allowed when the dashes are on your side

   Where the dashed yellow line is on your side, passing with care is permitted when the way is clear.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

3. 3. On the pavement, what do yellow lines separate?

   Correct answer: Traffic moving in opposite directions

   Yellow lines divide traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes going the same way.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

4. 4. A green arrow at an intersection tells you that you have:

   Correct answer: A protected turn in the direction the arrow points

   A green arrow gives a protected movement in the direction it points. You may enter cautiously to make that movement.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Traffic Signals

5. 5. Red reflective markers set into the pavement are a warning that you are:

   Correct answer: Traveling the wrong way

   Red reflective pavement markers indicate a wrong-way movement. If you see them facing you, you are headed the wrong direction.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

6. 6. Two solid yellow lines painted down the center of a road mean that:

   Correct answer: Neither direction may cross to pass

   A double solid yellow center line may not be crossed to pass from either direction.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

7. 7. When a police officer is directing traffic at an intersection where the signals are working, you should:

   Correct answer: Obey the officer, even when it differs from the lights

   An officer's hand signals override the normal lights and signs. Follow the officer's directions.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Traffic Officers

8. 8. A traffic signal showing a flashing red light means the same thing as:

   Correct answer: A stop sign

   A flashing red light carries the same meaning as a stop sign: stop, then proceed only when you can do so without interfering with other traffic.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Flashing Signals

9. 9. White lines on the roadway are used to separate:

   Correct answer: Lanes of traffic traveling the same way

   White lines divide lanes that move in the same direction; a single solid white line also marks the right edge of the road.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

10. 10. A flashing yellow arrow for a turn means the turn is permitted only if you:

    Correct answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

    With a flashing yellow arrow you may turn, but you must first yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signal Heads

11. 11. A center lane marked for two-way left turns must NOT be used for:

    Correct answer: Passing other vehicles

    This shared center lane is only for making left turns from either direction. It may not be used to pass or to merge into traffic.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

12. 12. When you come to a flashing yellow traffic light, you should:

    Correct answer: Slow down and proceed with caution

    A flashing yellow light works like a warning sign. Slow down and move through carefully.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Flashing Signals