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. In a work zone, a person is standing in the road holding a sign or flag to direct traffic. What must you do?

   Correct answer: Obey the flagger's directions

   When traffic in a work zone is controlled by a flagger, drivers are required to follow that person's instructions.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — In Work Zones

2. 2. Which set of colors is commonly used on guide signs that direct drivers toward towns, hospitals, and roadside services?

   Correct answer: Green, brown, or blue

   Guide signs are usually square or rectangular and appear in green, brown, or blue to point out destinations and services.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Guide Signs)

3. 3. A round, yellow sign showing a large 'X' along with the letters 'RR' warns that a driver is approaching what?

   Correct answer: A highway-railroad grade crossing

   The round yellow advance-warning sign with an 'X' and 'RR' tells drivers a highway-railroad grade crossing lies ahead, so they should be ready to stop.

   Source: Section 5: Learning to Drive — Railroad Crossings

4. 4. A sign showing a U-turn arrow inside a red circle with a slash is telling a driver what?

   Correct answer: U-turns are not permitted there

   A prohibitory sign uses the red circle and slash to forbid the pictured action, so this sign bans making a U-turn at that spot.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Prohibitory Signs)

5. 5. When a red circle with a diagonal line through it is placed over a symbol on a sign, it tells you that the pictured action is what?

   Correct answer: Not allowed at that location

   On prohibitory signs the red circle and slash stand for the word 'NO,' meaning the illustrated maneuver is not permitted.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Prohibitory Signs)

6. 6. A sign with an orange background and black lettering most often marks the approach to what?

   Correct answer: A road construction or maintenance area

   Work zone signs have a distinctive orange background; near them you should slow down, stay alert, and watch for workers and equipment.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Work Zone Signs)

7. 7. What is the primary job of a regulatory sign?

   Correct answer: To give notice of traffic laws that must be obeyed

   Regulatory signs control the movement of traffic by giving notice of the traffic laws and regulations that drivers must follow.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Regulatory Signs)

8. 8. Diamond-shaped yellow warning signs are used mainly to do what?

   Correct answer: Alert drivers to possible danger ahead

   Warning signs tell drivers of possible danger that might be ahead and are usually yellow diamonds with black symbols.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Warning Signs)

9. 9. What do route number signs tell a traveler?

   Correct answer: The type of roadway you are traveling on

   The shape and color of route number signs indicate the type of roadway, such as an interstate, U.S., state, county, or local road.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Route Number Signs)

10. 10. Which of the following can a green, brown, or blue guide sign help a driver find?

    Correct answer: Hospitals, gas stations, and restaurants

    Guide signs point out points of interest and services such as hospitals, service stations, restaurants, and hotels.

    Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Guide Signs)

11. 11. A diamond-shaped sign with a yellow background and black symbols is telling a driver what?

    Correct answer: A possible hazard may be ahead on the roadway

    Warning signs are diamond-shaped and yellow with black lettering or symbols; they alert drivers to possible dangers that may be ahead.

    Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs (Warning Signs)

12. 12. The white, X-shaped sign lettered 'Railroad Crossing' (a crossbuck) is normally placed where?

    Correct answer: At the railroad crossing itself

    The white crossbuck sign marks the highway-railroad grade crossing itself; where only crossbucks or pavement markings are present, slow down and be ready to stop if a train is near.

    Source: Section 5: Learning to Drive — Railroad Crossings