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. A steady yellow traffic light tells you what?

   Correct answer: The light is changing to red, so prepare to stop

   A solid yellow warns that the signal is about to turn red. Slow down and prepare to stop; you may not speed up past the limit to beat the light.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Traffic Light Signals (4.11)

2. 2. What symbol identifies an HOV (carpool) lane on signs and pavement in Washington?

   Correct answer: A diamond

   HOV lanes are marked with a diamond symbol and are separated from other lanes by a solid white line. They require meeting posted occupancy rules; motorcycles are allowed.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — HOV / Carpool (4.16)

3. 3. At an intersection, a flashing red traffic light means you should do what?

   Correct answer: Treat it as a stop sign and stop fully before going

   A flashing red works exactly like a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, then proceed when it is your turn and the way is clear.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Traffic Light Signals (4.11)

4. 4. A solid yellow line paired with a dashed yellow line means what for the driver on the solid-line side?

   Correct answer: You must not pass

   If a solid yellow stripe sits on your half of the road, passing is prohibited. Where the broken stripe falls on your half instead, passing is allowed once it is safe.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Road Markings (4.16)

5. 5. In a reversible lane, a steady yellow X displayed overhead tells you to do what?

   Correct answer: Move out of the lane because it is changing direction

   A steady yellow X warns that the lane will soon reverse, so leave it as quickly as you safely can. A green arrow opens the lane for your use, while a red X keeps you out.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Reversible Lanes (4.16)

6. 6. How should you respond to a green arrow signal?

   Correct answer: Proceed in the direction of the arrow with the right-of-way

   A green arrow grants a protected right-of-way to move the way it points. While it stays lit, crossing vehicles and pedestrians should be held back.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Traffic Light Signals (4.11)

7. 7. A single dashed white line between two lanes going the same direction means what?

   Correct answer: You may cross to change lanes when it is safe

   A dashed white line means you may cross it to change lanes when it is safe. White separates same-direction traffic; the dashes signal a lane change is permitted.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Road Markings (4.16)

8. 8. What do double solid yellow centerlines indicate about passing?

   Correct answer: Passing is banned in both directions

   Double solid yellow lines mark the middle of a two-way road where passing is prohibited in both directions. Do not cross them to get around another vehicle.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Road Markings (4.16)

9. 9. A flashing yellow traffic light should be treated the same as which sign?

   Correct answer: A yield sign

   A flashing yellow signal carries the same message a yield sign does. Ease off the gas, treat the crossing as uncontrolled, and proceed once the way is yours.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Traffic Light Signals (4.11)

10. 10. What does a steady red arrow signal mean for a driver?

    Correct answer: You cannot go in the direction the arrow points

    A red arrow means you cannot travel in the direction the arrow points. You must wait until the signal changes before moving that way.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Traffic Light Signals (4.11)

11. 11. On a two-lane road, a broken (dashed) yellow center line on your side of the road means what?

    Correct answer: You may pass when it is safe

    A broken yellow line marks the center of a two-way road. Where it falls on your side, briefly entering the oncoming lane to pass is allowed when doing so is safe.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Road Markings (4.16)

12. 12. What do yellow lines painted between lanes tell you about the traffic they separate?

    Correct answer: Traffic on each side flows in opposite directions

    Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Road Markings, Lanes (4.16)