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. On a standard vertical traffic signal, which light is located at the top?

   Correct answer: Red

   Traffic lights are arranged with red on top, yellow in the middle, and green at the bottom.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — A. Traffic Signals

2. 2. A center lane bordered by a solid yellow line and a dashed yellow line on each side, marked with left-turn arrows, is used only for:

   Correct answer: Left turns and U-turns

   A shared center lane is reserved for vehicles making left turns or U-turns, and drivers from either direction may enter it when it is safe.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — C. Special Lanes

3. 3. What do dashed white lines on the roadway indicate?

   Correct answer: Lanes going the same way that you may cross when safe

   Dashed white lines separate lanes of traffic moving the same way, and you may cross them to change lanes when it is safe.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — B. Types of Line Markings

4. 4. A steady yellow traffic light means that:

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

   A steady yellow warns the light is about to turn red; slow down and stop before entering the intersection, but if you are already in it, keep going.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — A. Traffic Signals

5. 5. Where a marked crosswalk crosses the road, your front wheels should stop:

   Correct answer: Just before the solid white line

   You should bring your front wheels to a halt just before the solid white line and never stop on top of the crosswalk itself.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — B. Types of Line Markings

6. 6. You reach an intersection where the traffic signal has lost power and is completely dark. How should you treat it?

   Correct answer: As if it were a stop sign

   When a signal is not working, you should handle the intersection the same way you would a stop sign.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — A. Traffic Signals

7. 7. A left turn against a steady red light is permitted only when you are turning:

   Correct answer: From a one-way street onto another one-way street

   You may turn left on red only when moving from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and you must stop and yield to all traffic first.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — A. Traffic Signals

8. 8. What is the correct response to a flashing yellow traffic light?

   Correct answer: Slow down and continue cautiously after checking for cross traffic

   A flashing yellow means reduce speed, check for cross traffic, and go through carefully.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — A. Traffic Signals

9. 9. A steady green arrow at an intersection means you may:

   Correct answer: Turn in the direction the arrow points

   A green arrow lets you move in the direction it points, protected from oncoming and crossing traffic, but you should still watch for pedestrians.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — A. Traffic Signals

10. 10. A flashing yellow arrow displayed for a turn tells the driver to:

    Correct answer: Yield to other traffic, then turn carefully

    A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn but must first yield and then proceed with caution.

    Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — A. Traffic Signals

11. 11. A solid white line painted between two lanes of traffic generally means you should:

    Correct answer: Stay in your lane and not cross the line

    A solid white line between lanes indicates you should not cross it; cross only to avoid a hazard or when you must turn within the next block.

    Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — B. Types of Line Markings

12. 12. You have a steady green light and want to turn left across oncoming traffic. What must you do?

    Correct answer: Wait for a safe gap and yield to oncoming vehicles

    A steady green lets you turn left only when it is safe, because oncoming traffic still has the right-of-way.

    Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — A. Traffic Signals