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 green arrow pointing in the direction you want to go indicates what?

   Correct answer: A turn that is protected from oncoming and crossing traffic

   A green arrow gives you a protected movement; traffic and pedestrians that would conflict with your turn are being held by a red signal.

   Source: Chapter 5 - Traffic-control signals

2. 2. A steady green traffic light allows you to do what?

   Correct answer: Go through the intersection when it is clear, yielding as required

   On green you may go, but you still yield to pedestrians and, when turning left, to oncoming traffic.

   Source: Chapter 5 - Traffic-control signals

3. 3. A steady red X displayed over a traffic lane means what?

   Correct answer: You are not allowed to drive in that lane

   A steady red X over a lane closes it to you; a steady yellow X warns you to move safely out of that lane.

   Source: Chapter 5 - Lane use control signals

4. 4. A flashing Don't Walk (raised hand) signal tells a pedestrian what?

   Correct answer: Do not start crossing, but finish if already in the street

   A flashing Don't Walk means do not step off the curb; pedestrians already crossing may continue to the other side.

   Source: Chapter 5 - Pedestrian signals

5. 5. A steady yellow traffic light means what?

   Correct answer: The light is about to turn red, so stop if you safely can

   Steady yellow is a caution that red is next; stop before the intersection unless you are too close to stop safely.

   Source: Chapter 5 - Traffic-control signals

6. 6. When a police officer is directing traffic at an intersection that also has signals, what should you obey?

   Correct answer: The officer's hand signals rather than the lights

   Directions from a traffic officer override signals, signs, and markings; follow the officer's hand signals.

   Source: Chapter 5 - Traffic officers

7. 7. What do double solid yellow center lines tell drivers?

   Correct answer: Passing is prohibited for traffic in both directions

   Two solid yellow lines mean no passing in either direction, no matter which side you are driving on.

   Source: Chapter 5 - Yellow lines

8. 8. At a metered freeway entrance ramp with a green light, how many vehicles may go?

   Correct answer: Only one car each time it turns green

   Ramp meters release one vehicle per green signal to smooth the flow of traffic merging onto the freeway.

   Source: Chapter 5 - Freeway ramp meters

9. 9. A solid white line between lanes going the same direction indicates what?

   Correct answer: You should stay in your lane and not cross it

   A solid white line discourages lane changes; a double solid white line means you must not cross it at all.

   Source: Chapter 5 - White lines

10. 10. How should you treat a flashing red traffic signal?

    Correct answer: The same as a stop sign

    A flashing red light means stop, yield to any traffic or pedestrians already there, then go when the way is clear, just like a stop sign.

    Source: Chapter 5 - Traffic-control signals

11. 11. A center lane bordered by both a solid and a dashed yellow line on each side is used for what?

    Correct answer: Left turns by traffic traveling in either direction

    This shared center lane is reserved for making left turns and may be entered by drivers going either way to turn onto a road or driveway.

    Source: Chapter 5 - Center turn lanes

12. 12. Solid yellow lines on the pavement separate what?

    Correct answer: Traffic moving in opposite directions

    Yellow center lines divide opposing streams of traffic; a solid yellow line on your side means passing is not allowed there.

    Source: Chapter 5 - Yellow lines