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. How should you treat an intersection where the traffic light is completely dark because of a power outage?

   Correct answer: As a four-way stop

   By law, unless an officer is directing traffic, a non-working signal is handled the same as a four-way stop; proceed carefully because others may not stop.

   Source: Section 10: Emergency Situations — Inoperable Traffic Signals

2. 2. A center lane bordered by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line on each side, marked with turn arrows, is reserved for what use?

   Correct answer: Left turns by traffic from either direction

   This is a two-way left turn lane; vehicles from either direction may use it only immediately before making a left turn, not for traveling or passing.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Two-Way Left Turn Only Lane

3. 3. White pavement lines, whether solid or broken, are used to separate what?

   Correct answer: Traffic moving in the same direction

   White lines separate lanes of traffic that are traveling in the same direction.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Lane Pavement Markings

4. 4. What does a solid double yellow center line tell a driver?

   Correct answer: Cross it only when turning left or getting around a slow-moving vehicle

   You must not drive to the left of a solid double yellow center line unless you are turning left or passing a slow-moving vehicle such as a bicycle.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Lane Pavement Markings (Yellow Solid Double Line)

5. 5. On a road with one solid yellow line and one broken yellow line at the center, who may pass?

   Correct answer: Drivers in the lane beside the broken line

   Passing is allowed for drivers traveling in the lane next to the broken line; it is prohibited for those in the lane next to the solid line.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Lane Pavement Markings (Yellow Solid Line With a Broken Line)

6. 6. A steady yellow traffic signal is a warning that what is about to happen?

   Correct answer: The signal is about to turn red

   A yellow light indicates the signal is about to change to red, so drivers should use caution and prepare to stop.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals

7. 7. A solid yellow line down the middle of a road marks the separation between what?

   Correct answer: Traffic moving in opposite directions

   Yellow lines separate traffic that is traveling in opposite directions.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Lane Pavement Markings

8. 8. A green arrow shown in a traffic signal tells a driver they may do what?

   Correct answer: Turn in the arrow's direction without stopping when clear

   A green arrow means you can turn in the direction the arrow points without stopping, as long as the way is clear.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals

9. 9. How should a driver respond to a flashing yellow traffic signal?

   Correct answer: Slow down and proceed carefully, ready to stop

   A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution, ready to stop for any traffic that may enter the intersection.

   Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals

10. 10. On a two-lane road, you may legally pass another vehicle only when which line is on your side of the center?

    Correct answer: A broken yellow line

    You cannot overtake while the solid yellow marking sits on your half of the road; passing is legal only where the dashed yellow marking runs beside you.

    Source: Section 5: Learning to Drive — Passing (Passing Zone on Two-Lane Roadway)

11. 11. When a marked stop line is painted just before a crosswalk at a red signal, where must a driver stop?

    Correct answer: Behind the stop line

    If a stop line is present before the crosswalk, the driver must stop behind that stop line.

    Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Crosswalks

12. 12. A broken (dashed) yellow center line means what for drivers?

    Correct answer: Vehicles going either way may pass when safe

    A dashed yellow center stripe lets drivers going either way overtake others, as long as the maneuver can be done safely.

    Source: Section 4: Rules of the Road — Lane Pavement Markings (Yellow Broken Line)