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. Orange signs with black lettering along a highway usually mean that you are approaching:

   Correct answer: A roadwork or construction zone

   Orange marks construction, maintenance, and utility work areas. Slow down and stay alert for workers, equipment, and changed traffic patterns.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

2. 2. Regulatory signs, such as SPEED LIMIT and NO LEFT TURN signs, are posted to tell drivers:

   Correct answer: Which actions the law requires or prohibits

   Regulatory signs state what the law requires or forbids. Ignoring them can bring a fine and points because you are breaking the law.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

3. 3. A sign warning DIVIDED HIGHWAY BEGINS tells you that ahead the road will:

   Correct answer: Separate into two one-way roadways with a median

   The highway splits into two one-way roadways separated by a median or divider. Keep to the right of that divider.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

4. 4. You see several arrow-shaped (chevron) signs placed along the outside of a bend. They are there to show that:

   Correct answer: The road changes direction sharply

   Chevrons point the way the road bends and mark a sharp change in direction, such as a curve. They may be spaced through the whole curve.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

5. 5. A yellow advisory speed sign mounted below a curve warning sign tells you:

   Correct answer: The top speed that is safe for the curve ahead

   An advisory speed sign gives the highest speed that is safe to travel through the curve or condition ahead under good conditions.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

6. 6. A yellow diamond sign reading SLIPPERY WHEN WET is warning you to:

   Correct answer: Slow down and leave more room to the front

   This warning tells you the surface can be especially slick in wet weather. Ease off the speed, add following distance, and avoid quick braking or turning.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

7. 7. A five-sided (pentagon) sign along the roadway is used to warn drivers about:

   Correct answer: A school zone or school crossing

   The pentagon shape is used only for school-area warnings. It tells you a school zone or school crossing is ahead, so watch for children.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

8. 8. How should a driver treat a crossbuck sign at a railroad crossing that has no lights or gates?

   Correct answer: The same way you would treat a yield sign

   A plain crossbuck works like a YIELD sign. Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop if a train is coming.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

9. 9. A diamond-shaped sign with black symbols on a yellow background is used to:

   Correct answer: Alert you to a possible hazard or change ahead

   Yellow diamond signs are warnings. They are posted ahead of a hazard or change in the road so you have time to slow down or adjust your path.

   Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

10. 10. Where is a DO NOT ENTER sign typically placed?

    Correct answer: At the entrance to a one-way street or ramp

    DO NOT ENTER marks the start of a one-way street or ramp. It warns you not to drive onto that roadway in the direction you are heading.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

11. 11. If you come upon a WRONG WAY sign facing you, it means that you:

    Correct answer: Are traveling against traffic and must turn around

    WRONG WAY is placed beyond the DO NOT ENTER sign to catch a driver who has turned the wrong direction onto a one-way road or ramp. You risk a head-on crash and must turn around safely.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

12. 12. In Pennsylvania, a red sign with eight sides always tells a driver to do what?

    Correct answer: Make a complete stop

    The octagon is reserved for STOP. You must come to a full halt at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection, then go only when it is safe.

    Source: PA Driver's Manual — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings