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. Solid white lines painted on a roadway are used to:

   Correct answer: Divide lanes going the same way and mark the road's right edge

   White lines separate lanes that travel the same way and also mark the road's right edge. As a rule, you should not cross a solid line except to turn.

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

2. 2. A flashing red traffic light should be treated exactly like a:

   Correct answer: Stop sign

   A blinking red signal works like a stop sign. Make a full stop, look both ways, and go only once the intersection is clear.

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

3. 3. When you get a steady green arrow at an intersection, your turn is described as "protected" because:

   Correct answer: Cars coming the other way are held by a red signal

   A green arrow gives you a protected turn since oncoming traffic is held by a red light while the arrow is lit.

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

4. 4. A flashing yellow arrow at an intersection means you may turn in that direction but must:

   Correct answer: First yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

   A flashing yellow arrow allows a turn with caution, but it is not protected; you must first yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians because they have a green light.

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

5. 5. Yellow pavement lines are used on a roadway to separate:

   Correct answer: Traffic moving in opposite directions

   Yellow lines separate opposing streams of traffic. They mark the middle of two-lane roads and the left edge of divided highways and one-way streets.

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

6. 6. A steady yellow "X" shown over a travel lane is telling you that:

   Correct answer: The lane's direction is about to change and you should move over

   A steady yellow X means the lane's direction of travel is about to be switched. Move out of the lane safely and get ready to leave it.

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

7. 7. On a vertical traffic signal, the colors are arranged so that:

   Correct answer: Red is on top and green is on the bottom

   On a signal mounted vertically, the top light is red and the bottom one is green, which helps drivers who cannot tell the colors apart.

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

8. 8. A single flashing yellow light hanging over an intersection tells you to:

   Correct answer: Slow down and proceed carefully

   A blinking yellow light is a caution signal. Ease off the gas, look carefully, and continue only when it is safe.

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

9. 9. As a pedestrian, when the flashing DON'T WALK signal (or flashing raised hand) begins while you are still in the street, you should:

   Correct answer: Finish crossing to the other side

   If you have already stepped off the curb, finish crossing. Do not start to cross once the flashing signal has begun.

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

10. 10. A double solid yellow centerline down the middle of a road means that:

    Correct answer: Passing is prohibited in both directions

    Two solid yellow lines mean passing is not allowed for traffic going in either direction, even where there is no separate NO PASSING sign.

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

11. 11. A steady red arrow at an intersection means that you:

    Correct answer: Must stop and may not turn that way

    A steady red arrow means stop; you cannot turn the direction it points. Wait for a green or flashing yellow arrow before you go.

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

12. 12. When the centerline is a solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line, you may pass only when:

    Correct answer: The broken line is on your side and it is safe

    You may pass when the broken line is on your side and conditions are safe. You may not pass when the solid yellow line is on your side.

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