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. Yellow lines painted down the center of a road separate:

   Correct answer: Traffic traveling in opposite directions

   Yellow markings divide traffic moving in opposite directions, while white lines separate lanes going the same way.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Pavement Markings, Yellow Lane Markings

2. 2. When a broken yellow line runs on your side of the centerline, it tells you that:

   Correct answer: You may pass when it is safe

   A dashed yellow line on your side means passing is permitted from your lane when it is safe to do so.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Pavement Markings, Yellow Lane Markings

3. 3. A steady yellow traffic light means that the signal is:

   Correct answer: About to turn red, so prepare to stop

   A yellow light is a caution that red is coming; stop if you can do so safely, or clear the intersection if you are already inside it.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Traffic Signals

4. 4. A green traffic light means you may enter the intersection:

   Correct answer: If it is clear and safe to proceed

   Green allows you to go through the intersection with caution, but only when the way is actually clear.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Traffic Signals, Green Traffic Light

5. 5. A flashing yellow traffic signal tells a driver to:

   Correct answer: Slow down and continue with caution

   A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed carefully, staying ready to stop for any traffic entering the intersection.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Traffic Signals, Flashing Yellow

6. 6. White lines used as lane markings separate:

   Correct answer: Lanes moving in the same direction

   White lane lines divide lanes of traffic that are all traveling in the same direction.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Pavement Markings, White Lane Markings

7. 7. At a red traffic light in South Carolina, a right turn is:

   Correct answer: Allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it

   You may turn right on red after a full stop unless a sign forbids it, yielding first to pedestrians and to traffic lawfully using the intersection.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Traffic Signals, Red Traffic Light

8. 8. A lane in the middle of the road marked for turning by vehicles from either direction is a:

   Correct answer: Shared center left-turn lane

   The shared center left-turn lane is only for left turns from either direction and must not be used for through travel or passing.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Regulatory Signs, Shared Center Lane / Other Lane Controls

9. 9. When you must stop for a signal or sign and a stop line is painted on the road, you should stop:

   Correct answer: Behind the stop line

   Where a stop line exists, you must stop behind it; if there is a crosswalk after it, the stop line is obeyed first.

   Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Crosswalks and Stop Lines

10. 10. Two solid yellow lines painted between opposing lanes indicate that:

    Correct answer: Passing is prohibited from both directions

    Double solid yellow lines prohibit passing from either direction along that stretch of road.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Pavement Markings, Yellow Lane Markings

11. 11. Crosswalk markings on the pavement are used to show:

    Correct answer: The area set aside for pedestrians to cross

    Crosswalk lines mark where pedestrians may cross; you must yield to anyone entering or already within a crosswalk.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Crosswalks and Stop Lines

12. 12. In some cities where traffic lights are mounted horizontally, the red light is located:

    Correct answer: On the left side

    On a horizontal signal, red is on the left, yellow in the middle, and green on the right.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual — Traffic Signals