Road Signs Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: White arrows painted on the pavement of a lane tell you what?

The direction you must or may travel from that lane (Correct answer)
The lane is for emergency vehicles
You must yield
The road is under construction

Correct answer: The direction you must or may travel from that lane

Pavement arrows indicate the permitted travel direction for that lane.

Question 2: What does a blue sign with a white telephone symbol indicate?

An emergency call box or phone is available nearby (Correct answer)
Telephone solicitation is prohibited in this area
A cell tower provides coverage in this area
A payphone business is at the next exit

Correct answer: An emergency call box or phone is available nearby

A blue telephone symbol sign indicates that an emergency call box or telephone is accessible nearby for drivers who need help.

Question 3: What color are traffic channelizing islands (raised or painted) that separate opposing traffic flows?

Yellow (Correct answer)
Orange
Red
White

Correct answer: Yellow

Traffic islands that separate opposing directions of travel are marked with yellow, consistent with the US convention of using yellow for opposing-direction separators.

Question 4: A broken yellow line next to a solid yellow line means what for the driver on the broken-line side?

You must stop
Passing is allowed when safe (Correct answer)
The road ends ahead
Passing is never allowed

Correct answer: Passing is allowed when safe

The driver on the broken-line side may pass when it is safe.

Question 5: A green signal light with a red right-turn arrow displayed simultaneously means:

You may go straight or turn left on the green but may NOT turn right (Correct answer)
Right turns are permitted only for buses
All movements are prohibited until the red arrow disappears
Right turns are allowed with caution on the red arrow

Correct answer: You may go straight or turn left on the green but may NOT turn right

When a red right-turn arrow appears with an otherwise green signal, it specifically prohibits right turns while allowing other movements the green permits.

Question 6: Which of the following actions is illegal and dangerous at a railroad crossing?

Turning off your radio to listen for trains
Stopping at least 15 feet from the tracks
Looking both ways before crossing
Driving around lowered crossing gates (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Driving around lowered crossing gates

Driving around lowered crossing gates is illegal in all US states and is one of the leading causes of fatal highway-rail crashes.

Question 7: What does a 'Yield' sign look like in the US?

An octagon with a white background
A diamond with yellow background
A downward-pointing triangle with red border and white interior (Correct answer)
A rectangle with a red stripe

Correct answer: A downward-pointing triangle with red border and white interior

The US yield sign is a downward-pointing triangle with a red border and white interior, making it unique among traffic control signs.

Question 8: A regulatory sign reading 'NO U-TURN' with a curved arrow and red slash means what?

U-turns are encouraged here
Only trucks may make U-turns
U-turns are allowed after stopping
You cannot make a U-turn at that location (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You cannot make a U-turn at that location

The red slash over the U-shaped arrow prohibits making a U-turn there.

Question 9: What color are most guide signs that show distances and directions to cities?

Green with white letters (Correct answer)
Red with white letters
Yellow with black letters
Orange with black letters

Correct answer: Green with white letters

Green guide signs with white lettering provide directional and distance information.

Question 10: What does a 'Keep Left' sign on a freeway usually indicate?

Left turns only are permitted
Drive in the left lane at all times
Pass on the left side of slower vehicles
Stay to the left of a lane separation, island, or obstacle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stay to the left of a lane separation, island, or obstacle

A 'Keep Left' sign tells drivers to pass an obstacle, island, or traffic separator on the left side.

Question 11: A 'Divided Highway Begins' sign on a US road means:

The road narrows to one lane ahead
Passing is now prohibited
The speed limit increases ahead
A median or divider is about to separate opposing lanes of traffic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A median or divider is about to separate opposing lanes of traffic

The 'Divided Highway Begins' sign alerts drivers that the road ahead will have a physical median separating opposing traffic directions.

Question 12: A yellow sign with a 'T' symbol warns drivers of what?

A truck route
A toll ahead
A T-intersection where the road ends (Correct answer)
A tunnel ahead

Correct answer: A T-intersection where the road ends

The 'T' symbol warns that the road ahead ends at a T-intersection and you must turn.

Question 13: Yellow diagonal stripes in a traffic lane (called a 'gore area') indicate:

A reserved lane for emergency vehicles
An area you must not drive through, used to separate diverging or merging lanes (Correct answer)
A bicycle staging area at a red light
A school zone speed reduction area

Correct answer: An area you must not drive through, used to separate diverging or merging lanes

Gore areas with diagonal yellow stripes separate merging or diverging traffic flows and are not to be driven through.

Question 14: In a school zone, when must drivers yield to pedestrians?

Only at marked crosswalks
Whenever pedestrians are crossing or about to cross (Correct answer)
Only during school hours
Only when a crossing guard is present

Correct answer: Whenever pedestrians are crossing or about to cross

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in school zones whenever they are crossing or about to enter the roadway, regardless of markings or time of day.

Question 15: The lane closest to an intersection with a left-curving arrow and the word 'ONLY' means what?

That lane must turn left (Correct answer)
That lane may go straight only
That lane is closed
That lane is for buses

Correct answer: That lane must turn left

A left arrow with 'ONLY' requires vehicles in that lane to turn left.

Question 16: What is the name of the X-shaped white sign mounted on a post at railroad crossings?

Railroad marker
Crossing guard
Crossbuck (Correct answer)
Track indicator

Correct answer: Crossbuck

The crossbuck is the official name for the white X-shaped sign at railroad crossings that reads 'RAILROAD CROSSING.'

Question 17: This sign means what?

Look to your left.
Go left now.
Chevron, slow for curve. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Chevron, slow for curve.

Chevron signs, typically yellow with black arrows, are used to warn drivers of a sharp change in the road's alignment or a severe curve. They indicate the direction of the curve and advise drivers to reduce their speed to safely navigate the turn. These signs are crucial for alerting drivers to potentially hazardous road conditions.

Question 18: At a railroad crossing without gates or flashing lights, you must stop when:

A train is approaching or clearly visible on the tracks (Correct answer)
Only at night when visibility is limited
Only when a crossing guard signals you to stop
Only when other vehicles ahead of you have stopped

Correct answer: A train is approaching or clearly visible on the tracks

At passive crossings with only a crossbuck sign, you must yield and stop if a train is approaching or visible, since there are no automatic signals to warn you.

Question 19: What does a brown guide sign typically indicate?

Recreational and cultural points of interest (Correct answer)
A weigh station
A hospital ahead
A toll booth

Correct answer: Recreational and cultural points of interest

Brown signs mark parks, historic sites, and recreational areas.

Question 20: What does a sign reading 'One Way' with an arrow require?

Make a single stop
Yield to oncoming cars
Travel only in the arrow's direction (Correct answer)
Merge into one lane

Correct answer: Travel only in the arrow's direction

A One Way sign means traffic may move only in the direction shown.

Question 21: What does a 'Road Closed' sign at a construction site mean?

Night travel is restricted
Slow down to 15 mph
Only trucks are prohibited
The road ahead is temporarily impassable and you must turn around or detour (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The road ahead is temporarily impassable and you must turn around or detour

A 'Road Closed' sign means the road is completely blocked and drivers must not proceed, instead following detour signs.

Question 22: A blue rectangular sign with a knife-and-fork symbol indicates what?

A picnic ban
A rest area with no services
A market
Food services or restaurant ahead (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Food services or restaurant ahead

Blue service signs with utensils point to nearby food or restaurants.

Question 23: A yellow diamond sign with a deer symbol warns drivers of what?

Possible animal crossings (Correct answer)
A hunting area
A farm entrance
A petting zoo ahead

Correct answer: Possible animal crossings

The deer symbol warns that animals may cross the road in that area.

Question 24: This sign means what?

Hiking trail ahead.
Caution, School Zone. (Correct answer)
Slow down for pedestrians.

Correct answer: Caution, School Zone.

This sign, usually a yellow-green pentagon with a black silhouette of two children walking, indicates a school zone or a school crossing. It warns drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce their speed, and be vigilant for children who may be present in the area. Adhering to these signs is vital for child safety.

Question 25: What additional sign is often placed below a school zone speed limit sign to clarify when it applies?

A calendar showing school months
A flashing beacon only
A crossing guard schedule board
A time and day sign (e.g., 7–8 AM and 2–3 PM, School Days) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A time and day sign (e.g., 7–8 AM and 2–3 PM, School Days)

Time and day plaques are posted below school zone speed limit signs to show drivers the specific hours and days the reduced limit is in effect.

Question 26: What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

The signal is broken and should be ignored
Speed up to clear the intersection
Proceed with caution — slow down and watch for cross traffic and pedestrians (Correct answer)
Stop completely and wait for green

Correct answer: Proceed with caution — slow down and watch for cross traffic and pedestrians

A flashing yellow signal means proceed with caution. It replaces a standard traffic signal during low-traffic periods or indicates a signal malfunction, requiring drivers to slow down and check for hazards.

Question 27: A sign showing an arrow curving sharply to the right means what?

A sharp right turn is coming up (Correct answer)
The road is closed ahead
A right lane merges
Right turns are prohibited

Correct answer: A sharp right turn is coming up

The curved arrow warns of a sharp turn or curve in the road ahead.

Question 28: What does a pedestrian crossing sign tell drivers?

Pedestrians must yield to vehicles here
A marked crosswalk or pedestrian crossing is ahead (Correct answer)
The road is for foot traffic only
Pedestrians are prohibited in this area

Correct answer: A marked crosswalk or pedestrian crossing is ahead

A pedestrian crossing sign warns drivers that pedestrians may be crossing the road ahead, usually at a marked crosswalk.

Question 29: A blue sign with a fork-and-knife symbol indicates what?

A picnic ban
A grocery delivery zone
Food or restaurant services nearby (Correct answer)
A kitchen supply store

Correct answer: Food or restaurant services nearby

Blue service signs with a fork and knife point to food services.

Question 30: A guide sign reading 'REST AREA 2 MILES' is what type of sign?

A warning sign
An informational guide sign (Correct answer)
A construction sign
A regulatory sign

Correct answer: An informational guide sign

Signs announcing rest areas are informational guide signs.

Question 31: A round sign showing an arrow curving in a circle indicates what?

A U-turn only zone
A dead-end loop
A roundabout ahead (Correct answer)
A parking circle

Correct answer: A roundabout ahead

This sign warns that a roundabout is ahead where traffic circulates.

Question 32: What does a sign with a red circle over a truck mean?

Trucks are prohibited (Correct answer)
A weigh station
Truck parking only
A truck stop ahead

Correct answer: Trucks are prohibited

A red circle and slash over a truck means trucks are not allowed.

Question 33: When a broken yellow line changes to a solid yellow line on your side, what does it signal?

Passing is no longer permitted (Correct answer)
The road becomes one-way
You must exit
You may now pass

Correct answer: Passing is no longer permitted

A change to a solid yellow line ends the passing zone on your side.

Question 34: Which type of vehicle is always required to stop at railroad crossings, even when no signals are activated?

Motorcycles
Passenger cars
School buses carrying passengers (Correct answer)
Pickup trucks

Correct answer: School buses carrying passengers

School buses carrying passengers and vehicles transporting hazardous materials must always stop at railroad crossings regardless of signals or visible trains.

Question 35: What does a 'No U-Turn' sign indicate?

Three-point turns are permitted instead
Reversing is prohibited
Drivers may not make a 180-degree U-turn at that location (Correct answer)
The road curves sharply ahead

Correct answer: Drivers may not make a 180-degree U-turn at that location

A 'No U-Turn' sign prohibits drivers from making a U-turn at that specific location, usually because it is unsafe or creates traffic conflicts.

Question 36: A green arrow traffic signal means:

Oncoming traffic also has a green light
Yield before turning in the arrow's direction
Proceed with caution in any direction
You have a protected turn in the direction the arrow points, oncoming traffic is stopped (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You have a protected turn in the direction the arrow points, oncoming traffic is stopped

A green arrow indicates a protected turn movement — traffic in the arrow's direction has the right of way and opposing traffic is stopped.

Question 37: A sign with a knife-and-fork symbol is what kind of guide sign?

A construction sign
A regulatory sign
A service sign indicating food is available (Correct answer)
A warning sign

Correct answer: A service sign indicating food is available

The knife-and-fork symbol on a service sign directs drivers to food.

Question 38: On a two-lane road with no median, when a school bus stops with flashing red lights, traffic traveling in BOTH directions must:

Slow to 15 mph
Stop until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted (Correct answer)
Only traffic behind the bus must stop
Yield only if children are visible

Correct answer: Stop until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted

On a two-lane road without a median, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus displays red flashing lights and a stop arm.

Question 39: White lines are used to mark which type of traffic on a roadway?

Only toll lanes
Only emergency vehicle lanes
Traffic moving in the same direction (Correct answer)
Traffic moving in opposite directions

Correct answer: Traffic moving in the same direction

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

Question 40: What do brown highway signs indicate?

Recreational and cultural points of interest such as parks, historic sites, and scenic areas (Correct answer)
Construction detour routes
Hospital locations
Commercial zones

Correct answer: Recreational and cultural points of interest such as parks, historic sites, and scenic areas

Brown signs direct drivers to recreational and cultural areas including national and state parks, historic sites, scenic overlooks, campgrounds, and public recreational facilities.

Question 41: A rectangular sign reading 'DETOUR' with an arrow tells drivers to do what?

Stop and turn around
Follow an alternate route (Correct answer)
Merge left permanently
Reduce speed only

Correct answer: Follow an alternate route

A detour sign directs traffic along an alternate route around a closure.

Question 42: A pentagon-shaped (5-sided) sign usually warns of what?

A weigh station
A dead end
A school zone or crossing (Correct answer)
A hospital

Correct answer: A school zone or crossing

The five-sided pentagon sign warns of a school zone or school crossing.

Question 43: What does a yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road indicate?

School zone ahead
Sharp curve warning
No passing zone — do not pass other vehicles in this area (Correct answer)
Reduced speed zone

Correct answer: No passing zone — do not pass other vehicles in this area

The yellow pennant-shaped sign is placed on the left side of the road to mark the beginning of a no-passing zone, supplementing the solid yellow center line marking.

Question 44: What does a solid red traffic light signal require a driver to do?

Slow down and proceed with caution
Stop completely before the stop line or crosswalk (Correct answer)
Continue if no other vehicles are present
Yield to pedestrians only

Correct answer: Stop completely before the stop line or crosswalk

A solid red light requires all drivers to come to a complete stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection.

Question 45: A 'Pedestrian Push Button' sign at a crosswalk instructs pedestrians to:

Press the button to activate the pedestrian walk signal (Correct answer)
Press the button to extend the green light phase
Push the button to alert drivers to stop
Use the button to call for crossing assistance

Correct answer: Press the button to activate the pedestrian walk signal

Pedestrian push buttons activate or extend the walk signal phase at signalized intersections so pedestrians can cross safely.

Question 46: A round sign with a railroad crossbuck symbol warns of what?

A rest area
A hospital zone
A toll booth
A railroad crossing ahead (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A railroad crossing ahead

The round yellow sign with an X and RR warns of a railroad crossing ahead.

Question 47: What does a 'Shoulder Work' sign indicate?

The shoulder is open for travel
Emergency vehicles are parked on the shoulder
Workers or equipment may be present on the road shoulder (Correct answer)
You must use the shoulder to pass

Correct answer: Workers or equipment may be present on the road shoulder

A 'Shoulder Work' sign warns that workers or equipment may be present on the road shoulder, so drivers should move over if possible.

Question 48: A yellow diamond with a bicycle symbol means what?

Watch for bicyclists sharing the road (Correct answer)
Bicycles prohibited
A bike shop nearby
Bike parking ahead

Correct answer: Watch for bicyclists sharing the road

The bicycle warning sign alerts drivers that cyclists may be present on the roadway.

Question 49: What shape is the US school zone warning sign?

Pentagon (Correct answer)
Octagon
Diamond
Rectangle

Correct answer: Pentagon

School zone warning signs in the US are pentagon-shaped (five-sided), a shape used exclusively for school-related signs.

Question 50: A flashing red traffic signal should be treated as:

A caution signal — slow to 15 mph
A warning to prepare for a red light ahead
A stop sign — stop completely, then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
A yield sign — slow down and yield if needed

Correct answer: A stop sign — stop completely, then proceed when safe

A flashing red light has the same legal meaning as a stop sign: you must come to a complete stop before proceeding when the way is clear.

Road Signs Test

The Road Signs Test evaluates your ability to recognize, interpret, and respond appropriately to the full range of U.S. traffic signs including regulatory, warning, guide, and work zone signs as defined by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). It is a required component of the DMV driver's knowledge exam in all U.S. states.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

75%

To Pass

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