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Driver's Permit Knowledge Test (U.S.)

Signals: practice questions

Our Driver's Permit bank has 10 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

What does a pedestrian signal showing a steady upraised hand mean?

  1. Pedestrians must not start crossing
  2. Pedestrians may start crossing if no cars are coming
  3. The signal is broken
  4. Pedestrians may cross
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A. Pedestrians must not start crossing — A flashing hand means pedestrians should not start, but those already crossing may finish.

Question 2

What does a steady red light mean?

  1. Stop only if traffic is coming
  2. Speed up to clear the intersection
  3. Stop and wait behind the stop line until the light turns green
  4. Stop, then turn left or right if there is no traffic coming from either side
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C. Stop and wait behind the stop line until the light turns green — In most states you may turn right on red after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.

Question 3

What does a flashing yellow arrow for a left turn mean?

  1. Protected left turn
  2. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
  3. Stop and wait
  4. Do not turn left
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B. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians — The turn is permitted but not protected.

Question 4

What does a steady yellow light mean?

  1. The intersection is closed; stop and wait for the light to turn green
  2. Speed up to beat the red
  3. The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely
  4. Speed up to clear the intersection
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C. The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely — Don't enter on yellow if you can stop safely.

Question 5

What does a red X over a lane (lane-use control signal) mean?

  1. You may use the lane to turn only
  2. You must not drive in that lane
  3. The lane is open
  4. The lane is for buses
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B. You must not drive in that lane — A green arrow over a lane means the lane is open.

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