California Road Signs and Traffic Signals Test

California Road Signs and Signals

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1. You may continue carefully against a solid yellow light if:

A) You cannot stop safely

B) An emergency vehicle approaches

C) You speed up and beat the red light

A yellow traffic signal light means CAUTION. The light is about to turn red. Stop when you see a yellow traffic signal light if you can do so safely. If you cannot stop safely, cautiously cross the intersection.

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2. This sign means:

A) Right lane ends

B) Narrow bridge

C) Divided highway

Reduction of lanes - Lane ends.

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3. This sign means:

A) Turning left is not allowed

B) You must turn around

C) Making a U-turn is not allowed

No U-turn. You cannot turn around and go in the opposite direction.

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4. Even if you have a green light, you should stop when:

A) You must finish a phone call

B) You are in the wrong lane

C) You cannot get completely across

Even with the green light, do not start across the intersection if vehicles are blocking your way. Only enter the intersection if you can get completely across before the traffic signal light turns red.

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5. This sign means:

A) There is a bus stop ahead

B) There is a stop sign ahead

C) There is a work zone ahead

Stop sign ahead.

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6. When you see this sign, you must:

A) Not drive past the sign

B) Pull off the roadway and stop

C) Not pass other vehicles

Do not pass. This sign marks the beginning of a no-passing zone.

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7. What does this sign mean?

A) Crossroad

B) Divided highway ends

C) Side road

Divided highway ends. You will be on an undivided roadway with two-way traffic.

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8. What color are highway construction and maintenance signs?

A) Green

B) Orange

C) Red

Highway construction and maintenance signs are orange

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9. From a lane with this sign, you can:

A) Turn left or make a U-turn

B) Turn right

C) Make a U-turn or go straight

Combined U-Turn and Left Turn Sign. You must turn left or make a U-turn from this lane.

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10. A flashing yellow light means:

A) Slow down and proceed with caution

B) Stop and go when safe

C) Stop and remain stopped

A flashing yellow signal light warns you to proceed with caution. You do not need to stop for a flashing yellow light. Still, you must slow down and be especially alert before entering the intersection.

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11. Where are you likely to see this sign?

A) At railroad crossings

B) In work zones

C) In parking areas

Many railroad crossings have a blue and white ENS sign to tell you what to do if there is an emergency on or near the tracks or if your vehicle has stalled on the tracks.

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12. This sign means:

A) You may turn right without stopping

B) Do not enter in this direction

C) Stop before the limit line or crosswalk

Make a full stop before entering the crosswalk or at the limit line. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Check traffic in all directions before proceeding.

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13. This sign means that you:

A) May turn left on a green light when safe

B) Have the right-of-way on the green light

C) Must wait for a green arrow before turning

A left turn is permitted when you face a green signal, but you must yield to oncoming traffic.

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14. This sign means:

A) Soft shoulder

B) Slippery when wet

C) Winding road

Slippery when wet.Drive more slowly than you would on a dry road.

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15. This sign marks:

A) A T-intersection

B) A sharp curve

C) The direction of travel in a roundabout

The directional arrow marks a sharp change in direction.

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16. A flashing red light means the same as:

A) A Yield sign

B) A Do Not Enter sign

C) A Stop sign

A flashing red signal light means STOP. After stopping, you may go when it is safe. A flashing red traffic light means the same as a stop sign.

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17. This sign means:

A) Steep hill

B) Slippery when wet

C) Winding road

Winding road. There are several curves ahead.

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18. What does this sign mean?

A) Two-way traffic

B) Lane ends

C) Added lane

Added lane sign. Two roadways come together, but you are not required to merge.

An additional lane begins. Watch for traffic in the new lane.

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19. What do white rectangular signs communicate?

A) Directions to towns and cities

B) General warnings

C) Rules you must obey

They communicate important rules you must obey.

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20. This sign means:

A) You cannot enter in this direction

B) Only authorized vehicles may enter

C) The road is closed to all traffic

Do not enter. The road or street ahead is for one-way traffic traveling in the opposite direction.

Your score is

The average score is 85%

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This Practice Test

20 Road Signs and Traffic Signals Questions

This practice test checks your knowledge of some common road signs you will see on California highways and what different traffic lights mean. It has a mix of 20 easy to medium hard questions. Can you get a 100% score on this test?

All signs and traffic signals you must learn for your California DMV test are in the California Driver Handbook. Make sure you get the latest version from your CA DMV office or download it online.

Standard Three-Light Traffic Signals

While most people clearly understand the standard three-light signals (red, yellow, and green), you’d be surprised by how many test takers fail to answer questions about them correctly.

The most common misunderstanding is that a green light gives you the right of way, and it doesn’t. You may only proceed on the green light if it is safe and there is room on the other side of the intersection. Entering and blocking an intersection in heavy traffic is not allowed, even with a green light. You must always yield to vehicles that have lawfully entered the intersection before you.

The solid/steady yellow signal also confuses test takers. If you face a steady yellow signal, the light is about to change. You should only proceed if you cannot stop safely. Trying to beat the red signal is both dangerous and illegal. Read more: Driversprep.com – Drive Against A Steady Yellow Light.

Flashing Traffic Signals and Arrows

The results of renewal tests show that even experienced drivers can misunderstand flashing signals and lighted arrows.

Red signals always means stop. After stopping at a flashing red signal, you may proceed if the way is clear and safe. Turning against a red arrow is allowed in some states, but not in California.

Yellow signals mean caution. When you face a flashing yellow signal, slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. A steady yellow arrow means that the protected turning period (indicated by the green arrow) is ending. Stop if you can stop safely.

The flashing yellow arrow is a new signal in the USA. It means that you may turn in the direction of the arrow, but your turn is not protected (permissive and unprotected turn). You must yield to oncoming vehicles and turn only when there is a safe gap in traffic.

More DMV Questions about California Signs and Signals

  20 Road Sign Questions – 1

Cover photo: by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash
Test illustrations: Hagbo

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