Alabama permit test: traffic signals
Signal lights, arrows and lane-use control signals. 12 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- A steady yellow follows a green and means clear the intersection. (p. 56, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- On a steady green you may go straight or turn, yielding to vehicles and pedestrians lawfully in the intersection, unless a sign prohibits the turn. (p. 56, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A two-way left turn lane is reserved exclusively for vehicles turning left, from either direction. (p. 56, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A green arrow lets you proceed in the arrow's direction while opposing traffic must stop. (p. 57, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Stop when the lights begin to flash, before the gates lower across your side, and stay stopped until the gates rise and the lights stop. (p. 57, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Always stop when the crossing lights begin to flash, because a train is near. (p. 57, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A yellow arrow alone or with a red clears the previous protected turn. (p. 58, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A steady green arrow over a lane means you are permitted to drive in that lane, still obeying other traffic controls. (p. 58, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A steady yellow X means you may drive in that lane using caution, because potentially hazardous conditions exist. (p. 58, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A steady red X over a lane means you must not drive in that lane. (p. 58, Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.A steady green arrow points down at your lane from a lane-use signal above the freeway. What does it mean?
- AThe lane is for buses only
- BYou must exit soon
- CTurn left at the next light
- DYou may drive in this lane
Show the answer
✓ D. You may drive in this lane
A steady green arrow over a lane means you are permitted to drive in that lane, still obeying other traffic controls.
2.A steady red X is shown over your lane on a freeway. What does it mean?
- ASlow down in that lane
- BDo not drive in that lane
- COnly buses may use it
- DThe lane ends in 1 mile
Show the answer
✓ B. Do not drive in that lane
A steady red X over a lane means you must not drive in that lane.
3.A steady yellow arrow appears with a circular green. What does it mean?
- AThe light is about to turn green
- BTurns are now prohibited
- COncoming traffic must stop
- DThe protected arrow turn is ending
Show the answer
✓ D. The protected arrow turn is ending
A yellow arrow follows a green arrow to show the protected turn is ending. With a circular green, you may still turn but must yield to oncoming traffic.
4.A steady yellow X is shown over your lane. What does it mean?
- AYou must leave the lane at once
- BThe lane is closed ahead
- COnly turning traffic may use it
- DYou may use the lane with caution
Show the answer
✓ D. You may use the lane with caution
A steady yellow X means you may drive in that lane using caution, because potentially hazardous conditions exist.