Alaska permit test: traffic signals
Signal balls and arrows, flashing and unlit signals, pedestrian signals and lane control signals. 13 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- A red arrow means do not make that movement. (p. 55)
- A yellow ball means red is coming. (p. 55)
- On a green ball, a left-turning driver must yield to vehicles going straight through from the opposite direction. (p. 55)
- A flashing yellow arrow allows the turn, but you must yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection. (p. 56)
- You must follow the directions of a police officer, firefighter or authorized flag person, regardless of signs or signals. (p. 57)
- A steady upraised hand (or DON'T WALK) means pedestrians may not step into the road. (p. 57)
- A flashing upraised hand means do not start crossing. (p. 57)
- A dark signal with no other signal or flagger makes the intersection uncontrolled. (p. 57)
- In a two-way left turn lane, drivers from both directions may turn left, so enter with care and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. (p. 58)
- A steady yellow X means clear the lane safely; a red X is about to appear. (p. 58)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.What does a flashing red ball mean?
- ASlow down and proceed with caution
- BStop, then proceed when it is safe
- CStop only if a pedestrian is crossing
- DThe signal is broken; ignore it
Show the answer
✓ B. Stop, then proceed when it is safe
Treat a flashing red ball like a stop sign: stop behind the crosswalk or stop line, look in all directions, and go only when safe.
2.The signal at an intersection is completely dark, and no officer is directing traffic. What should you do?
- AWait there until the signal comes back on
- BDrive through without slowing or stopping
- CStop, yield to the right, then go carefully
- DTreat it the same as a green light
Show the answer
✓ C. Stop, yield to the right, then go carefully
A dark signal with no other signal or flagger makes the intersection uncontrolled. Stop, yield to traffic on your right, and proceed only when safe.
3.You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right. There is no sign prohibiting it. What must you do?
- ATurn without stopping if the road looks clear
- BWait for the light to turn green
- CCome to a full stop, then turn when it is safe
- DTurn only if a police officer waves you on
Show the answer
✓ C. Come to a full stop, then turn when it is safe
Right turns on a red ball are allowed only after a full stop, when the turn is safe, and when no 'No turn on red' sign is posted.
4.Your light is red, but a police officer waves you through. What should you do?
- AStop, because the light is red
- BHonk to confirm with the officer
- CWait for the light to turn green
- DFollow the officer's directions
Show the answer
✓ D. Follow the officer's directions
You must follow the directions of a police officer, firefighter or authorized flag person, regardless of signs or signals.