Arizona permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing lights, arrows, flashing yellow arrows, signals that are out, and pedestrian signals. 13 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- Turns may be indicated using turn signals, hand signals, or both. (p. 27)
- You must obey signal lights unless a police officer is directing traffic to do otherwise. (p. 34)
- Where signs do not prohibit it, you may turn right on red after a complete stop when vehicle and pedestrian traffic are clear. (p. 34)
- A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red. (p. 34)
- If you are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow, continue moving and clear it safely. (p. 34)
- A red arrow means you may not turn in that direction. (p. 35)
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution if the road is clear. (p. 35)
- A flashing yellow arrow means turn with caution if clear, yielding to any oncoming vehicle or pedestrian first. (p. 35)
- Flashing red at a pedestrian signal means stop, then proceed with caution once the pedestrian has finished crossing the driver's half of the road. (p. 36)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.At a pedestrian-activated crosswalk signal, the lights are flashing red. The walker has crossed your half of the road. What may you do?
- AWait until the walker reaches the far curb
- BProceed with caution after stopping
- CStay stopped until the lights go dark
- DDrive on without stopping at all
Show the answer
✓ B. Proceed with caution after stopping
Flashing red at a pedestrian signal means stop, then proceed with caution once the pedestrian has finished crossing the driver's half of the road.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 36
2.You are stopped at a steady red light and want to turn right. No sign prohibits it. What may you do?
- ATurn right without stopping if no cars are coming
- BTurn right after a full stop, once it is clear
- CWait for the green light before making any turn
- DTurn right only if a police officer waves you on
Show the answer
✓ B. Turn right after a full stop, once it is clear
Where signs do not prohibit it, you may turn right on red after a complete stop when vehicle and pedestrian traffic are clear.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 34
3.You approach an intersection with a flashing yellow light. What should you do?
- AStop and wait for the light to turn green
- BKeep your speed because you have the right-of-way
- CSlow down and go with caution if clear
- DCome to a full stop before going on
Show the answer
✓ C. Slow down and go with caution if clear
A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution if the road is clear.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 35
4.The light ahead turns steady yellow. You have not entered the intersection and can stop safely. What should you do?
- AStop only if a car is crossing
- BSpeed up to beat the red light
- CCome to a safe stop
- DKeep going at the same speed
Show the answer
✓ C. Come to a safe stop
A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red. If you have not entered the intersection, come to a safe stop; speeding up to beat the light is illegal.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 34