Arkansas permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing lights, lighted arrows, and the right-on-red rule. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- If you are already stopped at the intersection or stop line, you may not proceed on a yellow light. (p. 35, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red. (p. 35, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- School crossing guards and officers are traffic controls too, and any traffic control must be obeyed. (p. 35, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow arrow allows left turns, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. (p. 36, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and go ahead carefully. (p. 36, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing red light is the same as a stop sign. (p. 36, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A green arrow means you may turn in its direction and the turn is protected because opposing traffic must stop. (p. 36, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A steady red arrow means stop. (p. 36, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- When turning on red you must look for pedestrians in or near the crosswalk, and never block or stop in the crosswalk. (p. 37, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- After a turn or lane change, turn your signal off. (p. 65, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.How many types of lighted arrows does the Arkansas handbook describe?
- AThree
- BTwo
- CFive
- DFour
Show the answer
✓ D. Four
Arkansas describes four lighted arrows: steady red, steady yellow, flashing yellow, and green.
2.While you wait to turn left, the arrow changes from green to steady yellow. What does that tell you?
- AOncoming traffic must stop
- BYou may turn after yielding to oncoming cars
- CYour turn is still protected
- DThe arrow is about to turn red
Show the answer
✓ D. The arrow is about to turn red
A steady yellow arrow means the signal is getting ready to turn red. Stop if it is safe.
3.You are in a left-turn lane and the arrow is flashing yellow. What should you do?
- AStop and wait for the arrow to turn green
- BStop and wait for the arrow to turn steady red
- CTurn left without stopping, since your turn is protected
- DTurn left after yielding to oncoming cars and pedestrians
Show the answer
✓ D. Turn left after yielding to oncoming cars and pedestrians
A flashing yellow arrow allows left turns, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
4.A green arrow pointing left is lit. What is true about your left turn?
- AYou must yield to oncoming cars first
- BYou must stop before turning
- CIt is protected; opposing traffic must stop
- DYou may turn right but not left
Show the answer
✓ C. It is protected; opposing traffic must stop
A green arrow means you may turn in its direction and the turn is protected because opposing traffic must stop.