Colorado permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing signals, arrows and HAWK pedestrian signals. 13 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left with caution, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. (p. 10)
- A lighted red arrow means you must stop and may not turn in the direction it shows. (p. 10)
- A steady yellow light means a red light is about to appear. (p. 10)
- HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signals flash yellow and red to tell drivers that pedestrians need to cross. (p. 10)
- A flashing yellow light warns of a hazard. (p. 10)
- You may turn left on a red light from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it. (p. 10)
- On a steady green light, you must first yield to any vehicle or pedestrian within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk before going. (p. 10)
- If a traffic signal is not working or is malfunctioning, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. (p. 10)
- Turn and look over your shoulder through the rear window; mirrors and cameras miss the area right behind you. (p. 10)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.The light turns steady yellow as you approach. You have NOT yet entered the intersection. What should you do?
- ASpeed up to clear it before red
- BTurn right to avoid the red light
- CKeep going at your current speed
- DStop, since you haven't entered yet
Show the answer
✓ D. Stop, since you haven't entered yet
A steady yellow light means a red light is about to appear. Stop unless you are already in the intersection.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (DR 2337), page 10
2.Your light turns green, but a pedestrian is still crossing in front of you. What must you do?
- AHonk so the pedestrian hurries
- BGo, because the light is green
- CDrive around the pedestrian
- DYield to the pedestrian, then go
Show the answer
✓ D. Yield to the pedestrian, then go
On a steady green light, you must first yield to any vehicle or pedestrian within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk before going.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (DR 2337), page 10
3.A steady yellow arrow appears over your turn lane. What does it mean?
- AA red arrow is about to appear
- BThe signal is out of order
- CYou may turn without yielding
- DPedestrians have a WALK signal
Show the answer
✓ A. A red arrow is about to appear
A steady yellow arrow means a red arrow is about to appear. Stop if you are not already in the intersection.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (DR 2337), page 10
4.You see a HAWK signal flashing yellow and red above a crosswalk. What is it for?
- ATo warn of a railroad crossing
- BTo let pedestrians cross the road safely
- CTo show a lane is closing
- DTo mark a school bus stop
Show the answer
✓ B. To let pedestrians cross the road safely
HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signals flash yellow and red to tell drivers that pedestrians need to cross.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (DR 2337), page 10