Connecticut permit test: pavement markings
Edge, lane and center lines, shared center and reversible lanes, and other markings. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key pavement markings rulesShow the rules
- Dashed white lines separate lanes of traffic moving the same way and show you may cross to change lanes when it is safe. (p. 45, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A solid white line between lanes means stay in your lane unless a special situation requires you to change. (p. 45, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Double solid yellow lines mark the center of a two-way road. (p. 46, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- When you see a flashing yellow X, use that lane only to turn. (p. 46, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A shared center lane is reserved for left turns (and U-turns where allowed) by traffic from both directions. (p. 46, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- When required to stop by a sign or signal, stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line. (p. 46, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A double solid white line prohibits lane changing. (p. 46, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A steady yellow X means the lane's use is changing; move out of it as soon as it is safe. (p. 46, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample pavement markings questions
1.Above a reversible lane you see a steady yellow X. What should you do?
- AStop in the lane and wait
- BKeep using the lane as normal
- CLeave the lane as soon as it is safe
- DUse the lane only to make a turn
Show the answer
✓ C. Leave the lane as soon as it is safe
A steady yellow X means the lane's use is changing; move out of it as soon as it is safe. A green arrow means you may use it, and a red X means you may not.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 46
2.The center has a dashed yellow line on your side and a solid yellow line on the other side. What does it mean for you?
- AYou may not pass
- BYou may pass when it is safe
- COnly the other side may pass
- DNo one may pass
Show the answer
✓ B. You may pass when it is safe
When a dashed yellow line runs alongside a solid yellow line, passing is permitted from the side of the dashed line but not from the side of the solid line.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 46
3.A flashing yellow X is shown over a lane. What does it mean?
- AThe lane is only for turning
- BYou may use the lane for through travel
- CThe lane is changing direction now
- DThe lane is closed
Show the answer
✓ A. The lane is only for turning
When you see a flashing yellow X, use that lane only to turn. If the X were steady instead, it would mean the lane is changing and you should get out of it.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 46
4.What does a double solid white line between two lanes tell you?
- APassing is encouraged here
- BThe lane ends just ahead
- CLane changing is prohibited
- DThe lane is for bicycles only
Show the answer
✓ C. Lane changing is prohibited
A double solid white line prohibits lane changing.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 46