Connecticut permit test: traffic signals
Traffic lights, flashing lights, arrows and HAWK signals. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Yellow means the light is about to turn red; stop if it is safe. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A green arrow means you can safely turn in the arrow's direction. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- When a light turns green after you have stopped, you must allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection before you go. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- You may turn right on red after coming to a full stop, checking that no oncoming traffic is coming and no sign prohibits it. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A dark HAWK signal has not been activated, so vehicles proceed through the crossing. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A steady green light lets you turn left, but only when it is safe. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A yellow arrow means the protection of the green arrow is ending. (p. 47, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- A red arrow means stop; you may not go in the arrow's direction. (p. 47, 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 traffic signals questions
1.What does a flashing red traffic light mean?
- ASlow down and go with caution
- BThe same as a stop sign
- CThe light is broken; go ahead
- DStop only if cars are coming
Show the answer
✓ B. The same as a stop sign
A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then go when it is safe.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 47
2.You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right. No sign prohibits it. What may you do?
- ATurn only if a pedestrian waves you on
- BWait only for the green light
- CTurn right away without stopping
- DTurn after a full stop when it is clear
Show the answer
✓ D. Turn after a full stop when it is clear
You may turn right on red after coming to a full stop, checking that no oncoming traffic is coming and no sign prohibits it. Watch for pedestrians.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 47
3.You want to turn left and have a steady green light (no arrow). What does it allow?
- ALeft turn only after a full stop
- BTurn only when safe, yielding to oncoming
- CProtected turn; oncoming cars must stop
- DNo left turns are allowed on green
Show the answer
✓ B. Turn only when safe, yielding to oncoming
A steady green light lets you turn left, but only when it is safe. Oncoming traffic going straight has the right-of-way.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 47
4.You are in a left-turn lane facing a red arrow. When may you turn left?
- AAny time oncoming traffic is light
- BAfter a full stop, if the way is clear
- CWhen it goes out and a green comes on
- DAt once if nobody is behind you
Show the answer
✓ C. When it goes out and a green comes on
A red arrow means stop; you may not go in the arrow's direction. Proceed when it goes out and a green arrow or light comes on.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 47