Delaware permit test: traffic and pedestrian signals
Steady and flashing lights and arrows, dark signals, pedestrian signals, HAWK and rapid flashing beacons, bicycle signals. 15 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic and pedestrian signals rulesShow the rules
- At a steady red, stop at the stop line. (p. 69, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Right turns on a steady red are allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits them or a steady red arrow is showing. (p. 69, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow light means slow down, be more alert and proceed with caution, watching for cross traffic that may have a flashing red. (p. 70, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- On a steady green you may go when it's safe, but you must yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection or adjacent crosswalk. (p. 70, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- When signals are in place but show no light, slow down and be prepared to yield to vehicles in or approaching the intersection. (p. 70, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A steady yellow means the signal is changing to red, so prepare to stop. (p. 70, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn in that direction only after yielding to opposing traffic and pedestrians. (p. 71, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A steady red arrow requires a full stop, and you may not go in the arrow's direction. (p. 71, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Drivers must obey vehicle signals, but they are required to yield to pedestrians who have a WALK indication, including when turning across the crosswalk. (p. 72, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons are activated by pedestrians or bicyclists at crosswalks. (p. 73, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic and pedestrian signals questions
1.You approach an intersection where the traffic lights are completely dark because of a power outage. What should you do?
- ATurn around and find another route
- BDrive through at your normal speed
- CSlow down and be ready to yield
- DHonk your horn and go through first
Show the answer
✓ C. Slow down and be ready to yield
When signals are in place but show no light, slow down and be prepared to yield to vehicles in or approaching the intersection.
2.You are stopped at a steady red light and want to turn right. No sign prohibits it. What may you do?
- ATurn right after a full stop when safe
- BTurn right without stopping if clear
- CTurn right only if a police officer waves you on
- DWait for the light to turn green
Show the answer
✓ A. Turn right after a full stop when safe
Right turns on a steady red are allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits them or a steady red arrow is showing.
3.At a steady red light there is a crosswalk but no stop line. Where should you stop?
- AWherever you can see best
- BIn the middle of the crosswalk
- CPast the crosswalk, at the corner
- DBefore the crosswalk
Show the answer
✓ D. Before the crosswalk
At a steady red, stop at the stop line. If there is none, stop before the crosswalk, or before the intersection if there is no crosswalk either.
4.Your light turns green, but a pedestrian is still crossing in the crosswalk ahead. What must you do?
- AGo, because green gives you the right-of-way
- BHonk so the pedestrian hurries
- CGo around the pedestrian
- DYield to the pedestrian still in the crosswalk
Show the answer
✓ D. Yield to the pedestrian still in the crosswalk
On a steady green you may go when it's safe, but you must yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection or adjacent crosswalk.