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Iowa permit test: pavement markings

Lane controls, directional arrows, shared left-turn lanes, bicycle lanes and boxes, and markings that show passing rules. 13 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key pavement markings rulesShow the rules
  1. White lines separate lanes of traffic going the same way. (p. 15)
  2. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, so the lane across a yellow line carries oncoming traffic. (p. 15)
  3. When a sign or signal requires a stop, stop before you reach the stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no stop line. (p. 15)
  4. Yield lines are a row of solid white triangles pointing toward oncoming vehicles, showing where to yield. (p. 15)
  5. When a solid yellow line runs beside a dashed one, drivers on the dashed side may pass when safe. (p. 15)
  6. A flashing yellow X over a lane means the lane may be used only for turning. (p. 15)
  7. Never pass on the shoulder, paved or not. (p. 16)
  8. A shared left-turn lane is reserved for left turns from either direction. (p. 16)
  9. Drivers may enter a bicycle lane only to make a turn, after looking carefully beside and behind for bicyclists. (p. 17)
  10. A double solid yellow center line means no passing in either lane. (p. 45)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample pavement markings questions

  1. 1.You must stop for a red light. The intersection has a white stop line and then a crosswalk. Where should you stop?

    • AWith your bumper inside the crosswalk
    • BJust past the crosswalk's far side
    • CAt the edge of the cross street
    • DBefore your car reaches the stop line
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Before your car reaches the stop line

    When a sign or signal requires a stop, stop before you reach the stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no stop line.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 15

  2. 2.While driving, you see a yellow line between your lane and the lane to your left. What does that tell you?

    • AThat lane is for bicycles only
    • BTraffic in that lane goes your way
    • CThat lane is for buses only
    • DTraffic in that lane goes the other way
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Traffic in that lane goes the other way

    Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, so the lane across a yellow line carries oncoming traffic.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 15

  3. 3.A car ahead has stopped to turn left. There is a paved shoulder on your right. May you pass on the shoulder?

    • ANo, never pass on the shoulder
    • BYes, if you go slowly
    • COnly after a horn tap
    • DYes, because it is paved
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. No, never pass on the shoulder

    Never pass on the shoulder, paved or not. Other drivers will not expect you there and may pull off without looking.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 16

  4. 4.Which pavement marking shows where you should yield, such as at a Yield Here To Pedestrians sign?

    • AA double yellow line
    • BA solid white stop line
    • CA row of white triangles
    • DA row of white diamonds
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. A row of white triangles

    Yield lines are a row of solid white triangles pointing toward oncoming vehicles, showing where to yield.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 15