Iowa permit test: traffic signals and beacons
Traffic signals and arrows, rectangular rapid flashing beacons and pedestrian hybrid beacons. 12 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals and beacons rulesShow the rules
- A steady red arrow means drivers turning in that direction must stop. (p. 11)
- Traffic control can be given by law enforcement, highway workers or crossing guards, and you must follow their directions. (p. 11)
- A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. (p. 11)
- A solid green means go only when the intersection is clear. (p. 11)
- On a solid yellow, don't enter if you can stop safely. (p. 11)
- A steady green arrow lets you turn in the arrow's direction while oncoming traffic stops. (p. 11)
- A flashing yellow light means go ahead with caution, yielding to vehicles and pedestrians. (p. 11)
- When the top two red lights flash, you must stop if you have not already, then go with caution if the crosswalk is clear. (p. 18)
- When a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon is flashing, drivers must stop for anyone in the crosswalk and watch for anyone about to enter. (p. 18)
- A pedestrian hybrid beacon works only when a pedestrian activates it. (p. 18)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals and beacons questions
1.You are already in the intersection making a left turn when the turn arrow changes to steady yellow. What should you do?
- AComplete your left turn
- BWait for the next green arrow
- CStop in the intersection
- DBack up behind the line
Show the answer
✓ A. Complete your left turn
A steady yellow arrow means the turn signal is about to turn red. Don't enter if you can stop safely, but if you are already in the intersection, complete your turn.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 11
2.The light turns solid yellow just as you reach the intersection, and you could not stop safely in time. What should you do?
- AStop in the middle of the crosswalk
- BSpeed up to beat the red light
- CGo through the intersection with caution
- DBrake hard to stop at any cost
Show the answer
✓ C. Go through the intersection with caution
On a solid yellow, don't enter if you can stop safely. If you cannot stop safely, go through with caution.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 11
3.At a mid-block crosswalk, amber lights are flashing rapidly after someone pushed the button. What must you do?
- ATreat it as a green light
- BSpeed up before the walker starts
- CStop for anyone in the crosswalk
- DHonk and keep driving
Show the answer
✓ C. Stop for anyone in the crosswalk
When a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon is flashing, drivers must stop for anyone in the crosswalk and watch for anyone about to enter.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 18
4.A police officer is directing traffic at an intersection and waves you through while the signal shows red. What should you do?
- ATurn right instead
- BFollow the officer's direction
- CWait for the light to turn green
- DStop and ask the officer
Show the answer
✓ B. Follow the officer's direction
Traffic control can be given by law enforcement, highway workers or crossing guards, and you must follow their directions.
Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 11