Kentucky permit test: traffic signals
Traffic signals, lighted arrows and flashing lights. 17 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- On horizontal signals, red is on the left, yellow in the middle and green on the right. (p. 42, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- Traffic lights on one signal are red, yellow and green from top to bottom. (p. 42, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- When there is more than one traffic light, obey the one over your lane. (p. 43, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- On a solid green you may turn left, but you must first let oncoming traffic going straight pass. (p. 43, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and watch for others. (p. 43, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- A yellow light means the signal is about to turn red. (p. 43, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- You may not turn the way a red arrow points; wait until the arrow changes to green. (p. 43, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow arrow means you may proceed with caution in the direction of the arrow. (p. 43, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- On green, you may go only after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection. (p. 43, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- A green arrow lets you move the way it points, as long as you are in the correct lane for that movement. (p. 43, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.You enter an intersection on yellow, and the light turns red before you are through. What should you do?
- ASpeed up and turn at the next corner
- BStop where you are and wait for green
- CKeep going and clear the intersection
- DBack up behind the stop line
Show the answer
✓ C. Keep going and clear the intersection
A vehicle that entered on yellow may clear the intersection on red. It is entering after the light turns red that is against the law.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (none printed), page 43
2.You come to an intersection with several traffic lights. Which one do you obey?
- AAny green one you see
- BThe one farthest right
- CThe one over your lane
- DThe biggest one there
Show the answer
✓ C. The one over your lane
When there is more than one traffic light, obey the one over your lane.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (none printed), page 43
3.You look at a vertical traffic signal. In what order are the lights, top to bottom?
- ARed, yellow, green
- BGreen, yellow, red
- CYellow, red, green
- DRed, green, yellow
Show the answer
✓ A. Red, yellow, green
Traffic lights on one signal are red, yellow and green from top to bottom.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (none printed), page 42
4.A police officer is directing traffic at an intersection, but the signal shows green for you. The officer signals you to stop. What do you do?
- AStop, and follow the officer's instructions
- BGo, because the light is green
- CHonk to tell the officer the light is green
- DTurn right instead
Show the answer
✓ A. Stop, and follow the officer's instructions
When an officer is directing traffic, do what the officer tells you, regardless of the signals or signs.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (none printed), page 42