Massachusetts permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing lights, arrows, beacons, bicycle and pedestrian signals, and signals that are not working. 10 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Sample traffic signals questions
1. Near a mid-block crosswalk, amber lights on a rectangular sign start flashing in an irregular pattern. What must you do?
- A. Speed up to clear the crosswalk before people cross
- B. Stop for pedestrians while the beacon is flashing
- C. Ignore it, since it is not a traffic signal
- D. Slow down but keep going if no one is in your lane
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B. Stop for pedestrians while the beacon is flashing
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons are activated by pedestrians. When the amber lights are flashing, you must stop for pedestrians.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 90
2. You are stopped at a steady red light and want to turn right. No sign prohibits it. What must you do before turning?
- A. Stop, then turn right away because you have the right-of-way
- B. Slow down and turn if no cars are coming from the left
- C. Wait for the light to turn green
- D. Come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and vehicles in your path
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D. Come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and vehicles in your path
In Massachusetts you may turn right on red only after a complete stop and after yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles in your path, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 89
3. You are turning left. What is the difference between a steady green circle and a green arrow pointing left?
- A. Both mean you must wait for all oncoming traffic to clear before turning
- B. Both mean oncoming traffic is stopped, so you may turn freely
- C. With the arrow you must yield to oncoming traffic; with the circle it should be stopped
- D. With the circle you must yield to oncoming traffic; with the arrow oncoming traffic should be stopped
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D. With the circle you must yield to oncoming traffic; with the arrow oncoming traffic should be stopped
On a steady green circle, a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic. A green arrow gives a protected turn, because oncoming vehicles and pedestrians should be stopped by red lights.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 90
4. You come to an intersection with a flashing yellow light. What should you do?
- A. Stop and wait for the light to turn green
- B. Proceed with caution and look both ways
- C. Speed up because the light is about to change
- D. Come to a complete stop before entering
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B. Proceed with caution and look both ways
A flashing yellow light is a warning. Proceed with caution, stay alert, and look both ways as you cross the intersection.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 89