Michigan permit test: road signs
Sign shapes and colors, route markers, regulatory, warning and guide signs. 41 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key road signs rulesShow the rules
- The triangle shape is used for YIELD signs. (p. 55)
- The pentagon shape is used for school signs. (p. 55)
- Yellow signs mean caution or a general warning. (p. 56)
- Red is used to mean stop, prohibited or forbidden. (p. 56)
- Brown signs point to recreation and cultural places of interest. (p. 56)
- Fluorescent yellow-green signs warn of school, pedestrian or bicycle activity. (p. 56)
- A one-way sign means traffic in all lanes flows in the same direction. (p. 58)
- The orange triangle marks slow-moving vehicles that do not go faster than 25 mph, such as buggies and farm equipment. (p. 58)
- The white X-shaped crossbuck marks a railroad crossing, where you must look and listen for trains. (p. 58)
- A no U-turn sign means U-turns are prohibited. (p. 58)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample road signs questions
1.A yellow sign warns BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD. What does it mean?
- AIt can be icy even when roads are clear
- BThe bridge closes every winter
- CSalt is spread only on the bridge
- DTrucks may not cross in the winter
Show the answer
✓ A. It can be icy even when roads are clear
The bridge can be icy even when the roads are clear.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 58
2.A sign on a freeway median crossover reads AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY. Who may use the crossover?
- APolice, emergency or maintenance vehicles
- BAnyone at all, after a full stop
- CAny driver who has missed an exit
- DTrucks and buses traveling on the freeway
Show the answer
✓ A. Police, emergency or maintenance vehicles
Only law enforcement, emergency or maintenance vehicles may use the emergency crossover; others must use the next exit.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 58
3.What does a diamond-shaped sign usually tell you?
- AA warning about conditions ahead
- BA school is nearby
- CDirections to a place
- DA law you must obey
Show the answer
✓ A. A warning about conditions ahead
Sign shapes carry meaning: the diamond shape is used for warning signs that alert you to conditions or hazards ahead.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 55
4.What does this sign mean?
- ARight turns are prohibited
- BKeep right
- CRight lane ends
- DRight turn only
Show the answer
✓ A. Right turns are prohibited
A no right turn sign means right turns are prohibited.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 58