Michigan permit test: traffic and pedestrian signals
Signal heads, flashing lights and arrows, flashing yellow arrow, pedestrian signals and hybrid beacons. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic and pedestrian signals rulesShow the rules
- With a 5-section signal, a green arrow gives a protected turn; with only the green light, you may turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. (p. 63)
- A green light means proceed with caution after checking for pedestrians and vehicles. (p. 63)
- You are required to stop on yellow, but if you cannot stop safely, do not speed up; drive cautiously through the intersection. (p. 63)
- The red light, which means stop, is at the top of a traffic signal in Michigan. (p. 63)
- When the walk signal starts flashing, pedestrians already in the crosswalk should complete their crossing; drivers must always yield to them. (p. 64)
- A flashing red light means come to a full stop and proceed when the road is clear. (p. 64)
- A flashing yellow light means proceed carefully, scanning cross traffic in both directions. (p. 64)
- At a red light you must come to a complete stop and check for cross traffic and pedestrians before turning right. (p. 64)
- A solid red arrow means you must stop and cannot turn until the signal changes. (p. 64)
- A solid green arrow means oncoming traffic is stopped and you may turn, but you must still yield to people in the crosswalk. (p. 64)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic and pedestrian signals questions
1.On a Michigan traffic signal, where is the red light?
- AOn the left side
- BAt the top
- CIn the middle
- DAt the bottom
Show the answer
✓ B. At the top
The red light, which means stop, is at the top of a traffic signal in Michigan.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 63
2.You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right on red where it is allowed. What must you do first?
- AWait for a green arrow to show
- BStop fully and check for traffic
- CHonk once to warn people walking
- DSlow down and roll through it
Show the answer
✓ B. Stop fully and check for traffic
At a red light you must come to a complete stop and check for cross traffic and pedestrians before turning right.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 64
3.You face a flashing yellow arrow for a left turn. When may you turn?
- AWhen there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic
- BNever, it means the turn is closed
- CRight away, oncoming traffic is stopped
- DOnly after the arrow turns green
Show the answer
✓ A. When there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic
A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn left when oncoming traffic, which has a green light, is clear and no pedestrians are crossing.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 64
4.A pedestrian signal begins flashing while a person is halfway across the street. What should the person do?
- AFinish crossing the street
- BStop and wait in the road
- CRun back diagonally
- DTurn back to the curb
Show the answer
✓ A. Finish crossing the street
When the walk signal starts flashing, pedestrians already in the crosswalk should complete their crossing; drivers must always yield to them.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025), page 64