Minnesota permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing lights and arrows, pedestrian signals, lane-use signals and ramp meters. 15 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- Do not enter a signal-controlled intersection unless you can go all the way through without blocking cross traffic. (p. 68)
- If a traffic signal is not functioning, treat the intersection like an uncontrolled intersection. (p. 68)
- For a steady red light, stop completely at the stop line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. (p. 69)
- A red arrow means stop; when the arrow turns green, you may go in the direction it shows. (p. 69)
- With a flashing yellow arrow you may turn left, but you must yield to oncoming vehicles close enough to be an immediate hazard. (p. 70)
- A flashing Don't Walk signal means pedestrians should not start to cross; those already crossing may finish. (p. 70)
- A flashing yellow light means caution; proceed carefully and yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection. (p. 70)
- Even on a green light, when turning right or left you must yield to pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle. (p. 70)
- A steady red X over a lane means you cannot drive in that lane. (p. 71)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.You approach an intersection with a flashing yellow light. What should you do?
- ASpeed up to clear it quickly
- BStop and wait for green
- CGo through with caution and yield
- DTreat it like a stop sign
Show the answer
✓ C. Go through with caution and yield
A flashing yellow light means caution; proceed carefully and yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
2.The light ahead turns steady yellow. You could stop safely before the intersection. What should you do?
- AKeep going at the same speed
- BSpeed up to beat the red
- CStop in the middle of it
- DStop before the intersection
Show the answer
✓ D. Stop before the intersection
A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red; do not enter if you can stop safely before the intersection.
3.You stop for a steady red light at an intersection with a crosswalk. Where must you stop?
- AJust past the crosswalk
- BNext to the car beside you
- CRight in the crosswalk
- DAt the stop line or crosswalk
Show the answer
✓ D. At the stop line or crosswalk
For a steady red light, stop completely at the stop line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.
4.You have a green light and are turning right. A pedestrian is crossing the street you are turning onto. What should you do?
- ATurn quickly behind them
- BTurn, since you have a green
- CYield to the pedestrian
- DHonk so they hurry
Show the answer
✓ C. Yield to the pedestrian
Even on a green light, when turning right or left you must yield to pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle.