Missouri permit test: pavement markings
Lane lines, no-passing zones, left-turn and shared center lanes. 9 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key pavement markings rulesShow the rules
- Broken lines may be crossed in a passing maneuver. (p. 44)
- When a sign or signal requires you to stop, stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line or, if there is one, the crosswalk. (p. 44)
- A solid yellow line on your side marks a no passing zone, usually on hills or curves where you can't see far enough ahead. (p. 44)
- Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. (p. 44)
- On a four-lane road, the center is marked with two solid yellow lines, and you should never cross them to pass. (p. 44)
- When the line on your left is white, the traffic beyond it is moving in the same direction as you. (p. 44)
- On roads with three or more lanes in your direction, stay in the right lane except to pass. (p. 45)
- A dual-use lane lets you turn or go straight when both arrows are lit. (p. 45)
- A shared center lane may be used by vehicles from both directions for left turns, or U-turns where permitted. (p. 45)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample pavement markings questions
1.What does a yellow center line on the road tell you?
- ATraffic beyond it goes the same way
- BTraffic beyond it goes the other way
- CThe lane next to it is for buses
- DThe edge of the road is just ahead
Show the answer
✓ B. Traffic beyond it goes the other way
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic moving the same way.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 44
2.You are on a four-lane road with two solid yellow lines in the center. A slow car is ahead. May you cross those lines to pass?
- AYes, if the left lanes are clear
- BNo, never to pass
- CYes, if the other car signals
- DYes, but only during the day
Show the answer
✓ B. No, never to pass
On a four-lane road, the center is marked with two solid yellow lines, and you should never cross them to pass.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 44
3.You are on a two-lane road and a solid yellow line appears on your side of the center line. What should you do?
- APass quickly before the hill
- BPass only if you can see 100 feet
- CDo not try to pass
- DUse the shoulder to pass
Show the answer
✓ C. Do not try to pass
A solid yellow line on your side marks a no passing zone, usually on hills or curves where you can't see far enough ahead. Finish any pass before you reach it.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 44
4.You are in a dual-use lane and want to turn. Only the straight arrow is lit on the signal. What should you do?
- AGo straight instead
- BWait for the turn arrow
- CTurn anyway, since the lane allows turns
- DBack up and change lanes
Show the answer
✓ B. Wait for the turn arrow
A dual-use lane lets you turn or go straight when both arrows are lit. When only the straight arrow is lit, a driver who wants to turn has to wait for the turn arrow.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 45