Missouri permit test: traffic signals
Traffic officers, traffic signals, flashing signals and left-turn signals. 10 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember7 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- You must obey traffic officers at all times and ignore signs or signals that conflict with their directions. (p. 45)
- A flashing yellow light tells you to slow down and proceed with caution. (p. 46)
- A steady red arrow means stop and wait for the signal to turn green or a flashing yellow arrow before you proceed. (p. 46)
- You may not turn right on red when a No Right Turn On Red sign is posted, even if the way is clear. (p. 46)
- In a protected phase, you turn on a green arrow while opposing traffic has a red light. (p. 46)
- Dark signals, or traffic signals that aren't working, operate as a four-way stop. (p. 47)
- A flashing yellow arrow allows the turn, but you must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic and yield to pedestrians. (p. 47)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.A storm has knocked out the traffic lights at an intersection ahead. What should you do?
- AWait until the lights come back on
- BDrive through without stopping
- CTreat it as a four-way stop
- DYield only to traffic on your right
Show the answer
✓ C. Treat it as a four-way stop
Dark signals, or traffic signals that aren't working, operate as a four-way stop.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 47
2.You come to a traffic light that is flashing red. What must you do?
- ATreat it like a stop sign
- BSlow down and go through with caution
- CSpeed up to clear the intersection
- DWait for it to turn green
Show the answer
✓ A. Treat it like a stop sign
A flashing red light means the same thing as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then go when it is safe.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 46
3.You are stopped at a red light with a No Right Turn On Red sign. No one is coming. What should you do?
- ATurn right after a full stop
- BTurn right slowly
- CWait for the green light
- DTurn right if you signal
Show the answer
✓ C. Wait for the green light
You may not turn right on red when a No Right Turn On Red sign is posted, even if the way is clear.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 46
4.A traffic officer signals you to stop while your light is green. What should you do?
- ASlow down but keep moving
- BHonk to tell the officer the light is green
- CStop, because officers' directions override signals
- DGo, because the light is green
Show the answer
✓ C. Stop, because officers' directions override signals
You must obey traffic officers at all times and ignore signs or signals that conflict with their directions.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 45