New Mexico permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing lights and arrows. 12 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- Traffic lights are green, yellow and red from bottom to top, so red is on top. (p. 6)
- Traffic control can come from police, highway workers or school crossing guards, and you must obey their directions. (p. 6)
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. (p. 7)
- A green arrow means you can safely turn in the direction of the arrow; oncoming and crossing traffic should be stopped. (p. 7)
- When the light turns green, let crossing traffic clear the intersection before you go ahead. (p. 7)
- You may turn right on red after coming to a full stop, if it is safe and no sign prohibits the turn. (p. 7)
- On a steady green light you may turn left only when safe; oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. (p. 7)
- The bright blinking light inside a red light is there to alert you to the red light and that you must stop. (p. 7)
- A red arrow means you must stop and cannot go in that direction until it goes off and a green arrow or light comes on. (p. 7)
- A yellow arrow means the protection of the green arrow is ending; prepare to stop and yield to oncoming traffic before turning. (p. 7)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.Your light is green, but a school crossing guard signals you to stop. What should you do?
- AHonk to warn the guard
- BGo, because the light is green
- CSlow down and drive past
- DStop and obey the guard
Show the answer
✓ D. Stop and obey the guard
Traffic control can come from police, highway workers or school crossing guards, and you must obey their directions.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 6
2.You are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow. What should you do?
- AContinue through the intersection
- BTurn right to get out of the way
- CStop where you are
- DBack up behind the line
Show the answer
✓ A. Continue through the intersection
If you are already in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop; continue through.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 7
3.What does a green arrow mean?
- AYou must yield to oncoming traffic
- BYou may safely turn the way it points
- CTurn only after a full stop
- DGo straight but not turn
Show the answer
✓ B. You may safely turn the way it points
A green arrow means you can safely turn in the direction of the arrow; oncoming and crossing traffic should be stopped.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 7
4.Some red lights have a small, very bright blinking light in the middle. What is it for?
- ATo show the light is broken
- BTo show a turn is allowed
- CTo mark a school zone
- DTo alert you to the red light
Show the answer
✓ D. To alert you to the red light
The bright blinking light inside a red light is there to alert you to the red light and that you must stop.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 7