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Pennsylvania permit test: signals

Red, yellow and green lights, flashing signals and arrows, signals that are out, ramp meters and pedestrian signals. 19 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key signals rulesShow the rules
  1. Unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted, you may turn right on red after stopping and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. (p. 11, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  2. A steady green arrow lets you turn the way it points, and the turn is protected because oncoming traffic is stopped by a red light. (p. 11, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  3. On vertical signals red is always on top and green on the bottom; on horizontal signals red is on the left. (p. 11, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  4. Treat a non-functioning traffic signal as though it were a four-way STOP sign. (p. 12, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  5. A steady yellow X over a lane means you must change lanes because that lane's direction of travel is about to be reversed. (p. 12, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  6. On single-lane metered ramps, only one car may enter the highway each time the light turns green. (p. 12, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  7. A steady red X over a lane means you are not allowed to use that lane. (p. 12, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  8. A ramp meter green light does not protect your entrance; you still must look for a safe gap in highway traffic. (p. 12, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  9. Never stop on a railroad track; when traffic is backed up, stop where your vehicle will be entirely clear of the tracks. (p. 13, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  10. Near a blind pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog, you must slow down, always yield the right-of-way, and be ready to stop. (p. 13, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample signals questions

  1. 1.A steady yellow X appears over the lane you are driving in. What should you do?

    • ATurn on your hazard lights and continue
    • BStop in the lane
    • CSpeed up to clear the lane
    • DChange lanes safely, as its direction will reverse
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Change lanes safely, as its direction will reverse

    A steady yellow X over a lane means you must change lanes because that lane's direction of travel is about to be reversed.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 12

  2. 2.What does a flashing yellow light mean?

    • ACaution: slow down and proceed carefully
    • BStop completely
    • CTurns are not allowed
    • DThe light is about to turn green
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Caution: slow down and proceed carefully

    A flashing yellow light means caution: slow down, look and proceed with care.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 12

  3. 3.You are in the left lane of a one-way street at a red light, turning left onto another one-way street. No sign forbids it. What may you do?

    • ATurn left without stopping
    • BStop, yield, then turn left
    • CTurn only if the street is empty for a block
    • DNothing; left turns on red are never allowed
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Stop, yield, then turn left

    You may turn left on red after stopping and yielding if you are in the left lane turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign says not to.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 11

  4. 4.You are stopped at a steady red light and want to turn right. No sign is posted. What may you do?

    • AWait for the green light
    • BStop, yield, then turn right
    • CTurn only if a police officer waves you on
    • DTurn right without stopping
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Stop, yield, then turn right

    Unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted, you may turn right on red after stopping and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 11