Rhode Island permit test: signals
Hand and turn signals and traffic light and signal meanings. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key signals rulesShow the rules
- For a left turn, hold your left hand and arm straight out; arm up means a right turn and arm down means stop or slow. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Rhode Island law requires a hand or directional signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and when pulling out of a parking space. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A left arm held down signals that the driver is stopping or slowing down. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Covering the brake means taking your foot off the gas and hovering it over the brake pedal without touching it, ready to press if needed. (p. 41, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Intersections without signs or signals are uncontrolled, and motorists must treat them as if a yield sign were present. (p. 41, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A red arrow means stop and stay stopped for that direction; you may not turn the way the arrow points. (p. 41, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- At a flashing red light, make a full stop and yield to vehicles on your right and left; treat it as a stop sign. (p. 41, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A steady yellow light warns that a red light is next; slow down and stop if you can do so safely. (p. 41, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow light means slow down, cover the brake, then proceed with caution. (p. 41, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Rhode Island allows, but does not require, a right turn on red after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it. (p. 58, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample signals questions
1.The driver ahead holds their left arm out the window, pointing down. What are they telling you?
- AThey are about to turn left
- BIt is safe for you to pass
- CThey are about to turn right
- DThey are stopping or slowing
Show the answer
✓ D. They are stopping or slowing
A left arm held down signals that the driver is stopping or slowing down.
2.How far before a turn does Rhode Island law require you to start signaling?
- AAt least 50 feet
- BAt least 500 feet
- CAt least 200 feet
- DAt least 100 feet
Show the answer
✓ D. At least 100 feet
Rhode Island law requires a hand or directional signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and when pulling out of a parking space.
3.A red arrow pointing left is lit at your lane's signal. What must you do?
- AStop; don't turn that way
- BGo straight through instead
- CTurn left if no cars are coming
- DTurn left once you have yielded
Show the answer
✓ A. Stop; don't turn that way
A red arrow means stop and stay stopped for that direction; you may not turn the way the arrow points.
4.What does it mean to cover the brake?
- AHold your foot over the brake without touching it
- BPress the brake lightly the whole time
- CRest your left foot on the brake
- DPump the brake to warn others
Show the answer
✓ A. Hold your foot over the brake without touching it
Covering the brake means taking your foot off the gas and hovering it over the brake pedal without touching it, ready to press if needed.