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South Carolina permit test: traffic signals

Steady and flashing traffic lights and arrows. 12 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
  1. Vertical signals show red at the top, yellow in the middle and green at the bottom. (p. 60, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  2. If you are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow, clear the intersection as quickly as possible. (p. 61, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  3. A yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. (p. 61, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  4. On horizontal traffic lights, red is on the left, yellow in the middle and green on the right. (p. 61, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  5. Right turns on red are allowed except where a sign prohibits them. (p. 61, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  6. A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution, ready to stop for traffic entering the intersection. (p. 61, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  7. When approaching a yellow light, watch for and allow for errors by other drivers at your sides, front and rear. (p. 61, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  8. A green light means you may go through the intersection only if it is clear, and with caution. (p. 61, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  9. A red light means stop before entering the intersection and wait behind the stop line, crosswalk or intersection until the light turns green. (p. 61, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  10. At a school crossing with traffic patrol, stop and yield if you are signaled to do so. (p. 110, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))

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

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Sample traffic signals questions

  1. 1.A sign at the intersection prohibits right turns on red. Your light is red. What may you do?

    • AWait for the green light
    • BTurn right if no cars are coming
    • CTurn right after a full stop
    • DTurn right only at night
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Wait for the green light

    Right turns on red are allowed except where a sign prohibits them. With that sign, you must wait for green.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 61

  2. 2.You are approaching an intersection and the light turns yellow. You are not yet in the intersection and can stop safely. What should you do?

    • AStop and wait for the next green
    • BKeep going at the same speed
    • CSpeed up to beat the red
    • DTurn right without stopping
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Stop and wait for the next green

    A yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. If you are not in the intersection, stop and wait for the next green.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 61

  3. 3.Your light turns green, but a car is still crossing the intersection in front of you. What should you do?

    • AGo right away, since your light is green
    • BTurn right instead of going straight
    • CWait until it is clear, then go with care
    • DHonk at the car and then go
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Wait until it is clear, then go with care

    A green light means you may go through the intersection only if it is clear, and with caution.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 61

  4. 4.You are waiting at a red light. Where must you stay until the light turns green?

    • APartway into the intersection so you can see
    • BBehind the stop line, crosswalk or intersection
    • CInside the crosswalk, out of the way of traffic
    • DWherever there happens to be room for your car
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Behind the stop line, crosswalk or intersection

    A red light means stop before entering the intersection and wait behind the stop line, crosswalk or intersection until the light turns green.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 61