South Dakota permit test: traffic signals and control devices
Traffic control devices, pedestrian hybrid beacons and traffic signals. 12 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals and control devices rulesShow the rules
- Traffic control devices include signals, signs, pavement markings and directions from police, highway workers and school crossing guards. (p. 31)
- The pedestrian hybrid beacon stays dark until a pedestrian pushes the button, then signals drivers to slow and stop. (p. 31)
- On horizontal signals the red light is on the left, yellow in the middle and green on the right. (p. 32)
- A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. (p. 32)
- When the light turns green, you must let crossing traffic clear the intersection before you go. (p. 32)
- A yellow arrow means the protected green arrow is ending; prepare to stop or yield to oncoming traffic before turning. (p. 32)
- At a red light you may turn right after a complete stop if it is safe and no sign prohibits turning on red. (p. 32)
- A completely unlighted traffic signal means you must stop as if you were at a stop sign. (p. 32)
- On a steady green light you may turn left only when safe; oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. (p. 32)
- If you are already in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop; continue through. (p. 32)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals and control devices questions
1.What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?
- ATurn only to the right
- BStop and wait for green
- CSlow down and proceed with caution
- DThe light is about to turn green
Show the answer
✓ C. Slow down and proceed with caution
A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 32
2.Your light just turned green, but cars are still crossing in front of you. What should you do?
- AGo, since green gives you the right-of-way
- BTurn right to avoid them
- CLet crossing traffic clear the intersection first
- DHonk to make them hurry
Show the answer
✓ C. Let crossing traffic clear the intersection first
When the light turns green, you must let crossing traffic clear the intersection before you go.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 32
3.What does a flashing red traffic light mean?
- AThe light is broken, so drive through
- BThe same as a stop sign
- CStop only for pedestrians
- DSlow down and proceed with caution
Show the answer
✓ B. The same as a stop sign
A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: stop completely, then go when safe.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 32
4.On a horizontal traffic light, where is the red light?
- AOn the left
- BIt changes by city
- CIn the middle
- DOn the right
Show the answer
✓ A. On the left
On horizontal signals the red light is on the left, yellow in the middle and green on the right.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 32