Tennessee permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing signals, arrows and malfunctioning traffic lights. 9 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- Tennessee law requires the yellow light to show for at least three seconds before the red light. (p. 55, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and to bicyclists and pedestrians in the crosswalk. (p. 55, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Tennessee law says a non-working signal is treated like an all-way stop. (p. 55, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing red light means come to a complete stop, the same as a stop sign. (p. 55, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- A green light lets you go only when the intersection is clear. (p. 55, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- Unless a sign says otherwise, you may turn right on red after a complete stop when no pedestrians or cross traffic are present. (p. 55, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- When two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. (p. 56, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
- A DON'T WALK sign or raised hand means it is not safe to begin crossing. (p. 56, Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.Your light turns green, but a car is still crossing the intersection. What must you do?
- AGo, because green gives you the right-of-way
- BHonk so it hurries
- CTurn left in front of it
- DYield to it before you go
Show the answer
✓ D. Yield to it before you go
A green light lets you go only when the intersection is clear. Anyone still crossing, on foot or in a vehicle, must be allowed through first.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 55
2.Two cars stop at an intersection at the same time, and the other car is on your right. Who goes first?
- AWhoever waves the other on first
- BYou, the driver on the left
- CThe driver on the right
- DThe larger of the two vehicles
Show the answer
✓ C. The driver on the right
When two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 56
3.The light turns yellow as you approach, and you can stop safely. What should you do?
- AHonk and keep on going
- BStop; don't speed up to beat it
- CKeep going at the same speed
- DSpeed up to get through it
Show the answer
✓ B. Stop; don't speed up to beat it
Yellow means prepare to stop. Stop if it is safe; do not speed up to beat the light. If you are already in the intersection, continue cautiously.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 55
4.You come to a flashing red light. How should you treat it?
- ALike a yield sign
- BLike a green light
- CLike a school zone
- DLike a stop sign
Show the answer
✓ D. Like a stop sign
A flashing red light means come to a complete stop, the same as a stop sign. Then proceed when it is safe.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (most current information as of July 1, 2022), page 55