Texas permit test: traffic and pedestrian signals
Steady and flashing lights, arrows, pedestrian signals and pedestrian hybrid beacons. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic and pedestrian signals rulesShow the rules
- In-roadway lights warn drivers of a condition they may not see that might require slowing down or stopping, such as a pedestrian crossing. (p. 30, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow arrow allows a left turn, but you must yield to oncoming traffic first. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing red light means stop completely before the crosswalk or intersection, then proceed when it is safe. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- You may turn left on a green light, but you must first yield to all traffic approaching from the opposite direction. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A steady yellow light means the light is about to turn red. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- At a flashing red light, vehicles on the intersecting road may not have to stop, so make sure the way is clear before you go. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- At a steady red light, stop first. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Obey a law enforcement officer directing traffic at all times, even if the direction conflicts with the signal. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Green means you may go if it is safe. (p. 31, Texas Driver Handbook (Revised January 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic and pedestrian signals questions
1.You are stopped at a red light on a one-way street and want to turn left onto another one-way street. What may you do?
- ATurn left without stopping if clear
- BNever turn left on red
- CTurn left after stopping, unless prohibited
- DWait for a green arrow
Show the answer
✓ C. Turn left after stopping, unless prohibited
You may turn left on a steady red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 31
2.Where are pedestrian hybrid beacons installed?
- AAt railroad crossings
- BAt every school zone
- COnly on freeways
- DOnly at marked crosswalks
Show the answer
✓ D. Only at marked crosswalks
Pedestrian hybrid beacons warn and control traffic where pedestrians cross, and are installed only at marked crosswalks.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 30
3.You see lights set into the road surface at a midblock crosswalk. What do they warn you about?
- AA speed camera that is set up on the road ahead
- BThe edge of a bike lane that runs on your right
- CSomething ahead that may need you to slow or stop
- DA travel lane ahead that is about to close
Show the answer
✓ C. Something ahead that may need you to slow or stop
In-roadway lights warn drivers of a condition they may not see that might require slowing down or stopping, such as a pedestrian crossing.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 30
4.A police officer directing traffic waves you through, but your light is red. What should you do?
- AFollow the officer's direction
- BHonk to ask the officer
- CStop, because the light is red
- DWait until the light turns green
Show the answer
✓ A. Follow the officer's direction
Obey a law enforcement officer directing traffic at all times, even if the direction conflicts with the signal.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 31