Utah permit test: traffic signals
Traffic control devices, steady and flashing signals and arrows. 17 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- Stop behind a marked stop line, crosswalk or sidewalk; never stop over them or inside the intersection. (p. 41)
- Traffic controls include signals, signs and road markings, plus directions from law enforcement, highway workers and school crossing guards. (p. 55)
- A steady yellow light means the light is about to change to red. (p. 55)
- At a flashing yellow light, slow down, proceed with caution and be prepared to stop for any traffic. (p. 55)
- A green light means you may go through with caution if the way is clear. (p. 55)
- Traffic lights are red, yellow and green from top to bottom. (p. 55)
- Always obey a police officer at an intersection, whatever the traffic lights show. (p. 56)
- You may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign says otherwise. (p. 56)
- At a flashing red light, stop and look both ways before entering the intersection. (p. 56)
- A flashing yellow arrow permits the turn, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, because oncoming traffic has a green light. (p. 56)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.The traffic lights at an intersection are not working. What should you do?
- AGo through if you are on the main road
- BStop fully, then yield to the right
- CHonk and proceed carefully
- DSlow down and go through
Show the answer
✓ B. Stop fully, then yield to the right
When the lights are out, come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the right, unless an officer directs otherwise.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 56
2.You have a green arrow to turn left, but pedestrians are still finishing their crossing. What must you do?
- ATurn right instead
- BYield to them, then turn
- CTurn now, since the arrow protects you
- DBack up to give them room
Show the answer
✓ B. Yield to them, then turn
With a green arrow you may go in the arrow's direction only after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians still in the intersection.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 55
3.What should you do at a flashing yellow traffic light?
- ATreat it like a green arrow
- BSlow down and proceed with caution
- CCome to a full stop every time
- DSpeed up to clear the intersection
Show the answer
✓ B. Slow down and proceed with caution
At a flashing yellow light, slow down, proceed with caution and be prepared to stop for any traffic.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 55
4.On a horizontal traffic light, where is the red light?
- AIn the middle
- BOn the right
- CIt changes by city
- DOn the left
Show the answer
✓ D. On the left
When traffic lights are horizontal, red is on the left, yellow in the middle and green on the right.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 55