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Virginia permit test: traffic signals

Traffic signals and arrows, pedestrian hybrid beacons and lane use control signals. 14 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. Stop at the stop line, or if there is none, before entering the intersection or before reaching the crosswalk. (p. 7, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  2. A yellow light warns the light is about to change. (p. 7, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  3. At a flashing red light, come to a complete stop, yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, and go when the way is clear. (p. 7, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  4. A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution; it marks locations with higher-than-normal hazards. (p. 7, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  5. At a flashing yellow arrow you may turn in the arrow's direction if the way is clear, after yielding to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. (p. 7, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  6. You may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop, looking both ways and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. (p. 7, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  7. Virginia law prohibits turns at red arrow lights. (p. 7, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  8. Never drive in a lane marked with a red X signal. (p. 8, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  9. If a light changes to green while a pedestrian is in the street, let the pedestrian finish crossing before you turn. (p. 8, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
  10. A yellow X or yellow downward diagonal arrow means move out of the lane as soon as it is safely possible. (p. 8, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (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.You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right. No signs prohibit it. What must you do first?

    • AStop fully, look, and yield before turning
    • BWait for the light to turn green
    • CSlow down and roll through if clear
    • DHonk to warn pedestrians, then turn
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Stop fully, look, and yield before turning

    You may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop, looking both ways and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 7

  2. 2.The light turns green while a pedestrian is still crossing in front of you. You want to turn. What should you do?

    • AHonk so the pedestrian hurries
    • BLet the pedestrian finish crossing first
    • CGo, because the light is green
    • DTurn around the pedestrian
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Let the pedestrian finish crossing first

    If a light changes to green while a pedestrian is in the street, let the pedestrian finish crossing before you turn.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 8

  3. 3.A pedestrian hybrid beacon's two red lights are flashing alternately. What may you do?

    • AGo with caution if the crosswalk is clear
    • BGo without looking at the crosswalk
    • CKeep stopped until the lights go dark
    • DSpeed up before the walk signal ends
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Go with caution if the crosswalk is clear

    While the walk signal counts down, the PHB's two red lights flash alternately: if the crosswalk is clear, you may proceed with caution.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 8

  4. 4.What should you do at a flashing red light?

    • ASlow down and keep going
    • BStop and wait for a green light
    • CStop fully, yield, then go when clear
    • DSpeed up to clear the intersection
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Stop fully, yield, then go when clear

    At a flashing red light, come to a complete stop, yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, and go when the way is clear.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 7