Washington permit test: traffic signals
Traffic control devices, broken signals, light signals and freeway ramp meters. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- Don't use the shoulder to pass. (p. 108)
- Carpool lanes are not passing lanes. (p. 108)
- A flashing yellow light means the same as a yield sign. (p. 111)
- A solid yellow light means the signal is changing to red. (p. 111)
- A yellow light never lets you go over the speed limit, whether you are entering the intersection or trying to get out of it. (p. 111)
- If you're in the intersection when the light turns yellow, continue through at the posted speed. (p. 111)
- A yellow arrow means the light will soon turn red. (p. 111)
- When turning left on a solid green light, yield to approaching vehicles. (p. 112)
- A green arrow gives you the right-of-way to travel in the direction it points. (p. 112)
- On a green light you may go, but first wait for the intersection to clear and yield to pedestrians and emergency vehicles. (p. 112)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.Your lane has a red arrow pointing right. What does it mean?
- AThe light is about to turn green
- BYou may turn right after yielding
- CRight turns only, no straight travel
- DYou can't go in the arrow's direction
Show the answer
✓ D. You can't go in the arrow's direction
A red arrow means stop: you can't go in the direction the arrow points.
2.You are waiting to turn left and the arrow changes from green to yellow. What does the yellow arrow mean?
- ATurn quickly before it goes red
- BThe arrow will turn red soon; prepare to stop
- COncoming traffic must stop for you
- DTurning is now allowed from any lane
Show the answer
✓ B. The arrow will turn red soon; prepare to stop
A yellow arrow means the light will soon turn red. Prepare to stop and give the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.
3.You miss your freeway exit. What should you do?
- ABack up on the shoulder
- BStop and wait in the lane
- CMake a U-turn across the median
- DContinue to the next exit
Show the answer
✓ D. Continue to the next exit
Keep moving forward. Don't drive in reverse even if you miss your exit; it's illegal to back up on a shoulder or freeway.
4.You come to an intersection where the traffic light is flashing red. What should you do?
- ATreat it like a stop sign
- BWait for it to turn green
- CSpeed up before it changes
- DSlow down and proceed with care
Show the answer
✓ A. Treat it like a stop sign
A flashing red light works like a stop sign: come to a full stop, then go when it's your turn.