West Virginia permit test: traffic lights and signals
Traffic lights, intersection flashers, lane use control signals and crosswalk signals. 13 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key traffic lights and signals rulesShow the rules
- A yellow arrow means the green arrow is ending and will change to red. (p. 49, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- At two-way streets you may turn right on red after stopping and yielding to all traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits it. (p. 49, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- At a steady red arrow, stop before the intersection, stop line or crosswalk and remain stopped as long as the arrow is red. (p. 49, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- On a circular green you may turn left, but you must yield to oncoming vehicles. (p. 49, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- When a green arrow shows in a left-turn signal, it usually means opposing traffic is stopped so you can turn. (p. 49, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- A circular flashing yellow means you may go through the intersection with caution. (p. 50, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- A yellow X means the lane is about to close or reverse direction, so move out of it as soon as you can. (p. 50, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- A blind pedestrian using a guide dog or a white cane has the right-of-way whether or not they are in a crosswalk. (p. 50, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- A red X means the lane is closed or being used by opposing traffic; do not use it. (p. 50, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic lights and signals questions
1.What does a steady circular yellow light mean?
- ASpeed up to beat the red
- BThe signal is broken
- CThe green is ending and red is next
- DStop only if a police officer is present
Show the answer
✓ C. The green is ending and red is next
A steady yellow means the green light is ending and will turn red; go through only if you are already within the intersection's clearance.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 49
2.A lane-use signal over a lane shows a red X. What does it mean?
- ASlow down while in this lane
- BDo not use this lane at all
- CUse the lane only to turn left
- DThe lane is open only for buses
Show the answer
✓ B. Do not use this lane at all
A red X means the lane is closed or being used by opposing traffic; do not use it.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 50
3.A traffic signal is flashing red in your direction. How should you treat it?
- ALike a stop sign
- BLike a green light
- CLike a flashing yellow
- DLike a yield sign
Show the answer
✓ A. Like a stop sign
A flashing red light is the same as a stop sign: come to a complete stop and yield to all other traffic and pedestrians.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 50
4.Above your lane you see a yellow X. What should you do?
- AKeep using the lane as normal
- BSpeed up through the lane
- CStop under the signal
- DMove out of the lane as soon as you can
Show the answer
✓ D. Move out of the lane as soon as you can
A yellow X means the lane is about to close or reverse direction, so move out of it as soon as you can.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 50