FirstTryEn españolRoad signs practice test
12 road-sign questions written from the driver handbooks of California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois, with the answer, the reason and the handbook section. Signs are tested in every state; New York's test has 4 sign questions and you need 2 right.
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Shapes and colors the handbooks test
- Traffic in a roundabout travels counter-clockwise around the central island. Do not stop or pass inside it. handbook section
- If road reflectors shine red in your headlights, you are going the wrong way. When it is safe, back out or turn around. handbook section
- Diamond-shaped signs warn you of specific road conditions and dangers ahead. handbook section
- HOV lanes are marked on the pavement with a diamond symbol and the words Carpool Lane. handbook section
- Never make a U-turn in front of a fire station, and never use a fire station driveway to turn around. handbook section
- On the freeway, turn on your signal for five full seconds or more before moving over, which gives drivers around you time to react. handbook section
- Some slow-moving vehicles, such as road maintenance vehicles, display an orange and red triangle. They usually travel at 25 mph or less. handbook section
- A diamond-shaped placard means the load may be dangerous, such as gas or explosives. These vehicles must stop before crossing railroad tracks. handbook section
- Bridges and overpasses often ice over sooner than the road around them, so expect icy patches there. handbook section
- Other drivers may not see a vehicle stopped just over a hill or around a curve in time to avoid a collision. handbook section
Sign questions
California: Signals, horn and lights
What is the minimum distance before a turn at which you should start signaling?
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
Show the answer
100 feet. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn so others know what you plan to do.
From the handbook: Section 5: An Introduction to Driving > Signals, Horns, And Headlights > Signaling
California: Signals, horn and lights
When should you use hand-and-arm signals?
- Only when you are driving a truck
- When your signal lights are not working or bright sunlight makes them hard to see
- Only in school zones
Show the answer
When your signal lights are not working or bright sunlight makes them hard to see. If your signal lights do not work, or bright sunlight makes them hard to see, use hand-and-arm signals.
From the handbook: Section 5: An Introduction to Driving > Signals, Horns, And Headlights > Signaling
Florida: Signs, signals and pavement markings
At a railroad crossing, the crossbuck sign means:
- The tracks are no longer in use
- You may cross without slowing down
- Trains will stop for you
- Yield; trains have the right-of-way
Show the answer
Yield; trains have the right-of-way. A crossbuck is a yield sign for the railroad. Trains always get the right-of-way.
From the handbook: Traffic Controls: Railroad Crossing Signs & Signals (PDF p. 64)
Florida: Signs, signals and pavement markings
A School sign tells you a school is nearby. When should you watch for children?
- At all times, not only during school hours
- Only during school hours
- Only when a light is flashing
- Only when a crossing guard is on duty
Show the answer
At all times, not only during school hours. Near a school, children can appear at any hour, so stay alert all the time, not just when school is in session.
From the handbook: Traffic Controls: School Zone Signs & Signals (PDF p. 65)
Illinois: Signs, signals and pavement markings
You reach an intersection and the traffic signals are completely dark. What must you do?
- Speed up and clear the intersection fast
- Go through slowly without stopping if it looks clear
- Treat it as an all-way stop: come to a full stop, then yield before entering
Show the answer
Treat it as an all-way stop: come to a full stop, then yield before entering. Look and yield the right of way before you pull into the intersection.
From the handbook: Chapter 10: Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings > Traffic Signals (PDF p. 80)
Illinois: Signs, signals and pavement markings
How must you treat a railroad crossbuck sign?
- As a yield sign: give way to any oncoming train or railroad equipment
- As a stop sign, stopping fully every time
- As a speed limit sign
Show the answer
As a yield sign: give way to any oncoming train or railroad equipment. Where several tracks cross, a sign under the crossbuck counts them.
From the handbook: Chapter 10: Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings > Railroad Crossings (PDF p. 84)
New York: Road signs
You come to an X-shaped sign that says RAILROAD CROSSING, with no lights or gates. What does it require?
- Yield, and look and listen for trains before you cross
- Nothing, unless a train is already in the crossing at that moment
- Stop for at least one minute every time
Show the answer
Yield, and look and listen for trains before you cross. This crossbuck sign marks a crossing where you must yield to trains. Look and listen in both directions, and do not cross if a train is close enough or fast enough to be a danger.
From the handbook: Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions > Railroad Crossings (page 61)
New York: Road signs
You see a yellow warning sign with a black X and the letters RR. What does it mean?
- A road reserved for railroad maintenance trucks and workers only
- A railroad crossing is ahead, so use caution and be ready to stop
- Railroad tracks ahead are no longer in use, so you may cross freely
Show the answer
A railroad crossing is ahead, so use caution and be ready to stop. This yellow sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead. Slow down, be prepared to stop, and take extra care behind buses and trucks, since many of them must stop at crossings.
From the handbook: Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions > Railroad Crossings > Railroad Crossing Warning Sign (page 61)
Pennsylvania: Road signs
A five-sided (pentagon) sign warns you of what?
- A railroad crossing
- A school zone
- A no passing zone
Show the answer
A school zone. The pentagon shape is used only for SCHOOL signs. With a downward arrow, it marks the school crosswalk itself, so slow down and watch for children.
From the handbook: Chapter 2: Signs, Warning Signs, School (PDF p. 21)
Pennsylvania: Road signs
A blue sign with white symbols for gas, food, and lodging is what type of sign?
- A service sign
- A regulatory sign
- A warning sign
Show the answer
A service sign. Service signs are blue with white letters or symbols and point to services at the next exit, such as fuel, food, lodging, or a hospital.
From the handbook: Chapter 2: Signs, Service Signs (PDF p. 25)
Texas: Signs, signals and pavement markings
A school zone speed sign has yellow lights. When does its lower speed limit apply?
- At all times
- While the yellow lights are flashing
- Only when children are in sight
- During school hours, flashing or not
Show the answer
While the yellow lights are flashing. The reduced school zone limit is in force whenever the yellow lights on the sign are flashing. Watch closely for children.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers > Table 19: Regulatory and Warning Signs (School Zone) (PDF page 37)
Texas: Signs, signals and pavement markings
An overhead lane-use signal shows a red X above a lane. What does that mean?
- The lane is for exiting only
- Do not drive in that lane
- Get ready to leave that lane soon
- The lane is open to all traffic
Show the answer
Do not drive in that lane. A red X closes the lane to you. A steady yellow X means get ready to move out of the lane safely, and a green arrow pointing down means the lane is open.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers > Table 20: Guide Signs (lane-use control signals) (PDF page 38)