Road signs
US Road Signs Practice Test 2026
Road signs are part of every state's permit knowledge test. These questions cover the signs used across the United States: what each one means, what to do when you see it, and how to read signs by their shape and color.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: B. Come to a full stop, then go when it is safe
A red octagon always means stop. Stop completely, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then go when it is safe.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: C. Before the crosswalk
Stop at the stop line. If there is no line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before you enter the intersection.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: B. Octagon (8 sides)
The eight-sided octagon is used only for STOP signs, so you can recognize it even from behind or when it is covered with snow.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: D. Slow down and let traffic and pedestrians go first; stop if needed
A triangle pointing down means yield. Slow down, give the right-of-way, and stop only if you must.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: A. You must not drive into this road from where you are
This sign is posted where you would be going the wrong way, such as a freeway exit ramp or the end of a one-way street. Do not enter.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: B. You are going the wrong way: pull over safely, turn around and leave the way you came
WRONG WAY signs face drivers who are going against traffic. Stop safely, turn around and drive in the correct direction.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: C. Traffic on this street moves only in the direction of the arrow
Drive only in the direction of the arrow. You may not drive the other way on a one-way street.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: D. 55 mph is the fastest you may legally drive here in good conditions
A white speed limit sign shows the maximum legal speed. In bad weather or heavy traffic you must drive slower.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. U-turns are not allowed here
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is not allowed. Here you may not make a U-turn.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: D. You may not turn left here
The arrow shows a left turn and the red circle and slash ban it. Go straight or turn right if allowed.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: B. Do not turn right; go straight or turn left if allowed
The black arrow shows the move and the red circle and slash forbid it. You may not turn right at this intersection.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: A. The action shown inside it is not allowed
On US regulatory signs, red is used for STOP, YIELD and the circle and slash that ban an action.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: A. You may not turn while the light is red; wait for green
In most places you may turn right on red after a full stop. This sign takes that choice away, so wait for a green light.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: C. Keep to the right of the island or obstacle ahead
Pass on the right side of the traffic island, median or obstacle shown on the sign.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: B. You must not pass other vehicles on this part of the road
Do not pass until a sign or the road markings show that the no-passing area has ended.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: A. The no-passing area has ended; you may pass when it is safe
This sign marks the end of a no-passing area. Pass only when the road ahead is clear and it is safe.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: D. On the left side of the road
The yellow pennant is posted on the left side of two-lane roads, where you look before passing. It marks the start of a no-passing zone.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: B. A railroad crossing; yield to any train
Treat a crossbuck like a yield sign. Slow down, look and listen both ways, and stop if a train is coming. Trains always have the right-of-way.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: B. Stop before the tracks and wait until the train has passed
Never try to beat a train. Trains cannot stop quickly. Stop before the tracks and cross only when you are sure it is safe.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: B. A railroad crossing is ahead
This round yellow sign is placed before a railroad crossing. Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: B. Railroad crossing advance warning signs
In the United States the circle shape is used for the railroad advance warning sign.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: B. A school is near; slow down and watch for children
The five-sided school sign warns that you are near a school. Slow down, watch for children and obey any school speed limit.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: D. A school zone or school crossing
The pentagon shape is used for school signs, so you know to watch for children.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: C. Slow down, watch for children, and stop for anyone in the crosswalk
The arrow points to the school crosswalk. Stop for children in the crosswalk and follow any crossing guard. Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: A. Schools, pedestrians and bicycles
Fluorescent yellow-green is used for school, pedestrian and bicycle signs because it is easy to see.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- All states follow the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), so most signs look the same in every state.
- The eight-sided octagon is used only for STOP signs, and the downward triangle only for YIELD signs.
- Diamond-shaped signs warn of hazards. A round yellow sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead, and a pennant marks a no-passing zone.
- The five-sided pentagon is used for school signs.
- Yellow is for general warnings, fluorescent yellow-green for school, pedestrian and bicycle signs, and orange for work zones.
- Green signs guide you to places, blue signs show services, and brown signs point to recreation areas.
Frequently asked questions
Are road signs on the permit test the same in every state?
Mostly yes. Every state uses the federal MUTCD, so shapes, colors and symbols are the same. A few signs and rules vary, so also read your state driver handbook.
What do the colors of road signs mean?
Red means stop or not allowed, white signs give rules, yellow signs warn, orange marks work zones, green gives directions, blue shows services and fluorescent yellow-green marks school, pedestrian and bicycle areas.
Which road sign shapes should I know for the test?
Know the octagon (stop), downward triangle (yield), diamond (warning), pentagon (school), pennant (no-passing zone), circle (railroad ahead) and crossbuck (railroad crossing).
How many sign questions are on the permit test?
It depends on the state. Some states have a separate signs section and others mix sign questions into the main test. Check your state's DMV page.
What is the difference between a STOP sign and a YIELD sign?
At a STOP sign you must always stop completely. At a YIELD sign you slow down and stop only if you need to let traffic or pedestrians go first.
Sources
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2A: General (sign shapes and colors)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B: Regulatory signs
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C: Warning signs
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7: School areas
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8: Railroad and light rail crossings