California: Sign shapes and colors Practice Test
What every sign shape and color means before you even read it.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "California Driver Handbook" (2025), California DMV.
All 9 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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Which statement about warning signs is correct?
- Only diamond-shaped warning signs are legally binding
- Yellow warning signs may be ignored in good weather
- You must obey every warning sign, whatever its shape or color
- Warning signs apply only to commercial vehicles
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Correct answer: You must obey every warning sign, whatever its shape or color
All warning signs must be obeyed regardless of their shape or color.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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A sign with eight sides and a red background means what?
- Yield to cross traffic
- A hazard is ahead
- Make a full stop
- Do not enter this road
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Correct answer: Make a full stop
This is the shape and color of the STOP sign. Make a full stop before entering the crosswalk or at the limit line.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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What does a downward-pointing triangle with a red border and white center tell drivers?
- To slow down and be ready to let others pass first
- To stop completely every time, even when the way is clear
- That the road narrows to a single lane ahead
- That the road ahead is closed to all traffic
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Correct answer: To slow down and be ready to let others pass first
This shape and color combination is used for the YIELD sign, which requires you to slow and give way.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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What kind of information does an orange road sign give?
- Distances to nearby cities and towns
- Highway construction and maintenance ahead
- A permanent change in the speed limit
- A railroad crossing ahead
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Correct answer: Highway construction and maintenance ahead
Orange signs are highway construction and maintenance signs.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What should you do when you see a red and white regulatory sign?
- Treat it as advice you can weigh against traffic conditions
- Follow whatever instruction the sign gives
- Slow down but continue without changing your route
- Obey it only during daylight hours
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Correct answer: Follow whatever instruction the sign gives
Red and white signs are regulatory: their instruction is a legal requirement, not a suggestion.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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A sign shows a red circle with a red line through it. What does the picture inside the circle represent?
- The action that is not allowed
- The only action that is allowed
- A hazard on the road ahead
- A service available nearby
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Correct answer: The action that is not allowed
The circle-and-slash symbol prohibits whatever is pictured inside it, sometimes with words added.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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A five-sided sign shaped like a house outline warns you that you are near what?
- A hospital
- A school
- A railroad crossing
- A construction zone
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Correct answer: A school
A five-sided sign means you are near a school. Drive slowly and stop for children in the crosswalk.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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What is the general purpose of a diamond-shaped sign?
- To show route numbers and nearby exits
- To mark the boundary of a city or county
- To warn of road conditions and dangers ahead
- To state parking restrictions on the street
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Correct answer: To warn of road conditions and dangers ahead
Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs. They alert you to hazards or changing conditions ahead.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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A white rectangular sign with black lettering communicates what?
- Important rules that you must obey
- The distance to the next service area
- A temporary hazard caused by weather
- Advice that applies only to large trucks
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Correct answer: Important rules that you must obey
A white rectangular sign communicates many important rules you must obey.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)