Georgia: Traffic signals
Red, yellow and green lights, arrows, flashing signals and lane-control signals. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 39 Traffic signals questions with answers
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What should you do if a law enforcement officer or firefighter gives you a traffic direction that goes against what the traffic control devices tell you to do?
- Obey the officer or firefighter
- Obey the traffic control devices
- Stop and wait for the signal to change
- Proceed only if other drivers are doing so
Show answer
Correct answer: Obey the officer or firefighter
One of the three most basic traffic laws is to obey the directions of a law enforcement officer or firefighter even when they differ from the traffic control devices.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 17
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A roadway has been closed for construction, for a special event, or for any other official reason. What do the three most basic traffic laws say about driving on it?
- You may drive on it if you drive slowly
- You may drive on it if no workers are visible
- You must never drive on it
- You may drive on it with your hazard lights on
Show answer
Correct answer: You must never drive on it
The third basic traffic law is to never drive on a roadway that has been closed for construction, a special event, or any other official reason.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 17
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According to the manual, why are traffic laws necessary?
- To raise money for road repairs through tickets and fines
- To prevent crashes by defining the orderly movement of road users
- To make sure that all drivers travel at exactly the same speed
- To replace the need for signs and signals on public roads
Show answer
Correct answer: To prevent crashes by defining the orderly movement of road users
The manual says traffic laws are necessary to prevent crashes by defining the orderly movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and other users of public highways.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 17
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What should you do at an intersection with traffic control lights when your light is green?
- Enter right away, because a green light gives you the right-of-way
- Speed up to clear the intersection before the light changes
- Enter as soon as the vehicle ahead of you has entered
- Enter only when the intersection is clear of traffic or approaching traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Enter only when the intersection is clear of traffic or approaching traffic
The manual says to wait until the intersection is clear before entering and not to proceed just because you have the green light.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 17
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Why are traffic signals placed at intersections?
- To make drivers slow down to the minimum speed on the road
- To keep pedestrians and bicyclists off the roadway
- To let drivers know which roads are state highways
- To control the orderly movement of traffic and to prevent crashes
Show answer
Correct answer: To control the orderly movement of traffic and to prevent crashes
Traffic signals control the orderly movement of traffic and prevent crashes.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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Which road users must obey traffic signals?
- Drivers of motor vehicles only
- Drivers and pedestrians, but not bicyclists
- Drivers (including bicyclists) and pedestrians
- Only drivers in urban areas
Show answer
Correct answer: Drivers (including bicyclists) and pedestrians
Drivers, including bicyclists, and pedestrians must obey these signals.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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Drivers and pedestrians must obey traffic signals except in which situation?
- When an officer is directing traffic
- When no other vehicles are in sight
- When the signal has been red for a long time
- When the intersection is in a residential area
Show answer
Correct answer: When an officer is directing traffic
Signals must be obeyed except when an officer is directing traffic.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What must drivers do at an intersection where the traffic signal is not functioning at all?
- Treat the intersection as a yield situation and slow down
- Proceed at the posted speed if the way looks clear
- Treat the intersection as if a stop sign is posted for all directions
- Wait in place until a police officer arrives to direct traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Treat the intersection as if a stop sign is posted for all directions
If a signal is not functioning at all, all drivers must treat the intersection as if a stop sign is posted for all directions.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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A traffic signal is malfunctioning and flashing yellow for you. What may you do?
- Stop and wait until it is safe to proceed
- Proceed with caution
- Stop only if pedestrians are present
- Proceed at your normal speed
Show answer
Correct answer: Proceed with caution
If the driver faces a yellow flashing signal on a malfunctioning signal, the driver may proceed with caution.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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A traffic signal is malfunctioning and flashing red for you. What must you do?
- Proceed with caution without stopping
- Slow down and go if no one is in the intersection
- Treat it as a yield sign and keep moving
- Stop and wait until it is safe to proceed
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop and wait until it is safe to proceed
If the driver faces a red flashing signal on a malfunctioning signal, the driver must stop and wait until it is safe to proceed.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a red light mean?
- Slow down and stop only if other vehicles are crossing the intersection ahead
- Make a complete stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection and wait for green
- Stop before the intersection and proceed as soon as the yellow light comes on
- Stop after entering the intersection and wait there until the green light
Show answer
Correct answer: Make a complete stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection and wait for green
A red light means a complete stop before the crosswalk or intersection, then waiting for green.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a yellow light warn you of?
- That the light is changing from green to red
- That the light is about to start flashing
- That an officer will soon direct traffic
- That pedestrians now have the right-of-way
Show answer
Correct answer: That the light is changing from green to red
A yellow light warns that the light is changing from green to red.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What should you do when you see a yellow light?
- Speed up to clear the intersection
- Stop immediately wherever you are
- Continue at the same speed
- Slow down and prepare to stop
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop
At a yellow light you should slow down and prepare to stop.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a green light mean?
- You may proceed at once because you always have the right-of-way over other traffic and pedestrians
- You may proceed only when going straight ahead, and you may never turn when the light is green
- You may proceed if it is safe, after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection
- You must wait until every vehicle and pedestrian has cleared the intersection before you move
Show answer
Correct answer: You may proceed if it is safe, after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection
A green light lets you proceed if it is safe, after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a green arrow pointing straight up allow you to do?
- Proceed carefully, going straight ahead only
- Go straight ahead or turn left
- Go straight ahead or turn right
- Go in any direction if the way is clear
Show answer
Correct answer: Proceed carefully, going straight ahead only
A green up arrow means you may go straight ahead only, after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a green left arrow mean?
- You may turn left without yielding to anyone, because oncoming traffic must stop for you
- You may turn left only if no pedestrian is in sight and no vehicle is coming toward you
- You may turn left after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection
- You may turn left or go straight ahead after slowing down and checking for other traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: You may turn left after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection
A green arrow means you may turn in its direction after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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A yellow arrow that appears after a green arrow warns you to do what?
- Turn immediately
- Clear the intersection
- Stop where you are
- Yield to oncoming traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Clear the intersection
A yellow arrow may appear after a green arrow and warns you to clear the intersection.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a red flashing light mean?
- Slow down and proceed with caution without stopping if no traffic is coming
- Stop only if other vehicles or pedestrians are at the intersection with you
- Stop and stay stopped until the light turns solid green for your direction
- Stop completely, then proceed with caution only after yielding the right-of-way
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop completely, then proceed with caution only after yielding the right-of-way
A red flashing light is treated like a stop sign: stop completely and proceed with caution only after yielding the right-of-way.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a yellow flashing light mean?
- Stop completely and proceed once the way is clear
- Slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection
- Speed up to clear the intersection before the light turns red
- Yield only to pedestrians and then proceed at normal speed
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection
A yellow flashing light means you must slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a flashing yellow left arrow mean?
- You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
- You must wait until the arrow turns solid green to turn left
- You may turn left without yielding because oncoming traffic is stopped
- You must stop and wait until the arrow stops flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
A flashing yellow arrow allows a left turn after yielding, because oncoming traffic still has the green light.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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Why do some roadways use lane control signals?
- Because the roadway has lanes reserved for buses at all hours of the day
- Because the roadway changes from a toll road to a free road at night
- Because the roadway has lanes that are closed for repairs each day
- Because the roadway uses a reversible lane system for different traffic demands
Show answer
Correct answer: Because the roadway uses a reversible lane system for different traffic demands
Lane control signals indicate the appropriate travel lanes on roadways with a reversible lane system.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a lane control signal showing a red X over your lane mean?
- Clear the lane immediately because the lane is about to close
- Only left turns are permitted from this lane in your direction
- No travel is allowed in this lane in the direction you are going
- You may travel in this lane, but only at a reduced speed
Show answer
Correct answer: No travel is allowed in this lane in the direction you are going
The "No travel allowed" lane control signal means no travel in this lane in the direction you are going.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a flashing yellow X lane control signal mean?
- Left turn permitted
- Travel in lane
- No travel allowed in this lane
- Clear the lane
Show answer
Correct answer: Left turn permitted
For this lane control signal, "Steady" means clear the lane and "Flashing" means left turn permitted.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a green down arrow lane control signal mean?
- Clear the lane
- Left turn permitted
- Travel in lane
- Exit the roadway
Show answer
Correct answer: Travel in lane
The green down arrow lane control signal means travel in lane.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What may a driver do in a lane with this overhead lane-use sign?
- Turn left only
- Go straight or turn left
- Go straight or turn right
- Turn left or turn right
Show answer
Correct answer: Go straight or turn left
The overhead lane sign means straight or left turn only.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What must a driver do in a lane with this overhead lane-use sign?
- Go straight
- Go straight or turn left
- Turn right
- Turn left
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn left
The overhead lane sign means left turn only.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What must a driver do in a lane with this overhead lane-use sign?
- Go straight
- Turn right
- Go straight or turn right
- Turn left
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn right
The overhead lane sign means right turn only.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a pedestrian WALK signal mean?
- Leave the curb to cross the street
- Do not leave the curb
- Wait at the curb until vehicles have all stopped
- Finish crossing only if you have already started
Show answer
Correct answer: Leave the curb to cross the street
The Walk signal means leave the curb to cross the street.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does the orange Don't Walk pedestrian signal mean?
- Leave the curb to cross the street
- Start crossing but watch for vehicles
- Cross only after the cars have stopped
- Do not leave the curb
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not leave the curb
The orange Don't Walk signal means do not leave the curb.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What does a flashing Don't Walk pedestrian signal mean?
- Leave the curb and cross quickly before traffic starts
- Do not leave the curb, and go back if you have started crossing
- Do not leave the curb, but complete crossing if you have already started
- Cross only if no vehicle is in sight
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not leave the curb, but complete crossing if you have already started
A flashing Don't Walk signal tells pedestrians not to leave the curb but to finish crossing if already started.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 34
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What is a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) designed to do?
- Help pedestrians safely cross busy streets
- Warn drivers of a railroad crossing ahead
- Control traffic through a construction zone
- Show drivers the speed limit for the next mile
Show answer
Correct answer: Help pedestrians safely cross busy streets
A PHB is designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy streets.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35
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How do pedestrians activate a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon and stop road traffic?
- By stepping into the crosswalk
- By waving at approaching drivers
- By pushing a button
- By standing on a sensor at the curb
Show answer
Correct answer: By pushing a button
Pedestrians push a button to activate the overhead beacon and stop road traffic.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35
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At a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, when can pedestrians cross the street?
- As soon as they have pressed the button
- When WALK appears on the pedestrian signal
- When the overhead beacon flashes yellow
- When the overhead beacon goes dark
Show answer
Correct answer: When WALK appears on the pedestrian signal
Pedestrians can cross the street when WALK appears on the pedestrian signal.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35
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What does a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon show to traffic unless a pedestrian activates the push-button?
- A steady yellow signal
- A flashing yellow signal
- A steady red signal
- It remains dark
Show answer
Correct answer: It remains dark
The PHB remains dark for traffic unless a pedestrian activates the push-button.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35
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What do approaching drivers see for a few seconds when a pedestrian presses the PHB button?
- A solid yellow signal
- A flashing yellow signal
- Double solid red signals
- Alternating flashing red signals
Show answer
Correct answer: A flashing yellow signal
Approaching drivers see a flashing yellow signal for a few seconds after the button is pressed.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35
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What should drivers do when a PHB shows a solid yellow signal?
- Reduce speed and be prepared to stop
- Come to a full stop and wait until the signal goes dark
- Continue normally because the signal is not red
- Yield to pedestrians and then proceed without slowing
Show answer
Correct answer: Reduce speed and be prepared to stop
A solid yellow indicates drivers should reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35
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What must drivers do when a PHB shows double solid red signals?
- Slow down and proceed with caution
- Yield and then proceed
- Reduce speed and be ready to stop
- Stop
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop
The double solid red signals require drivers to stop.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35
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When may a driver proceed while a PHB shows alternating flashing red signals?
- After slowing down, if no pedestrian is in the driver's lane
- As soon as the pedestrian pushes the button a second time
- After coming to a full stop, when pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk
- After the flashing yellow signal comes on again
Show answer
Correct answer: After coming to a full stop, when pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk
Flashing red requires a full stop, and drivers proceed when pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35
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What does a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon do after the alternating flashing red signals?
- It goes dark until a pedestrian activates it again
- It turns solid green for traffic
- It returns to flashing yellow for a few seconds
- It stays flashing red until it is reset
Show answer
Correct answer: It goes dark until a pedestrian activates it again
After the flashing red signals the signal goes dark until activated again by a pedestrian.
Source: Georgia Driver's Manual (2023-2024), page 35