Iowa: Road signs
Regulatory, warning, guide, service and route signs in the Iowa Driver’s License Manual, including the slow-moving vehicle sign. Split into 3 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Road signs — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “What do regulatory signs provide information about?”
StartRoad signs — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “What are warning signs meant to tell you to do?”
StartRoad signs — Part 3
Regulatory, warning, guide, service and route signs in the Iowa Driver’s License Manual, including the slow-moving vehicle sign. — Part 3
StartAll 50 Road signs questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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Which of these do traffic signs advise drivers of?
- The current weather forecast
- Which vehicles have been recently registered
- Where services are located
- The age of the roadway surface
Show answer
Correct answer: Where services are located
Traffic signs advise of traffic laws, hazards, location, directions, and where services are located.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 6
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What do regulatory signs provide information about?
- Directions and distances to towns, exits, and rest stops
- Locations of lodging, fuel stations, and restaurants for travelers
- Warnings of road work, crashes, and debris removal ahead
- Rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, and parking
Show answer
Correct answer: Rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, and parking
Regulatory signs provide information about rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What does a regulatory sign with a red circle and a red slash over a symbol indicate?
- You may do the thing shown, but only with caution
- A rest area is nearby
- You cannot do the thing shown by the symbol
- The thing shown is allowed only at night
Show answer
Correct answer: You cannot do the thing shown by the symbol
A red circle with a red slash over a symbol means you cannot do something, such as turn left, turn right, or make a U-turn.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What do speed limit signs indicate?
- Only the maximum speed allowed at night
- The average speed of other traffic
- The maximum or minimum safe speed allowed
- The speed at which trains cross the road
Show answer
Correct answer: The maximum or minimum safe speed allowed
Speed limit signs indicate the maximum or minimum safe speed that is allowed.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What do lane control signs mark?
- Where you must stop for pedestrians
- Where passing is allowed
- Where you can go and where you can turn
- Where parking is allowed
Show answer
Correct answer: Where you can go and where you can turn
Lane control signs mark where you can go and where you can turn, and often use an arrow symbol.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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Where may lane control signs be placed?
- Only along the right side of the road
- Along the road or hanging over the road
- Only painted on the pavement
- Only at the entrance of a freeway
Show answer
Correct answer: Along the road or hanging over the road
Lane control signs are along the road or hanging over the road.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What do no passing signs mark?
- Where passing is required
- Where it is not safe to pass another vehicle
- Where passing is allowed at any speed
- Where a vehicle must stop before passing
Show answer
Correct answer: Where it is not safe to pass another vehicle
No passing signs mark where it is not safe to pass another vehicle.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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Where is the no passing zone sign located?
- At the beginning of the no passing zone
- At the end of the no passing zone
- Halfway through the no passing zone
- At the next intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: At the beginning of the no passing zone
The no passing zone sign is located at the beginning of the no passing zone.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What are passing areas based on?
- How many lanes the road has
- The posted speed limit
- The type of vehicles you are following
- How far you can see ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: How far you can see ahead
Passing areas are based on how far you can see ahead.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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Where passing is allowed, when may you pass?
- Whenever the vehicle ahead is driving slower than you
- Whenever you are driving at or below the posted speed limit
- Only if it is safe
- Whenever you have already signaled to pass
Show answer
Correct answer: Only if it is safe
Where passing is allowed, you may do so only if it is safe.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What must you do at a stop sign?
- Slow down and go ahead without stopping if no other traffic is visible
- Stop fully and wait until crossing vehicles and the crosswalk are clear
- Stop only if other vehicles or pedestrians are in front of you
- Slow down and sound your horn before crossing the intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop fully and wait until crossing vehicles and the crosswalk are clear
A stop sign means you must come to a full stop and wait until crossing vehicles and the cross-walk are clear before proceeding.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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Where should you stop at a stop sign if there is a stop line?
- At the stop line
- At the edge of the crosswalk
- Past the stop line in the intersection
- Beside the stop sign post
Show answer
Correct answer: At the stop line
You stop at the stop line if one is present.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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After stopping at a stop sign, what may you do if necessary before you proceed?
- Back up a short distance to get a better view of the road
- Drive across slowly without looking for oncoming traffic
- Pull forward to the stop sign or the edge of the intersection
- Pass the vehicle ahead on the shoulder to reach the sign
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull forward to the stop sign or the edge of the intersection
If necessary, you may pull forward to the stop sign or the edge of the intersection and then proceed when it is safe.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What does a yield sign mean?
- Come to a complete stop every time, even when no traffic is approaching
- Slow down and yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection or roadway
- Speed up to merge ahead of other traffic in the intersection
- Traffic ahead is allowed to move in only one direction
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection or roadway
A yield sign means you must slow down and yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection you are crossing or roadway you are entering.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What does the divided highway sign tell you?
- The road ahead is closed
- The road ahead becomes one-way
- The road ahead has a railroad crossing
- The road ahead is divided
Show answer
Correct answer: The road ahead is divided
The divided highway sign tells you that the road ahead is divided and directs traffic around an island or barrier.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What does the divided highway sign direct traffic around?
- A railroad crossing
- An island or barrier
- A school zone
- A closed lane with workers
Show answer
Correct answer: An island or barrier
The divided highway sign directs traffic around an island or barrier.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What does a one-way sign mean?
- Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow
- Traffic may move in either direction on the left lane
- Traffic must stop before the arrow
- The road ahead is divided
Show answer
Correct answer: Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow
A one-way sign means traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What kind of place does a Do Not Enter sign mark?
- Intersections where you must yield
- Places where passing is allowed
- Railroad crossings
- Roadway openings you are not to enter
Show answer
Correct answer: Roadway openings you are not to enter
Do Not Enter signs are at roadway openings you are not to enter.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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Where will you see Do Not Enter signs?
- At the beginning of every no passing zone
- At the start of each school zone
- At exit ramps
- At each railroad crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: At exit ramps
You will see Do Not Enter signs at exit ramps, in crossovers on divided roadways, and at numerous locations on one-way roads.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What does a Wrong Way sign tell you?
- You are entering a divided highway and must keep to the right
- Traffic ahead is permitted to move in only one direction
- You made a wrong turn and have entered a lane of oncoming traffic
- The roadway opening ahead is one you are not allowed to enter
Show answer
Correct answer: You made a wrong turn and have entered a lane of oncoming traffic
A Wrong Way sign means you made a wrong turn and entered a lane of oncoming traffic.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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If you see a Wrong Way sign, what should you do?
- Stop in your lane and wait for the oncoming traffic to clear the road
- Speed up and leave the area as fast as you can to avoid a crash
- Keep driving and watch carefully for oncoming vehicles ahead of you
- Leave the traveled part of the road, stop, and turn around quickly and safely
Show answer
Correct answer: Leave the traveled part of the road, stop, and turn around quickly and safely
You should remove your vehicle from the traveled portion of the road and get stopped and turned around as quickly and safely as possible.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What are warning signs meant to tell you to do?
- Come to a full stop before you continue driving
- Maintain your speed and watch for a regulatory sign
- Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary
- Yield the right of way to all cross traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary
Warning signs tell you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary, because a special situation or hazard is ahead.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows a black plus-shaped cross. What does it tell you?
- Two lanes ahead will soon become one lane
- Another road ahead crosses the road you are on
- The road you are on ends at a T-shaped junction
- Traffic from a side road will merge into your lane
Show answer
Correct answer: Another road ahead crosses the road you are on
The intersection/crossroad sign means another road ahead crosses the road you are on, so you should watch carefully for cross traffic in your path.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows a traffic light. What should you be ready for when you see it?
- A railroad crossing with flashing lights
- A school zone with a crossing guard
- A freeway ramp with a stop sign
- An intersection and a stop light
Show answer
Correct answer: An intersection and a stop light
A signal ahead sign tells you to be ready for an intersection and a stop light.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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Signal ahead signs, which show a traffic light, are used on what kind of roads?
- Roads with lower speeds only
- Roads in school zones only
- Roads with higher speeds
- Roads that have a railroad crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Roads with higher speeds
The manual says signal ahead signs are used on roads with higher speeds.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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You are on the main road and see a yellow diamond sign with a straight arrow and a second line joining it. What should you be prepared for?
- Other vehicles blending into your lane
- Oncoming vehicles crossing into your lane
- A hidden stop sign at the end of your road
- Pedestrians stepping onto the roadway
Show answer
Correct answer: Other vehicles blending into your lane
On the main road, a merging traffic sign tells you to be prepared for other vehicles blending into your lane.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows one arrow pointing up and one pointing down. Why should you keep to the right when you see it?
- You are approaching a narrow bridge with no shoulder
- A passing zone is about to begin on your left side
- Your road is about to change into a one-way road ahead
- You are leaving a one-way road and entering a two-way road
Show answer
Correct answer: You are leaving a one-way road and entering a two-way road
The two-way traffic sign means you are leaving a one-way road and entering a two-way road, so you keep to the right.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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What does the divided highway begins sign tell you?
- Two roads ahead will join into one wider road
- Two-way traffic will soon be divided by a center strip
- The road ahead becomes one-way for every vehicle
- Traffic ahead must stop for a railroad crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Two-way traffic will soon be divided by a center strip
A divided highway begins sign means you are getting close to the place where two-way traffic will be divided by a center strip.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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What should you watch out for when you see the divided highway ends sign?
- Vehicles merging from a ramp on your right
- Oncoming vehicles, since traffic is no longer divided
- Pedestrians waiting on the center strip
- Cross traffic at a signal-controlled intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: Oncoming vehicles, since traffic is no longer divided
When a divided highway ends, two-way traffic is no longer divided by a center strip, so you should watch out for oncoming vehicles.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows a horse pulling a buggy. What does it warn you about?
- Horseback riders crossing at a trail
- A road that is closed to all motor vehicles
- Loose animals near a fenced pasture
- Slow-moving, horse-drawn vehicles on the roadways
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow-moving, horse-drawn vehicles on the roadways
The horse-drawn vehicle sign warns you to be alert for slow-moving, horse-drawn vehicles on the roadways.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows a tractor. What does the manual tell you to do when you see it?
- Reduce your speed and pass slowly
- Stop and wait until the equipment leaves the road
- Pass quickly before the equipment turns
- Follow closely to stay out of its way
Show answer
Correct answer: Reduce your speed and pass slowly
The farm machinery sign tells you to be alert for slow-moving farm equipment, reduce your speed and pass slowly.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows two lanes becoming one lane. What must traffic do when merging?
- Speed up to pass the other lane first
- Stop at the end of the lane
- Yield to other vehicles
- Flash its headlights to claim the space
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield to other vehicles
The lane ends sign says two lanes of traffic will soon become one, and traffic must yield when merging.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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What should you do when you see a deer crossing sign?
- Stop and wait for the deer to cross
- Slow down and watch carefully
- Speed up to clear the area quickly
- Sound your horn until you have passed
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and watch carefully
The deer crossing sign means deer may be trying to cross the roadway, so you should slow down and watch carefully.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows a truck on a steep downward slope. What does the manual say you should do before going down the hill?
- Shift into neutral to save fuel
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Check your brakes
- Increase your speed to gain momentum
Show answer
Correct answer: Check your brakes
The hill sign warns all vehicles that the road ahead goes down a hill, and you should check your brakes before going down.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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You see a T-intersection ahead sign. What should you prepare to do?
- Turn right or left
- Continue straight through the junction
- Merge into a single lane
- Yield to a train at a crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn right or left
A T-intersection ahead sign means the road you are on does not go straight ahead, so you should prepare to turn right or left.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow-green diamond sign shows a bus with children beside it. What is it telling you?
- A stopped school bus will pick up or drop off passengers
- A lane ahead is reserved for buses during school hours
- A school building entrance is just ahead
- A bus route crosses the road you are on
Show answer
Correct answer: A stopped school bus will pick up or drop off passengers
The school bus stop ahead sign tells you that you are nearing an area where a stopped school bus will pick up or drop off passengers.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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What should you do when you see a school bus stop ahead sign?
- Speed up to pass the bus before it stops
- Pull onto the shoulder and wait for the bus
- Watch for children and be prepared to stop
- Keep your speed and turn on your headlights
Show answer
Correct answer: Watch for children and be prepared to stop
A school bus stop ahead sign says to watch for children and be prepared to stop, since a stopped school bus will pick up or drop off passengers.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow bending gently to the left. What should you be prepared for?
- A sharp turn that requires you to stop first
- A change in direction as the road curves gradually
- A road that rises sharply over a hill
- A lane that ends and merges ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A change in direction as the road curves gradually
The gradual curve sign tells you the road ahead curves gradually, so be prepared for the change in direction.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A yellow diamond sign shows a car with curving skid marks. What should you do under the conditions it describes?
- Keep your speed and brake hard
- Follow the vehicle ahead more closely
- Turn on your hazard lights and drive on
- Slow down
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down
The slippery when wet sign says the road ahead becomes slippery in wet weather, and you should slow down under these conditions.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A rectangular yellow sign shows one large black arrowhead pointing sideways. When is this chevron sign used?
- To mark the beginning of a no passing zone
- To show where a work zone begins
- With curve signs, to stress a change in direction
- To mark a road that is closed ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: With curve signs, to stress a change in direction
A chevron sign is used in addition to the curve signs when there is a need to draw added attention to a change in the road’s direction.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A sign reading RAMP 35 MPH is posted. What does the number tell you?
- The recommended speed on an exit ramp
- The minimum speed required on the freeway
- The maximum legal speed on every ramp
- The speed limit of the road you are entering
Show answer
Correct answer: The recommended speed on an exit ramp
A ramp speed sign gives the recommended speed on an exit ramp.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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What should you watch for when you see an advance school crossing sign?
- Railroad tracks near the school grounds
- Loose animals near the school
- A posted sign that lowers the speed limit
- Children and the marked school crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Children and the marked school crossing
The advance school crossing sign means you are nearing a school area with a crossing, so watch for children and the marked school crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 9
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A reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means what?
- It is traveling 25 mph or less
- It is traveling 35 mph or less
- It is traveling 45 mph or less
- It is carrying an oversize load
Show answer
Correct answer: It is traveling 35 mph or less
A reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it is traveling 35 mph or less.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 11
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What do guide signs show?
- Directions and distance to locations
- Where railroad crossings are located
- Maximum and minimum safe speeds
- Which lane to use at each turn
Show answer
Correct answer: Directions and distance to locations
Guide signs show directions and distance to locations such as cities, airports, state lines, or places of interest.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 11
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Mile markers show the number of miles from where?
- Where the Interstate route entered the state
- The last Interstate exit you passed
- The largest city along the route
- The place where the route leaves the state
Show answer
Correct answer: Where the Interstate route entered the state
Mile markers show the number of miles from where the Interstate route entered the state you are traveling in.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 11
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What can you use mile markers to calculate?
- How fast traffic is moving ahead
- How much fuel your vehicle has burned so far
- How far you are from your exit or destination
- The speed limit on the next section
Show answer
Correct answer: How far you are from your exit or destination
Mile markers can be used to calculate how far you are from your exit or destination.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 11
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In an emergency, what do mile markers help you do?
- Find the nearest hospital
- Give your exact location
- Learn the posted speed limit
- Identify the next rest area
Show answer
Correct answer: Give your exact location
Mile markers give your exact location in an emergency.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 11
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Which of these do service signs show the location of?
- Railroad crossings
- School zones
- Work zones
- Fuel stations
Show answer
Correct answer: Fuel stations
Service signs show the location of services such as rest areas, fuel stations, campgrounds, or hospitals.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 11
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What does the shape of a route sign indicate?
- The speed limit of the road
- The distance to the next city
- The type of roadway
- The direction of travel
Show answer
Correct answer: The type of roadway
The shape of a route sign indicates the type of roadway it is, such as interstate, U.S. highway, Iowa route or county road.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 11
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A sign shows a white diamond above the words "HOV 2+ LANE AHEAD." What does it mean?
- The lane is reserved for vehicles that carry no more than two people
- The lane is reserved for vehicles making left turns from either direction
- The lane is reserved for high-occupancy vehicles carrying two or more people
- The lane ahead is reversible at certain times of the day
Show answer
Correct answer: The lane is reserved for high-occupancy vehicles carrying two or more people
In a lane reserved for high-occupancy vehicles (HOV), the vehicle must carry two or more people.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 16