Driving Test Practice

Traffic signals in Texas

The Texas Driver Handbook shows or names everything on this page: 16 in all, on pages 24–25, 32.

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  • Steady red light

    Steady red light

    Stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection. You may turn right unless prohibited by law. You may also turn left if both streets are one way, unless prohibited by law. You must yield to all pedestrians and other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

    Manual page 25

  • Flashing red light

    Flashing red light

    Stop completely before entering the crosswalk or intersection, then proceed when you can do so safely. Vehicles on the intersecting road may not have to stop.

    Manual page 25

  • Steady yellow light

    Steady yellow light

    A steady yellow light warns drivers to use caution and to alert them the light is about to change to red. You must STOP before entering the nearest crosswalk at the intersection if you can do so safely. If a stop cannot be made safely, then you may proceed cautiously through the intersection before the light changes to red.

    Manual page 25

  • Flashing yellow light

    Flashing yellow light

    A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed with caution.

    Manual page 25

  • Flashing yellow left arrow

    Flashing yellow left arrow

    A flashing yellow arrow allows a driver to turn left, but the driver must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

    Manual page 25

  • Steady green light

    Steady green light

    A steady green light means the driver can proceed on a green light if it is safe to do so. You may drive straight ahead or turn unless prohibited by another sign or signal. Watch for cars and pedestrians in the intersection. Be aware of reckless drivers who may race across the intersection to beat a red light.

    Manual page 25

  • Green arrow with red light

    Green arrow with red light

    A green arrow displayed at the same time as a red light means the driver can proceed carefully in the direction of the arrow after yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians.

    Manual page 25

  • Lane-use control signal

    Lane-use control signal

    Lane-use control signals are overhead signals indicating if motorists should drive in a specific lane. If a red X appears above a lane, a driver should not drive in that lane. A steady yellow X means a driver should prepare to safely vacate the lane over which the signal is located because a lane control change is being made. A steady downward green arrow means a driver is permitted to drive in the lane over which the arrow signal is located. Lane-use control signals can be used on streets or highways. (Glossary p.73: "lane signal – a signal, usually overhead, indicating if a lane can or cannot be used at a specific time")

    Manual page 32

  • Pedestrian hybrid beacon, dark

    Pedestrian hybrid beacon, dark

    A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a special type of pedestrian activated warning device used with signs and pavement markings to warn and control traffic at locations where pedestrians enter or cross a street or highway. Pedestrian hybrid beacons are only installed at a marked crosswalk.

    Manual page 24

  • Pedestrian hybrid beacon, flashing yellow

    Pedestrian hybrid beacon, flashing yellow

    A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a special type of pedestrian activated warning device used with signs and pavement markings to warn and control traffic at locations where pedestrians enter or cross a street or highway. Pedestrian hybrid beacons are only installed at a marked crosswalk.

    Manual page 24

  • Pedestrian hybrid beacon, steady yellow

    Pedestrian hybrid beacon, steady yellow

    A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a special type of pedestrian activated warning device used with signs and pavement markings to warn and control traffic at locations where pedestrians enter or cross a street or highway. Pedestrian hybrid beacons are only installed at a marked crosswalk.

    Manual page 24

  • Pedestrian hybrid beacon, steady red

    Pedestrian hybrid beacon, steady red

    A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a special type of pedestrian activated warning device used with signs and pavement markings to warn and control traffic at locations where pedestrians enter or cross a street or highway. Pedestrian hybrid beacons are only installed at a marked crosswalk.

    Manual page 24

  • Pedestrian hybrid beacon, alternating flashing red

    Pedestrian hybrid beacon, alternating flashing red

    Alternating Flashing Red: Stop. Then go if clear.

    Manual page 24

  • Pedestrian signal, upraised hand

    Pedestrian signal, upraised hand

    Push the button. (Shown while the beacon is dark; the same steady hand is shown while the beacon is flashing yellow, steady yellow, and dark again at the end.)

    Manual page 24

  • Pedestrian signal, walking person

    Pedestrian signal, walking person

    Start crossing. (p.23: "If the pedestrian has a WALK signal"; glossary p.74: "pedestrian signal – a signal used at traffic intersections that indicates when a person should walk or wait")

    Manual page 24

  • Pedestrian signal, flashing hand

    Pedestrian signal, flashing hand

    Flashing: Continue crossing.

    Manual page 24