Driving Test Practice
English

Virginia: Traffic signals Practice Test

Red, yellow and green lights and arrows, flashing signals, turns on red, lane use signals and pedestrian hybrid beacons.

Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV

Start the test

Ready? Test yourself

30 questions · About 12 min

  • Instant feedback with an explanation
  • Every answer cites its source in the manual
  • Your best score is saved on this device
  • Keyboard: press 1 to 4 to answer and Enter for the next question

Questions are original and based on the official manual "Virginia Driver's Manual" (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

All 30 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.

Show the questions and answersHide the questions

  1. Which road users must obey traffic signals?

    A blue car on a city road approaching an intersection with green traffic signals and crosswalk stripes, cars parked along each curb, and storefront buildings beyond the sidewalks.
    • Drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, moped riders and pedestrians
    • Only drivers of cars, trucks and motorcycles
    • Drivers and bicyclists, but not moped riders or pedestrians
    • Drivers and pedestrians, but not bicyclists or moped riders
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, moped riders and pedestrians

    Traffic signals apply to everyone using the road, not only to people in cars.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  2. What does the manual say about avoiding a traffic signal or sign by cutting through a parking lot or field?

    Two cars wait in line at a red light; the second, red car has its right turn signal on, and a dashed path runs from it through a corner store's parking lot.
    • It is allowed when no police officer is in sight
    • It is allowed when traffic is heavy
    • It is illegal
    • It is allowed when you slow down first
    Show answer

    Correct answer: It is illegal

    The manual states it is illegal to avoid traffic controls by cutting through a parking lot or field.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  3. A police officer is directing traffic and gives a direction that is different from what the traffic signal shows. What must you do?

    A four-way intersection from above: a person in a navy cap and bright yellow-green vest with white gloves stands in the middle, arms at the sides; a gray, a red and a blue car are on the roads around it; a signal housing on a pole seen from behind.
    • Follow the traffic signal
    • Follow the officer’s direction
    • Stop and wait until the officer leaves
    • Follow whichever one lets you go first
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Follow the officer’s direction

    Signals and signs are obeyed unless a police officer directs otherwise, and you must always follow the officer.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  4. At a red light with no stop line, where must you stop?

    Top view of a city intersection with a red light and a crosswalk but no stop line; your blue car approaches.
    • With the front of your vehicle just inside the intersection
    • At the far edge of the crosswalk
    • After the crosswalk, in line with the cross street
    • Before entering the intersection or reaching the crosswalk
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Before entering the intersection or reaching the crosswalk

    With no stop line, you stop before the intersection or before reaching the crosswalk.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  5. What must you do before turning right on a red light, where a turn on red is allowed?

    A red car with right-side turn signal lamps lit amber, some distance before a white line across its lane and white bars across the road, beside a red traffic light.
    • Slow to a crawl if no traffic is in sight
    • Come to a complete stop
    • Wait for the cross traffic to stop
    • Sound your horn to warn other drivers
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Come to a complete stop

    You must come to a complete stop, look both ways and yield to pedestrians and other traffic before turning on red.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  6. Which of these makes a right turn on red illegal?

    A red car with right-side turn signal lamps lit amber, some distance before a white line across its lane and white bars across the road, beside a red traffic light.
    • A green light for the cross street
    • A crosswalk painted on the pavement
    • A stop line painted on the pavement
    • A red arrow pointing to the right
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A red arrow pointing to the right

    You may not turn right on red when a red arrow pointing to the right is displayed or a No Turn on Red sign is posted.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  7. Under what condition may you turn left at a red light?

    • You are on a one-way street turning onto another one-way street
    • You are on a one-way street turning onto a two-way street
    • You are on a two-way street turning onto a one-way street
    • You are on any street and no vehicles are in sight
    Show answer

    Correct answer: You are on a one-way street turning onto another one-way street

    A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  8. What does a red arrow mean?

    A traffic signal housing showing an illuminated red arrow pointing to the left.
    • Slow down and yield before moving in the direction of the arrow
    • Stop only if other vehicles are coming from the other direction
    • You must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow
    • Go in the direction of the arrow if no pedestrians are in the crosswalk
    Show answer

    Correct answer: You must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow

    A red arrow means you must stop if you plan to go the way it points, and you may not proceed while it is displayed.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  9. What must you do at a flashing red light?

    A traffic signal flashing red
    • Slow down and proceed with caution if other vehicles are present
    • Stop only if other vehicles are approaching, then wait for green
    • Come to a complete stop and wait for the light to turn green
    • Come to a complete stop and yield, then go when the way is clear
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Come to a complete stop and yield, then go when the way is clear

    A flashing red light is treated like a stop: stop, yield, then go when it is clear.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  10. What must you do at a flashing red arrow?

    A traffic signal with a red arrow light flashing.
    • Slow down and proceed in the direction of the arrow with caution
    • Come to a complete stop and wait for the arrow to turn green
    • Stop, yield, then proceed in the direction of the arrow when clear
    • Stop only if vehicles are coming from the other direction
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop, yield, then proceed in the direction of the arrow when clear

    At a flashing red arrow you stop, yield to vehicles from the other direction and pedestrians, then go the way the arrow points when clear.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  11. What does a yellow light or arrow tell you?

    A steady yellow traffic light
    • The light is about to change
    • You must speed up to clear the intersection
    • You must slow down and stop only if others are stopping
    • The intersection is out of service
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The light is about to change

    A yellow light or arrow is a caution that the signal is about to change.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  12. The light turns yellow while you are already in the intersection. What should you do?

    Top view of a city intersection: the blue car is in the middle of the intersection while the signals ahead show a steady yellow light; a grey car waits on the cross street and a white car waits on the opposite side.
    • Go through it cautiously
    • Stop where you are
    • Back up to the stop line
    • Speed up and honk your horn
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Go through it cautiously

    If you are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow, you continue through it cautiously.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  13. What does a flashing yellow light mean?

    A flashing yellow traffic light
    • Come to a complete stop and then go when clear
    • Stop only if pedestrians are present
    • Slow down and proceed with caution
    • The light is about to turn red
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Slow down and proceed with caution

    A flashing yellow light tells you to slow down and go ahead carefully.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  14. Flashing yellow lights are placed at locations with what kind of conditions?

    A flashing yellow traffic light
    • Lower-than-normal traffic volume
    • Higher-than-normal hazardous conditions
    • Only school zones and playgrounds
    • Only locations where trains cross
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Higher-than-normal hazardous conditions

    Flashing yellow lights mark places that have higher-than-normal hazardous conditions.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  15. What may you do at a flashing yellow arrow?

    A four-section left-turn signal head in which the third lens, a yellow left arrow, is lit with short motion lines around it showing that it is blinking.
    • Turn in the direction of the arrow without yielding to oncoming vehicles
    • Go straight through the intersection only after the arrow turns green
    • Come to a complete stop, then wait for the arrow to turn green
    • Turn toward the arrow if clear, yielding to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Turn toward the arrow if clear, yielding to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians

    A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn if the way is clear, but you must yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  16. A traffic light changes from red to a flashing yellow arrow while a pedestrian is in the intersection. What must you do before turning?

    Top view: your blue car waits in a left-turn lane with a flashing yellow arrow while a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk on the street you are turning onto.
    • Turn behind the pedestrian as soon as you can
    • Allow the pedestrian to cross the street
    • Sound your horn to warn the pedestrian
    • Wait for the arrow to turn green
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Allow the pedestrian to cross the street

    You must let a pedestrian who is in the intersection finish crossing before you turn.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 5 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  17. You are turning at a green light without a green arrow. To whom must you yield the right-of-way?

    • Only pedestrians who are in the crosswalk
    • Only vehicles that are turning in the other direction
    • No one, because a green light gives you the right-of-way
    • Oncoming vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Oncoming vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection

    Without a green arrow, a turning driver yields to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians in the intersection.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  18. A traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is still in the street. What must you do before turning?

    Top view of a city intersection with green traffic lights: a blue car with its right turn signal blinking approaches the corner, two pedestrians walk in the crosswalk across the street to the right, and a white car comes the other way.
    • Allow the pedestrian to cross the street
    • Turn quickly before the pedestrian reaches your lane
    • Stop and wait for the next green light
    • Flash your headlights so the pedestrian hurries
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Allow the pedestrian to cross the street

    Even on a green light, you let a pedestrian in the street finish crossing before you turn.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  19. A traffic signal is not working because of a power outage and shows no lights. How must you treat the intersection?

    Top view of a city intersection whose traffic signal shows no lit lamp, with white crosswalk bars and no stop line; a red car crosses and your blue car approaches.
    • Slow down and go through if no cars are near
    • Treat it as a flashing yellow light
    • Stop, then proceed as though it were an all-way stop
    • Wait for power to return before moving
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop, then proceed as though it were an all-way stop

    When signals are out and show no lights, you must stop and handle the intersection as an all-way stop.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  20. When does the rule to treat a dark traffic signal as an all-way stop not apply?

    Top view of a city intersection whose traffic signal shows no lit lamp, with white crosswalk bars and no stop line; a red car crosses and your blue car approaches.
    • When it is daytime and no other vehicles are near
    • When you are turning right at the intersection
    • When you are on the road that has the most traffic
    • When an officer is directing traffic at the intersection
    Show answer

    Correct answer: When an officer is directing traffic at the intersection

    The all-way-stop rule does not apply if an officer or other authorized person is directing traffic, or if portable stop signs are in use.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  21. What do lane use signals show?

    Three square black signal boxes hanging from an overhead frame above a road with dashed white lines, all with dark blank faces.
    • The maximum speed allowed in each lane of the road
    • Which lanes you can and cannot use at different hours
    • Which lane to use when leaving the highway at an exit
    • Which lanes are reserved for emergency vehicles only
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Which lanes you can and cannot use at different hours

    Lane use signals tell you which lanes may be used at which times of day.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  22. What does a red X over a lane mean?

    Three signal boxes hang from an overhead bar; the left one shows a red X and the other two are dark.
    • Drive in that lane only to turn
    • Move out of the lane when it is safe
    • Never drive in that lane
    • The lane may be used at reduced speed
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Never drive in that lane

    A red X lane signal means the lane is never to be driven in.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  23. What should you do when a yellow X or a yellow diagonal downward arrow is shown over your lane?

    Three signal boxes hang from an overhead bar; the middle one shows a steady yellow X and the other two are dark.
    • Move out of the lane as soon as safely possible
    • Speed up to clear the lane quickly
    • Stay in the lane until the signal turns red
    • Stop in the lane and wait for the signal to change
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Move out of the lane as soon as safely possible

    A yellow X or yellow diagonal downward arrow tells you to leave the lane as soon as it can be done safely.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  24. What does a green arrow over a lane mean?

    Three signal boxes hang from an overhead bar; the right one shows a green arrow pointing down and the other two are dark.
    • You are permitted to drive in that lane
    • You must leave that lane as soon as safely possible
    • You may use that lane only to turn
    • You must stop before entering that lane
    Show answer

    Correct answer: You are permitted to drive in that lane

    A green arrow lane signal means the lane is open to you.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  25. What may you do in a lane marked with a left-turn arrow signal (a one-way or two-way arrow)?

    Overhead lane signals above a three-lane road: a white left-turn arrow over the left lane and green downward arrows over the other lanes
    • Drive straight through it when the lane is clear
    • Use it to pass slower vehicles
    • Enter it only to turn in the direction of the arrow
    • Drive in it at any time of day
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Enter it only to turn in the direction of the arrow

    A lane marked with a left-turn arrow signal may be entered only to turn in the arrow’s direction.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  26. Where do Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) appear?

    A black backplate with a bright border holds two round dark lenses side by side above a third dark lens, hanging from a gray overhead arm on a gray pole.
    • Over intersections with stoplights, alerting drivers to turning lanes
    • Over intersections without stoplights, alerting drivers to crosswalk users
    • Beside railroad crossings, alerting drivers that a train is coming
    • Over highway exits, alerting drivers to the advisory speed
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Over intersections without stoplights, alerting drivers to crosswalk users

    A PHB is placed over an intersection that has no stoplights and warns drivers when pedestrians are at the crosswalk.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  27. What happens first on a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon when a pedestrian activates it?

    A black backplate with a bright border holds two round dark lenses side by side above a third dark lens, hanging from a gray overhead arm on a gray pole.
    • The top two red lights turn solid
    • The two red lights alternate flashing
    • The yellow light turns solid
    • One yellow light at the bottom flashes
    Show answer

    Correct answer: One yellow light at the bottom flashes

    The sequence starts with the single yellow light at the bottom flashing.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  28. On a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, what does a solid yellow light mean?

    A pedestrian hybrid beacon on a mast arm with its bottom yellow light lit steadily and its two top red lights dark, beside a white sign reading CROSSWALK STOP ON with a red circle.
    • Proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear
    • Prepare to stop
    • Stop only if a pedestrian is in front of you
    • The beacon is out of service
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Prepare to stop

    After flashing, the yellow light turns solid to alert drivers to prepare to stop.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  29. What must you do when the top two red lights on a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon are solid?

    A signal head hanging from a mast arm on a pole: two red lamps lit side by side above one dark yellow lamp, on a black T-shaped plate with a yellow border.
    • Slow down and proceed with caution
    • Yield only if a pedestrian is close to your lane
    • Prepare to stop
    • Stop
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop

    When the two top red lights are solid and the walk signal shows, drivers must stop.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  30. On a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, the two red lights alternate flashing while the walk signal counts down. What may you do if the crosswalk is clear?

    A pedestrian hybrid beacon hanging over the road, its two top red lights flashing and its bottom light dark.
    • Proceed with caution
    • Wait for the lights to turn green
    • Remain stopped until the signal goes dark
    • Proceed at the posted speed without slowing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Proceed with caution

    Alternating flashing red lights mean a driver may go ahead with caution if the crosswalk is now clear.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 6 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question